Bradfield College
Bradfield College
Bradfield, England
Bradfield College is beautifully set in the countryside of Berkshire, about an hour from London. It’s a true country boarding school where pupils can focus on their academic, extracurricular, and social pursuits. The campus is an appealing blend of Victorian and modern buildings. Sport plays a major role here – especially football and tennis – though it's just one of many strengths. Academically, the school continues to rise, with excellent results in GCSEs, A-Levels, and the IB. Bradfield also offers a phenomenally broad extracurricular programme.
The Details
The Academics
Bradfield College is one of those schools that consistently delivers strong exam results year after year – without creating a sense of pressure. In 2024, 59% of pupils achieved grades 9–7 at GCSE, 43% earned A grades at A-Level, and the average IB score was an impressive 37 – a full seven points above the global average.
The sciences, in particular, have an outstanding reputation, thanks in part to the modern Blackburn Science Centre. At the same time, Bradfield embraces variety: subjects like Film, Photography, and Textile Design are an integral part of the curriculum.
Languages Taught
German, English as a Foreign Language, French, Ancient Greek, Latin and Spanish.
The Boarding
Around 95% of pupils board, making Bradfield very close to a full boarding school. A unique feature is that all Year 9 pupils begin together in Faulkner’s House. This strengthens social bonds from the very start and lays a foundation that supports pupils throughout their time at the school. The boarding houses themselves are comfortable, well-equipped, and led by dedicated houseparents who put real heart into their work with the pupils.
Pastoral care at Bradfield is not seen as an add-on but as a core element of school life. With such a high proportion of boarders, Bradfield is a true home away from home.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Bradfield College has only around 70 day pupils, which creates a warm and familiar atmosphere. Everyone knows each other, and there's a strong sense of community and support.
Sport is a major part of life at Bradfield. Football, tennis, swimming and hockey are especially popular, but the choice is much broader. From polo and golf to yoga and sailing, there's something for everyone.
Drama and theatre are another standout.
The school's own Greek Theatre, with seating for 1,000, hosts everything from Shakespeare and Greek mythology to full-scale rock and pop concerts.
Weaknesses
It may come as a surprise, but by Saturday afternoon the campus becomes quite empty, with most pupils returning on Sunday evening.
Location
Bradfield College is idyllically located in rural Berkshire, just about a ten-minute drive from Reading – perfectly situated between peaceful campus life and the amenities of a nearby town.
London - 1 hr 30 mins by car
Bradfield is ideal for active, curious and open-minded pupils who want to explore everything on offer.
Bradfield College is idyllically located in rural Berkshire, just about a ten-minute drive from Reading – perfectly situated between peaceful campus life and the amenities of a nearby town.
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