Independent SeniorCo-educationalBoardingISI · Excellent
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Bradfield College

Bradfield, Berkshire · RG7 6AU

AAB+ A-level

20.7%

9–7 GCSE

52.9%

Day fees

£37k

Inspection

Excellent

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School website

Bradfield College is a well-established co-educational boarding school in rural Berkshire with approximately 835 pupils. Known for its inclusive, pastoral approach and emphasis on developing the whole person—academic, creative, physical and character—Bradfield articulates a philosophy of 'An Education for Life'. The school is investing significantly in pupil wellbeing, with a new Health and Wellness Centre due to open in 2027, and is broadening its offer with a new pure day option launching in 2026 alongside traditional boarding.

  • Strong boarding community with increasing flexibility (day-boarding and pure day options now available)
  • Inclusive ethos that celebrates individual development within a vibrant community, resisting a narrow academic hierarchy
  • Significant investment in pastoral care and pupil wellbeing infrastructure

Who thrives here

Bradfield suits engaged, well-rounded pupils who thrive in a boarding or flexible attendance community and benefit from a school that prioritises pastoral support, co-curricular breadth, and character development alongside academic rigour. It appeals to families seeking a less pressurised alternative to hypercompetitive day schools, while maintaining solid academic standards.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports50th pctCo-curricularno dataValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeingno data

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeIndependent Senior · Boarding
Founded1850
Number of pupils835
Day pupils120
Boarders708
Sixth form341
Age range13–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£37.2k/yr
Boarding fees£60.8k/yr
AssociationsHMC, ISC
Settingrural
LocationBradfield's rural Berkshire location offers excellent rail links to London (Paddington via Reading, ~1 hour) and is well-positioned for families in the Thames Valley and South East.

Contact & visit

Bradfield College

Bradfield, Berkshire

RG7 6AU

www.bradfieldcollege.org.uk
01189644500
Dr Christopher Stevens, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Pangbourne Railway Station5 min
Reading Station25 min
Theale Railway Station10 min

Notable alumni

Jeremy Quartermain

Head of Bradfield College

Recent investment

New Health and Wellness Centre (opening Autumn 2027)
New day option launched for 2026
House-based day-boarding infrastructure

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Bradfield College?

Day fees at Bradfield College are approximately £37,200 per year (2026/27). Boarding fees are higher.

How do you get into Bradfield College?

Bradfield College admits pupils at 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are Bradfield College's exam results?

At Bradfield College, 20.7% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 52.9% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is Bradfield College a boarding school?

Bradfield College offers boarding as well as day places.

What is Bradfield College's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Bradfield College “Excellent” (2022).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Genuinely inclusive, caring community that values individuality and diverse talents

Accessible leadership and genuine pastoral support within house structures

Flexible attendance options (pure day from 2026) reducing boarding pressure on families

Common concerns

!Lack of transparent public inspection (not yet inspected by Ofsted) leaves governance and academic rigour harder to verify