Bradfield College

[beenAminute]

DS has got admission in Y9 (day student) He is very sporty and enjoys his cricket, but I would like to know how is the academic side of the college.
Are the kids pushed to get better grades?
Is there much pressure about academics?

We have got an offer at another school for which we would have to move from our current place.
That school is higher in grades than Bradfield, but at par with sports.
DS is more keen on cricket, but we would like to have best of both for him.
Any insight on the academics at Bradfield would be appreciated.

League tables will tell you everything in the absence of progress figures. It’s not that difficult to compare private schools. Years ago we looked at Bradfield for DD but for 6.th form. We were not looking purely at academics but it’s not known to be academic. You presumably know other schools are more academic. Where else do you have a place? Stowe used to have great cricket. Again not the most academic school but getting better.

Bradfield is a great all round school, excellent sport, music, drama and decent academics. A motivated child can be supported to do very well indeed. I guess the difference from more selective schools is a broader intake and less 'pressure' so there has to be a certain amount of self or parent driven motivation on the part of the child. I hope that makes sense. Their slightly corny phrase 'One Bradfield, many Bradfieldians' does ring true though as they seem to cater for most students well.

Current parent at Bradfield and wouldn't recommend it to others but now stuck as close to the end. Sport and music facilities are good and most of the boarding houses are ok. The challenge is the culture and the headmaster who is remote, cold and thoroughly disliked by staff and pupils from what I see and hear. There has recently been a major academic scandal the facts of which seem to be slowly leaking out by bradfield parents 4 justice website. My summary would be that if your child is super bright and self-motivated or just interested in sports the facilities are there. If, however, you are looking for academic value-add and/or pastoral care you will find many better options that are far better value also nb Bradfield is in the top 10 most expensive schools in the country.