As always, this edition of the Bradfieldian celebrates the many achievements of Bradfieldians, both current pupils and alumni. It is especially pleasing that this year’s talented exam cohorts collectively returned the highest grades in Bradfield’s history outside of the pandemic years. You can read about this as well as the testimonies of our Heads of School who, whilst leading by example in academic achievement, ably demonstrated that there is so much more to Bradfield than grades.
Elsewhere, you can enjoy stories of success and achievement from cricket, our cover story, to equestrianism and recapture the enjoyment of the summer performances in the Greek Theatre and displays of creativity in the Art, Design and Photography exhibitions. You can also learn about the experiences of pupils as they engage in local community projects that span different generations.
Immediately before this edition went to print, we were delighted that Louis de Bernières (D 68- 72) did us the honour of formally opening St Andrew’s Study Centre. It is therefore fitting that these pages contain the thoughtful poems of the winners of the De Bernières-Smart poetry prize.
The Warden’s interview with some astute sixth formers reveals his appreciation of the strength of Bradfield’s community. Several other articles demonstrate this strength, perhaps none more so than the one about the Bradfield Waifs, who championed the inclusion of young talent in repeating their 2022 victory in the Cricketer Cup final whilst their predecessors won the inaugural over 50s competition.
The same thread can be followed through the support offered by the Horizons programme and the Beyond Bradfield opportunities, where alumni interviews tell varied stories about breaking the glass ceiling as a female in the commodities sector, volunteering for OSCAR and starting-out in a ‘career of the future’ working for Campus-XR.
We also honour our history in this edition, with an insight into the writing of ‘Prosperity Past our Deserving’ and Bradfield’s philanthropic heritage, as well as a tribute to the lives of some stalwarts of the Bradfield community without whom Bradfield would be a lesser institution. The College’s 175th anniversary allows us both to celebrate this history and to look forward to its next chapter.
Finally, as we approach ten years of The Bradfieldian in its current format, please let us know what your Bradfieldian of the next ten years should look like.
Dr Christopher Stevens, Headmaster
