Bradfield College and St Andrew’s School are proud to offer an outstanding day and boarding education to pupils aged 3 to 18.
The Bradfield Group was established in December 2021 when Bradfield College merged with St Andrew’s. Though joined under this umbrella, the two schools retain their individual identity, character and traditions, and continue to be run on a day-to-day basis by their own leadership teams, overseen by a single, combined Governing Body – the Council – and its Committees. Each school continues to develop its own provision whilst building upon the links that exist between them both.
The partnership enables both schools to build upon a common vision of an all-round education through which children enjoy school, learn, grow in confidence and make a positive contribution to society. It also provides opportunities for sharing strategic thinking and developments in teaching and learning, for enhanced curriculum and professional development, for the improvement and better use of facilities, and for cost efficiencies through economies of scale.
The schools have shared close ties since St Andrew’s was established just two miles away from Bradfield (formally St Andrew’s College, Bradfield) in 1934. Both schools enjoy beautiful locations, extensive grounds, excellent facilities and a proud heritage. Both have generated strong momentum in recent years, establishing reputations for educational excellence within a nurturing environment characterised by family values and outstanding pastoral care.
A common ethos
St Andrew’s and Bradfield know that a great education relies upon strong relationships THROUGHOUT OUR COMMUNITIES.
The ethos and approach of both schools are very similar, emphasising the importance of all-round individual development helping all pupils, whatever their ability, to flourish academically. Both believe that enjoying school is fundamental to personal growth whilst seeking to stretch their pupils to fulfil their potential.
Bradfield and St Andrew’s have enjoyed a close connection over the years, notably through shared pupils. The schools also have many common features, including the cross of St Andrew on their crests. Both are housed in buildings originally designed by great Victorian architects that have been enhanced and developed as the schools have grown.
St Andrew’s and Bradfield know that a great education relies upon strong relationships throughout our communities: between pupils, staff, parents, alumni and friends. Both are very much people places with a firm commitment to all stakeholders. Moreover, as a charitable trust, the Bradfield Group recognises its duties to wider society borne out in public benefit activity, means-tested bursary assistance and a forward-looking environmental strategy.
Strength through collaboration
A combined focus on curriculum and professional development IS GEARED TOWARDS enhancING teaching and learning in both schools.
St Andrew’s and Bradfield have forward and outward looking educational philosophies and can benefit from shared expertise in strategic planning. Governance is assured through a single Council incorporating Bradfield and St Andrew’s Governors as well as dedicated committees. The Heads are in regular communication whilst continuing to be in full charge of daily operations in each school along with their Management Teams.
A combined focus on curriculum and professional development is geared towards enhancing teaching and learning in both schools, providing opportunities to collaborate on the key transitional years of Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) and the adoption of new technologies.
Bringing together the two schools’ wide experience in pastoral care and support for young people throughout their educational journeys enables sharing of best practice, notably with regard to the developmental years of early adolescence.
Co-curricular possibilities from the merger include shared coaching expertise and facilities. St Andrew’s pupils are able to enjoy a broader range of activities and Bradfield pupils to develop leadership and mentoring skills.
Maintaining Independence
Bradfield continues to draw pupils from a wide range of feeder schools and expects all applicants to complete the same entrance assessments.
Both schools have a clear vision and strong ethos which are mutually compatible and supportive, but the schools maintain their individual and independent character.
Despite the merger, there has been no change with regard to admissions. A steady stream of St Andrew’s pupils joins Bradfield annually and there are currently over 60 former St Andrew’s pupils at the College, but this will not be an expectation. Bradfield continues to draw pupils from a wide range of feeder schools locally, nationally and internationally and expects all applicants to complete the same entrance assessments.
ST ANDREW’S IS committed to helping children move on to the right school for the individual, where they will continue to flourish and develop.
Families choose St Andrew’s as it has a strong track record of nurturing children and achieving outstanding results within a non-pressurised, family environment. The School is proud of its distinctive identity and culture and these will be preserved.
Although a good number of St Andrew’s pupils make the two-mile trip to Bradfield annually at the end of Year 8, this is not an expectation on families. Parents continue to have the freedom to choose any senior school for their children and the Headmaster aids this by maintaining outstanding relationships with a wide range of schools. St Andrew’s is committed to helping children move on to the right school for the individual, where they will continue to flourish and develop.
Mutually Beneficial
Through the Bradfield Group, the two schools offer enhanced opportunities to pupils, as they benefit from the shared expertise of specialist teachers and coaches and make use of each other’s facilities.
Partnership will inject additional energy into the academic life of the schools through the ongoing development of an exciting 21st century curriculum, which takes advantage of the most current developments in technology.
Happy, well-cared for children are our highest priority and the Bradfield Group enables opportunities for collaboration on pastoral care and wellbeing.
