Bradfield College and St Andrew’s School are excited to be entering a new era for both schools when, following over 12 months of due-diligence and talks, they joined to found the Bradfield Group on 10 December 2021. This merger will enable the schools to share expertise as they 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.
The two 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.
This exciting move is a strategic development which will underpin continued success for two excellent schools with their own independence but a shared understanding of a great education.
Dr Chris Stevens, Headmaster of Bradfield College
This partnership offers the schools opportunities for sharing strategic thinking and developments in teaching and learning, for enhanced curriculum and professional development, for better use and improvement of facilities, and for delivering cost efficiencies through economies of scale. It will further strengthen both schools as they look towards the future.
St Andrew’s and Bradfield will each retain their individual identity, character and traditions, and will continue to be run on a day-to-day basis by their own leadership teams, overseen by a single, combined Governing Body and its Committees. Each school will continue to develop its own provision whilst building upon the links that exist between them. St Andrew’s will continue to feed a number of Senior schools in the Berkshire area, and beyond, and Bradfield will continue to welcome pupils from a wide range of feeder schools.
The most exciting aspect of forming the Bradfield Group is the enhanced opportunities for current and future pupils, through providing greater depth and breadth in academic offerings, the co-curricular life and the pastoral support. We believe that this merger only adds to the educational experiences the children will encounter on a daily basis.
Ed Graham, Head Master of St Andrew’s School
