Following a pupil opening for the start of the Summer term, the St Andrew’s Study Centre was officially opened on 7 September by author and Old Bradfieldian, Louis de Bernières (D 68-72).
Before cutting the ribbon to officially open the Study Centre, Louis had been gainfully employed by the English Department inside the building, delivering literary workshops to some incredibly fortunate Bradfield pupils. In the opening speech he recalled how when he used to walk past the church on his way to Fly Fishing Club he thought it was a shame that the building was not more widely used and that there was a sense of likelihood that someday it would play a greater role in College life.
How lucky Bradfield pupils are to have such a good place to study
Louis de Bernières (D 68-72)
Over 125 guests attended the opening including the Bishop of Reading, Olivia Graham and many of the 178 donors to the project from across the community; parents, alumni, former parents and staff, see event photo gallery.
The St Andrew’s Project has been the most successful College fundraising campaign raising £3.75 million towards the £8 million project with equal numbers of parents and alumni donating and 58% of donors doing so for the first time.
The project demonstrated the power of collective philanthropy. It showed how a community can come together to deliver a project that will benefit generations of pupils and at the same time preserve and enhance the fabric of the building that inspired Thomas Stevens to set up his school, almost 175 years ago.
We were excited by the aspiration of the St Andrew's Project and saw making a gift as a wonderful way of supporting this school that has given and continues to give so much to our girls
Katie Salter, Current Parent
‘I had the most incredible Housemaster who has inspired me throughout my life. The most important thing you can do is to encourage your children to embrace education. If you have reached a stage in your life and you can give something back, invest in education.’
John Muir (G 70-75), Chair of the Bradfield Foundation
Bradfield is only the outstanding institution that it is today thanks to the philahthropy of the Bradfield community. Alumni, parents and friends have helped the College to transform and revitalise its campus by supporting strategic projects such as the sports complex, science centre, the refurbishment of the Greek Theatre and now the St Andrew’s Project.
The next capital project that forms part of our Campus Development Framework is a Health and Wellbeing Centre and we are currently scoping the viability of this project. At the same time we continue to raise funds for our Bright Futures Bursary campaign.
Visit Ways to Give to see the different giving options and if you would like to speak about making a gift to Bradfield, please reach out to our Philanthropy Lead, Kirsty Perkinson, on kperkinson@bradfieldcollege.org.uk or call 0118 964 4846
