At Bradfield, all first year pupils (Year 9 girls and boys) spend their first year in Faulkner’s before moving onto their senior boarding house for their remaining four years at the College.

Faulkner's nurtures an atmosphere of energy, enthusiasm and care.

Faulkner's Parent

We recognise that the change from prep school to senior school is a big one for any child and should not be underestimated. By providing a home-from-home environment, Faulkner’s makes this change as smooth as possible and allows us to provide the highest quality of pastoral care.

There are currently around 170 pupils living in Faulkner’s. The Faulkner’s house motto is ‘Work hard. Get involved. Be kind.’

Faulkner’s Staff

The Housemaster and Housemistress of Faulkner’s are primarily responsible for the running of the boarding house but are supported by a large team including four matrons, a designated Faulkner’s nurse from the medical centre, counsellors, seven residential staff as well as a team of prefects from the upper years in the school.

In addition, there are 20 Faulkner’s tutors who are responsible for monitoring the pastoral, academic and co-curricular progress of the pupils.

Sarah Grinham

Sarah, an outstanding scientist who has a BSc and Doctorate from Birmingham University, joined Bradfield as a Teacher of Biology, in September 2020 with her husband, Matt, who teaches Geography and is Head of Hockey.

Sarah has a wealth of experience in both academic and pastoral roles, having previously been Head of Biology at Dr Challoner’s School for Girls and Head of Year at Watford Grammar School for Girls. Sarah is also a parent of two children in the school.

James Fox

James is an Economics teacher and has been Head of Faulkner’s Boys since January 2020. He completed a BA in Coach Education and Sports Development at the University of Bath graduating with First Class Honours and, having attended Bradfield as a pupil, returned as a member of staff in September 2014. As well as coaching the U16A team and supporting the 1st XI pre-season tours, James coaches a variety of sports including Hockey, Cricket and Netball. As a Bradfield pupil, James also represented and captained the U18 ISFA national team.

James’ professional ambitions are centred around Bradfield’s outstanding pastoral provision and he is in the final stages of completing a BSA Advanced Certificate in Pastoral Care. He values the importance of physical activity in providing a healthy foil to the rigours of independent education and sees his role as a coach as a platform for delivering Bradfield’s ‘Education for Life’ valuing the reward for hard work above everything else.

James will bring his typical enthusiasm, energy and wholehearted commitment to Bradfield life to his new role. He, his wife Katie and young son Noah are eagerly anticipating the next stage of their Bradfield journey.

An unbelievable experience that you’ll never forget. I’ve gained so much more confidence. You find new people, make new friends and it’s a great way to start off your time at Bradfield.

Emma (M) and Rio (D)

The Faulkner’s Experience

Reflecting on their first year at Bradfield, Emma (M) and Rio (D), now in Shell, reveal why Faulkner’s is the best way to start your senior school journey.

Faulkner’s Facilities

The facilities within Faulkner’s are excellent. All bedrooms are en-suite, and pupils enjoy easy access to comfortable common rooms, two surgeries, and Brewers (communal kitchens).

A central foyer provides a welcoming space for girls and boys to meet and mix, while they also benefit from their own common rooms. Fully equipped games and TV rooms allow pupils to unwind during breaks and at the end of the day.

Faulkner’s Dining Hall

Faulkner’s also have their very own purpose-built dining hall with food cooked on the premises. Menus are chosen very carefully by the caterers and all food allergies are catered for. Many Faulkner’s claim that the food in Faulkner’s Dining Hall is better than the food served in the College’s Main Dining Hall!

Socials

Within Faulkner’s there are four ‘Socials’ of about 30 or 40 pupils. The Social a pupil belongs to depends on which senior boarding house they will go into in the Shell (Year 10).

Socials meet every day with their Head of Social. The focus of these meetings is to monitor academic progress and give out important information to the pupils. Socials also provide time to practice and rehearse for inter-Social competitions that take place throughout the year.

Faulkner's contact details
AddressFaulkner’s, Bradfield College, Bradfield, Berkshire, RG7 6BF
Telephone0118 964 4700
Matron tel0118 964 4703
Emailfaulkners@bradfieldcollege.org.uk