Bradfield College in West Berkshire was praised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate for its reflective and well-informed approach to leadership that benefits pupils' wellbeing.
Senior school
Bradfield College
Bradfield College is a co-educational senior school for pupils aged 13 to 18 offering day, day-boarding, and boarding options.
Day fees
£37,200
Entry
Iseb Pretest + Common EntranceSelective
Next deadline
Mon 14 Dec 2026Scholarship deadline
Updated 4 months ago
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Jeremy Quartermain
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
810
Location
Reading, West Berkshire
Rural setting
Day or boarding
Day and boarding
Age range
13 to 18
Religious ethos
Church of England
Founded
1850
Entry points
13+, 16+
School buses
Yes
Average class
17 pupils
Show 7 more factsShow fewer facts
School day
8.40am to 5.45pm
Saturday school
Yes
Wraparound care
Available
Bursaries
Up to 100% of fees
Scholarships
Academic, Drama, Music +3
A-level A*–A
56%
2026
GCSE 9–7
53%
2026
Overview
About Bradfield College
Bradfield College is a co-educational senior school located in Berkshire, offering an 'Education for Life' fit for the 21st century. The school provides a vibrant and inclusive community with a strong boarding ethos and a new day option launching in September 2026. Pupils can enter at 13+ (Year 9) and 16+ (Lower Sixth). The school offers a broad curriculum including the IB Diploma and extensive co-curricular activities. The new day option will initially be available to Year 9 and Lower Sixth pupils from 2026, expanding to all year groups in 2027 with a dedicated Day House. The school emphasizes personal growth, academic excellence, and a supportive community.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent co-ed senior school in West Berkshire for ages 13–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier fees.
Best for
- Families seeking a senior school for ages 13–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
- Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
- Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Families comfortable with top-tier independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
- Fees sit at the top of the independent market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- Curriculum is IB/American-style rather than A-Level. Check that your university plans (UK or otherwise) align before committing to the route.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
- Oct8Open dayNextSixth Form Open Afternoon
- Jan1Registration closesPassed
- Nov14Assessment13+ Round One Assessment – Sports Scholarship
Not yet published: registration opens, bursary deadline, interview, offers, acceptance deadline.
Registration windows
| Entry | Opens | Closes | Reply by | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2027 | TBC | 15 Dec 2025 | TBC | Tbc |
| September 2028 | TBC | 1 Jan 2026 | TBC | Closed |
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£37,200per year · Day · 2026-27
Inc. VAT £37,200VAT included5 years: £201,487
vs London avg (£24,000)55% above
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Quick answers about Bradfield College
Answered only from Bradfield College's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
Distinctive features
Education for Life
New Health and Wellness Centre opening Autumn 2027
New day option introduced from September 2026, alongside existing day-boarding and boarding
Extensive boarding and day options
Located in 250 acres of rolling Berkshire countryside
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
Netball toursNetballHouse Football CompetitionsFencingCricketBadmintonTarget Rifle ShootingFootballHockeyReal TennisTennis Performance ProgrammeGirls’ Football ProgrammeTennisShooting
Show 3 more
LacrosseSwimmingGolf
music
School MusicalUpper Sixth Music Scholar Spotlight ConcertConcert BandFaulkner’s ChoirBradfield BrassFaulkner’s OrchestraChapel ConsortSaxophone EnsembleChapel ChoirBradfield College Choral SocietyCollege OrchestraSo What (Jazz Band)Music Composition ClubBradfield Voices (Pop Choir)
Show 11 more
Big BandMusic Technology ClubLatin Jazz BandMusic Theory ClassesBradfield BellasPop BandJazz BandClarinet QuartetBarbershop BoysChapel (singing)Lunchtime recitals
drama
Greek theatre productions (every three years)LAMDA
academic club
Café ScientifiqueModel United Nations (MUN)IB CAS ProjectDebating SocietyBook ClubArt & Design
service
Duke of Edinburgh AwardRiding for the DisabledCCF (Combined Cadet Force)ABC to Read (community literacy outreach)Community Service Programme (CSP)OSCAR Foundation
other
Expedition to High Atlas mountainsHouse DinnersItalian Food ClubMental Health Awareness DayBradfield DiplomaSculpture / Art
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
Golf indoor facilityRectory pitchNew Ground training groundBradfield College Sports Complex gym25 metre swimming poolDouble sized sports hall6 new clay tennis courtsIndoor tennis centreTen grass pitchesShooting range
arts
Greek Theatre ('Greeker') – open-air, restored 2014Concert Hall
boarding
Faulkner's – purpose-built Year 9 boarding house
wellbeing
New Health and Wellness Centre (opening Autumn 2027)Health and Wellness Centre
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
Outcomes
Bradfield offers the IB Diploma with excellent results.
56%
A-level A*–A
53%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
5%
to Oxbridge (2025)
5%
to Russell Group
| 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Cohort | 175 |
| Oxbridge | 8 |
| Russell Group | 9 |
| US Ivy | 1 |
Top universities (2025)
ExeterEdinburghDurhamLeedsNewcastleBristolBathManchester
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
IB Diploma
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
October 2024
Bradfield College reported that over 90% of IB students scored above 32 points, qualifying them for offers from Russell Group universities, and more than 20% scored over 40 points, meeting the threshold for the most competitive universities.
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Sir Ranulph Fiennes (explorer)Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor (author and soldier)Sir Peter Ustinov (actor and writer)Sir John Betjeman (poet)Sir Anthony Blunt (art historian and spy)Sir Michael Caine (actor)Sir David Tang (entrepreneur and socialite)
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Fit for your child
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Check fit for my childCommunityHouse system
Community
House system
KennettLoddonPangTwyford
Pastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
Tutor systemMental health support
Bradfield College's pastoral care is centered around its house system providing a strong family atmosphere and support from Housemasters/mistresses, matrons, and tutors. It emphasizes mental health, being a 'talking school' where pupils express emotions openly, fostering happiness fundamental to its ethos.
RegulationInspection
Regulation
Inspection
ISI inspection, 7 Oct 2025
2 reports on file.
- Isi1 Oct 2024Excellent
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn7 Sept 2026 → 11 Dec 2026Half-term 16 Oct 2026–31 Oct 2026
Spring5 Jan 2027 → 24 Mar 2027Half-term 12 Feb 2027–20 Feb 2027
Summer19 Apr 2027 → 3 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–5 Jun 2027
PathwaysFeeder schools
Pathways
Feeder schools
1 offer
Also considerSchools like Bradfield College
Also consider
Schools like Bradfield College
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is Bradfield College best for?+
Bradfield College suits: Families seeking a senior school for ages 13–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry; Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex; Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school; Families comfortable with top-tier independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
How much are the fees at Bradfield College?+
Day fees at Bradfield College are £12,400 a term in 2026-27 (£37,200 a year). Boarding fees are £20,250 a term in 2026-27 (£60,750 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at Bradfield College?+
The next sixth-form open event at Bradfield College is on 8 October 2026. Booking is usually required.
How does admissions work?+
Bradfield College is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does Bradfield College support SEND?+
Bradfield College offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.
What ages does Bradfield College take?+
Bradfield College takes pupils from age 13 to 18.
Is Bradfield College a day or boarding school?+
Bradfield College offers both day and boarding places.
Is Bradfield College co-educational or single-sex?+
Bradfield College is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is Bradfield College?+
Bradfield College is in West Berkshire, RG7 6AU.
How do I contact admissions at Bradfield College?+
Contact Bradfield College by email at admissions@www.bradfieldcollege.org.uk or phone on 01189644500.
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