As Bradfield College marks its 175th anniversary, Headmaster Dr Chris Stevens stands in the historic Bloods Corridor, where a newly installed timeline showcases the many developments and achievements of the College over its 175-year history. The timeline, running the full length of this historic feature, charts Bradfield’s journey while providing a focal point for the College community. This visual representation of heritage, from the Founder’s family’s acquisition of Bradfield Manor in 1751 through to the present day, serves as a powerful reminder of the institution’s enduring values and evolution.
“It’s fundamentally a beautiful and kind and gentle space,” Stevens observes, describing the College’s setting. This appreciation for Bradfield’s heritage guides his approach to leadership, where preserving the institution’s core values remains paramount even as it adapts to contemporary challenges. The timeline itself, beautifully decorated with images and artefacts from the College’s history, represents this balance between tradition and progress.
A Legacy of Holistic Education
Since its founding in 1850, Bradfield College has maintained an unwavering commitment to developing the whole person. Under Stevens’ leadership, this tradition continues through what he terms “education for life” — a philosophy that goes beyond traditional academic achievement and encompasses the full scope of personal development.
“Bradfield walks the walk,” Stevens explains. “We very authentically say this is about helping young people to grow up in every sense: knowledge and virtue; neither’s optional.” This approach echoes the College’s original mission while adapting it for today’s pupils, preparing them for challenges that may not yet exist.
The College’s Arts and Crafts architecture and tranquil Berkshire countryside setting contribute meaningfully to the educational experience. As Stevens notes, this environment creates a space where “children can remain children as well as develop into adults.” This setting, with its historic buildings and serene landscapes, provides natural opportunities for reflection and growth.
Innovation Within Tradition
While honoring Bradfield’s heritage, Stevens has introduced thoughtful innovations that enhance rather than disrupt the College’s traditional strengths. The Year 9 curriculum exemplifies this approach, developed specifically to encourage critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary learning. This innovative programme deliberately breaks down traditional subject boundaries, encouraging pupils to make connections across disciplines and develop transferable skills.
“Being a good learner and being a lifelong learner is the key,” Stevens emphasizes, noting that “in 20 years’ time, being somebody who enjoys things that are difficult and new and challenging will be much more important than mastery of calculus.” This forward-looking perspective shapes how Bradfield approaches education, ensuring pupils develop both subject knowledge and learning capabilities.
Creating Spaces for Excellence
The recently opened St Andrew’s Study Centre demonstrates Bradfield’s commitment to creating inspiring educational spaces. Stevens describes it as “an environment in which it is cool to study, in the same way that our stunning cricket pitch is a cool place to play cricket.” This investment in creating inspiring spaces for academic pursuit shows how traditional values can be enhanced through modern facilities.
The Study Centre exemplifies how thoughtful design can influence academic culture. Just as the College’s celebrated Greek Theatre has inspired generations of performers, the new facility creates an environment where scholarly pursuit is celebrated and normalized. This balance of heritage and innovation characterizes Stevens’ approach to developing the College’s facilities.
Wellness as a Cornerstone
Bradfield’s commitment to pupil well-being finds new expression in plans for a state-of-the-art wellness centre. “Wellness is not a single building – it’s woven into everything we do,” Stevens emphasizes. The College’s 250-acre estate provides multiple centres of wellness, from boarding houses to art departments, each contributing to pupils’ well-being.
The planned wellness centre will integrate physical and mental health resources, reflecting a holistic approach to pupil care. This development builds upon Bradfield’s long-standing tradition of pastoral care, dating back to 1853 when Florence Nightingale advised on the sanitorium. The new facility will serve as a central hub while complementing the existing network of support throughout the College.
Building Resilience and Character
Stevens views resilience as an essential attribute for success, and this belief permeates life at Bradfield. The College’s approach recognizes that resilience often develops through activities pupils genuinely enjoy, whether in sports, arts, or academics. This philosophy extends beyond traditional academic measures to encompass character development and personal growth.
Between lessons, pupils walk through the grounds, which Stevens describes as providing opportunities to “get some fresh air into your lungs and recharge.” This natural integration of movement and nature into daily routines remains as valuable today as in 1850, contributing to both physical well-being and mental refreshment.
Community and Global Engagement
The College’s partnership work exemplifies Stevens’ commitment to meaningful engagement beyond the College grounds. These relationships, particularly with organisations like the Oscar Foundation, represent what Stevens describes as “true partnership, where children engage with other young people and learn from each other in the moment.”
These partnerships reflect Bradfield’s commitment to developing globally aware citizens. Through these initiatives, pupils engage with diverse perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of their role in the wider world. This approach to community engagement helps pupils develop empathy and understanding while broadening their horizons.
Preserving History for Future Generations
The College’s 175th anniversary celebrations include several initiatives to preserve and share Bradfield’s rich history. The timeline installation in Bloods Corridor is complemented by information boards around the estate at key historic locations, such as the Greek Theatre and St Andrew’s Study Centre. These resources serve both as educational tools and as reminders of the College’s heritage.
The anniversary year also sees the publication of two significant works: a comprehensive history by Stuart Williams and a pictorial history edited by Olilie Gent, comparing then and now. These publications help document Bradfield’s journey while providing insights into how the College has evolved while maintaining its core values.
Looking Forward While Honoring the Past
As Bradfield moves through its 175th year, Stevens’ leadership demonstrates how educational institutions can honor their heritage while preparing pupils for future challenges. The College’s five-year strategic vision includes curriculum innovation and enhanced digital literacy, all while maintaining core values.
“We are fundamentally a progressive institution… but none of that at the expense of the core,” Stevens explains, articulating the measured balance between preservation and progress that characterizes his approach to leadership. This philosophy ensures that while Bradfield embraces necessary change, it does so in a way that strengthens rather than diminishes its traditional values.
A Living Legacy
Under Stevens’ stewardship, Bradfield continues to evolve while maintaining its founding principles. The timeline in Bloods Corridor serves as a testament to the College’s journey – a visual reminder of how far it has come and the enduring values that continue to guide its future.
As the College celebrates its 175th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the possibility of maintaining traditional values while preparing pupils for an ever-changing world. Through careful stewardship and thoughtful innovation, Bradfield continues to provide an education that honors its heritage while embracing the future.
