Standing in the historic Bloods Corridor beside the newly unveiled 175th anniversary timeline, Dr Chris Stevens contemplates Bradfield College’s remarkable journey. The timeline, which runs the full length of this historic feature, transforms what was once a dark corridor into a vibrant educational setting, bringing the College’s rich heritage to life through carefully curated images and artefacts.
Celebrating Heritage Through Visual History
The 175th anniversary celebrations include several initiatives that capture Bradfield’s evolution while highlighting its enduring values. “The timeline is a great way to bring the College’s history to life,” notes Karen Ward, Bradfield Society Project Lead, reflecting on how the installation connects past and present.
Stevens has overseen the development of two significant publications marking this milestone: a comprehensive history by Stuart Williams and a pictorial volume edited by Olilie Gent. The latter, featuring more than 200 photographs, creates what Stevens describes as “a rich visual tapestry of contemporary and archival photographs that weaves together the present and past lives of the school.”
A Cyclical Journey
The anniversary publications reflect what Stevens recognizes as the cyclical nature of school life at Bradfield. As Oli Gent notes, it’s “more like a helix, where you go through the same seasonal rotation with similar activities happening at a similar time but with each year you rise through the helix and progress higher in the system your experience and perspective evolve.”
This perspective resonates with Stevens’ educational philosophy. “Encouraging young people to develop their inquiry, to develop their character, to prepare themselves for the next stage of their life, not just of their education, is a privilege and a joy,” he reflects. This commitment to personal growth echoes through Bradfield’s 175-year history.
Traditions That Endure
The timeline sequences Bradfield’s history chronologically, beginning in 1751 when the Stevens Founder’s family acquired Bradfield Manor. Key moments punctuate this journey: the College’s opening in 1850, Florence Nightingale’s advice on the sanitorium in 1853, the establishment of the Rifle Corps in 1883, and the first Steeplechase in 1920.
“We realised that many of the things that define a month in the College calendar have been defining it for 175 years,” observes Gent. This continuity of tradition, from Handshaking to Carols in Chapel, from the Steeplechase to productions in the Greek Theatre, creates a thread connecting generations of Bradfieldians.
Innovation Within Heritage
Under Stevens’ leadership, Bradfield maintains its traditional values while embracing necessary innovation. “We are fundamentally a progressive institution… but none of that at the expense of the core,” he explains. This balance is evident in recent developments such as the St Andrew’s Study Centre and plans for a new wellness centre.
The innovative curriculum exemplifies this approach, encouraging interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking while maintaining academic rigour. “Being a good learner and being a lifelong learner is the key,” Stevens emphasizes, noting how this philosophy prepares pupils for future challenges while honoring traditional educational values.
Community and Connection
The 175th anniversary celebrations emphasize the importance of community in Bradfield’s history. Information boards installed around the estate at key historic locations, such as the Greek Theatre and St Andrew’s Study Centre, serve as focal points for College tours and visitors, helping to share Bradfield’s story with the wider community.
Stevens particularly values how the College’s partnerships, both local and international, continue to evolve. These relationships, including work with organisations like the Oscar Foundation, represent what he describes as “true partnership, where children engage with other young people and learn from each other in the moment.”
A Living Environment
The College’s setting continues to play a vital role in pupils’ development. “It’s fundamentally a beautiful and kind and gentle space,” Stevens observes. This environment, with its Arts and Crafts architecture and tranquil Berkshire countryside, provides what he describes as natural opportunities to “get some fresh air into your lungs and recharge” between lessons.
Wellness and Well-being
The anniversary year sees Bradfield continuing to enhance its commitment to pupil well-being. “Wellness is not a single building – it’s woven into everything we do,” Stevens emphasizes. Plans for a new wellness centre build upon a tradition of pastoral care that dates back to the College’s earliest days.
Looking to the Future
As Bradfield celebrates its 175th anniversary, Stevens remains focused on preparing pupils for future challenges while maintaining the College’s core values. The five-year strategic vision includes curriculum innovation and enhanced digital literacy, ensuring Bradfield remains at the forefront of education while honoring its heritage.
The Next Chapter
The timeline in Bloods Corridor concludes with a celebration of ‘Bradfield today,’ featuring imagery that captures the College’s current vibrancy. Yet this endpoint also marks a beginning, as Stevens leads Bradfield into its next chapter.
“Education for life” remains more than a phrase under Stevens’ leadership. As he explains, “We very authentically say this is about helping young people to grow up in every sense: knowledge and virtue; neither’s optional.” This commitment, maintained through 175 years of evolution, continues to guide Bradfield’s development.
A Testament to Continuity
As Bradfield marks its 175th anniversary, the College 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, Stevens ensures that Bradfield’s legacy not only endures but evolves, ready for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
