Bradfield College: Comprehensive 13+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Bradfield College
• Location: Bradfield, Berkshire, RG7 6AU
• Type: Co-educational independent boarding and day school
• Age Range: 13-18 years
• Entry Point: 13+ (Year 9)
• Assessment: ISEB Common Pre-Test, interviews, problem-solving challenge
• Application Deadline: January of Year 6
• Number of Pupils: Approximately 810
• Founded: 1850

About Bradfield College

Bradfield College occupies a commanding position amongst England's most respected independent schools, situated on 220 acres of picturesque Berkshire countryside. Founded in 1850, this co-educational institution has cultivated a distinctive educational philosophy that combines academic rigour with exceptional pastoral care and an unparalleled breadth of opportunities.

The college's unique character is perhaps best exemplified by its famous Greek Theatre, where students perform classical Greek tragedies in the original language - a tradition that has endured for over a century. This commitment to classical education sits alongside thoroughly modern facilities and teaching methods, creating an environment where tradition and innovation flourish together.

With approximately 810 pupils aged 13-18, Bradfield maintains an intimate community feel whilst offering the resources and opportunities of a larger institution. The school became fully co-educational in 2005, and today welcomes both boarding and day pupils who benefit from the college's emphasis on developing confident, articulate, and principled young adults.

The college's academic programme is built around small class sizes and personalised attention, enabling teachers to nurture each pupil's individual strengths whilst addressing areas for development. Bradfield's commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom through an extensive co-curricular programme encompassing sport, music, drama, and outdoor education.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Bradfield College publishes day fees of £12,400 per term for 2026/27, with boarding at £20,250 per term, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration for the next 13+ round closes on 1 January of Year 6 (Stage 2 registration, for inclusion in first round of offers). The assessment takes place on Tuesday afternoons in the Autumn and Lent terms of Year 6. ISEB Common Pre-Test (sat at prep school, Nov, Feb of Year 6) plus Bradfield's own admissions interview (20-30 min), housemaster/housemistress interview (20-30 min), and a 60-minute group problem-solving challenge. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 13+ Assessment Process

Bradfield College's admissions process is designed to identify pupils who will thrive in the school's demanding yet supportive environment. The assessment takes place over several stages, each providing insight into different aspects of a candidate's potential.

ISEB Common Pre-Test

All candidates must complete the ISEB Common Pre-Test between November and February of Year 6. This adaptive online assessment evaluates abilities in four key areas:

• English: Reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation, and grammar skills
• Mathematics: Arithmetic and problem-solving based on Year 5 curriculum content
• Verbal Reasoning: Ability to process and manipulate written information logically
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Spatial awareness and pattern recognition using diagrams and figures

The test adapts to each candidate's performance level, becoming more challenging as correct answers are given. Taking approximately 2.5 hours, it can be completed in one session or across multiple sittings.

Assessment Day Activities

Following successful Pre-Test performance, candidates are invited to Bradfield for a comprehensive assessment day during the Autumn and Lent terms of Year 6. This includes:

• Admissions Interview (20-30 minutes): Discussion of interests, aspirations, and motivation for joining Bradfield
• House Interview (20-30 minutes): Meeting with potential Housemistress or Housemaster to assess pastoral fit
• Problem-Solving Challenge (60 minutes): Collaborative exercise designed to evaluate critical thinking and teamwork abilities

How to Apply

The application process begins early and requires careful planning to meet all requirements and deadlines.

Initial Steps

1. Campus Visit: Attend a Saturday Morning Tour to experience the school environment and meet staff
2. Registration: Submit the Provisional Entry Form with non-refundable registration fee by January of Year 6
3. School Reference: Bradfield requests a confidential academic and character reference from the candidate's current school

Assessment Timeline

• Year 6 (November-February): Complete ISEB Common Pre-Test
• Year 6 (Autumn/Lent terms): Attend assessment day for interviews and problem-solving challenge
• Year 6 (March): Conditional offers made to most successful candidates
• Year 8: Final entrance examinations (Bradfield Entrance Tests, Common Academic Scholarship, or Common Entrance)

Late Applications

Whilst the majority of places are allocated in March of Year 6, Bradfield occasionally accepts late applications. These candidates may receive offers during Year 7 or 8, subject to availability and exceptional circumstances.

Preparing for the Bradfield College 13+ with Taylor Tuition

The Bradfield College 13+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families in Berkshire and further afield work with us online, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 13+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 13+ Common Entrance tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.