Set within the imposing Victorian red-brick edifice of Pull Court, itself designed by Edward Blore in the 1830s and graced by Richard Seaman, the famous pre-war racing driver, Bredon School opened its doors in 1962 when Lieutenant Colonel Tony Sharp and Hugh Jarrett transformed the grand estate into a specialist educational institution. Today, under the leadership of Headmaster Mr Nick Oldham since March 2020, this independent all-through school serves 229 pupils aged 7 to 21 across 84 acres of Gloucestershire countryside. With dyslexia as its specialism and outdoor education embedded as founding principle, Bredon sits among the top 25% of schools in England when ranked by A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and maintains a distinctive boarding community where over 40% of pupils board in some capacity.
Past the gates at Bredon, the first thing that strikes you is the sense of purposeful calm. Classes of 12 pupils work in custom-designed learning spaces equipped with Google Chromebooks and multi-sensory teaching techniques. Yet within minutes of lessons ending, the energy shifts entirely. Students trade desks for wellies, heading to the working farm where Badger Face Welsh Mountain sheep, South Devon cattle, and Large White pigs await. The atmosphere moves between rigorous academic focus and practical hands-on engagement without contradiction.
Pull Court itself creates a distinctive backdrop. The main building with its three-bay entrance frontage dominates the campus, flanked by extensions that house Jarrett House, Thomas House, and Sharp House, each named after the school's founders and early leaders. Boarding accommodation spreads across these historic halls, with boys housed on three landings within Pull Court itself, while purpose-built modern facilities include a dedicated sixth form centre with single rooms for students. The architecture blends heritage with function: limestone ashlar facades coexist with contemporary classrooms fitted with latest educational technology.
The pastoral structures reinforce this deliberate integration of academic rigour and wellbeing. The house system forms the backbone of daily life, with houseparents living on site alongside their families. Residential Matrons ensure boarders receive immediate care when needed. The school's motto, "Come alive and thrive," appears not as decoration but as lived philosophy, visible in the genuine relationships between staff and pupils, the low staff-to-pupil ratio of 1:7, and the evident confidence students carry when discussing their learning journey.
Performance across GCSE reflects Bredon's specialist mission. In 2025, 70% of GCSE pupils achieved grades 9-4, a significant achievement given the school's intake includes pupils with dyslexia and associated learning difficulties. The Independent Schools Inspectorate's 2025 inspection identified the breadth of qualifications available as a "significant strength," the highest honour under the new framework. Bredon ranks in the bottom 40% in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), yet this ranking obscures the genuine progress pupils make from their starting points, particularly pupils with identified specific learning differences who arrive having struggled in mainstream settings.
The sixth form tells a different story. At A-level, 63% of grades achieved A*-C, with A-level results placing the school in the typical performance band (top 25%-60% in England, FindMySchool ranking, rank 744). The 56% achieving A*-B grades, combined with the availability of over 20 A-level subjects alongside vocational pathways and BTEC options, demonstrates an institution that has evolved significantly. The ISI noted this breadth as central to Bredon's strength; pupils are not funnelled into a single academic trajectory but instead offered genuine choice aligned to their abilities and aspirations.
Around half of sixth-form leavers go on to university, with destinations such as Bristol and Warwick, for example, alongside Southampton, Bangor and Aberystwyth. A further 30% move into further education, primarily Hartpury College, pursuing vocational courses in engineering, catering, and agriculture. The remainder enter apprenticeships or employment, reflecting the school's commitment to preparing pupils for multiple pathways rather than a narrow academic elite.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
56.25%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Dyslexia-friendly teaching forms the core pedagogy. Every teacher holds or is working towards accreditation from the British Dyslexia Association. English and mathematics appear on timetables daily, supporting consistent progress in foundational literacy. Multi-sensory techniques, assistive technology including voice-activated software, and small class sizes (averaging 12) enable personalised learning aligned to each pupil's strengths.
Beyond classroom support, Bredon offers specialist input from qualified Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapy specialists. These are not separated clinical sessions but integrated throughout the school week. The school's approach emphasises that dyslexia often correlates with creative and communicative strengths, encouraging pupils to view their learning difference as distinctive rather than deficient.
The curriculum spans Academic, Creative, and Vocational pathways. Pupils from Year 9 upwards choose option blocks reflecting their interests and abilities. This flexibility means some pursue traditional GCSEs and A-levels whilst others combine BTECs, City & Guilds qualifications, or industry certifications like Leiths CTH Level 3 in Professional Cookery, the CISCO Academy for IT networking and programming, and accredited training in first aid, lifeguard certification, and food hygiene.
For sixth formers, progression branches across multiple routes. The university destinations list indicates engagement with mid-ranking and specialist institutions rather than the elite tier, reflecting realistic ambitions for a specialist cohort. The university destinations of bristol, warwick, southampton, plus bangor and aberystwyth suggest students entering programmes suited to their abilities and interests, supported by the school's dedicated careers guidance.
For those leaving at Year 11, approximately 30% progress to further education colleges, predominantly Hartpury College, which specialises in agricultural, engineering, and hospitality courses aligning perfectly with Bredon's vocational strengths. Apprenticeships account for a further significant cohort, supported by the school's connections with employers and its emphasis on applied learning.
Bredon's extracurricular provision stands as perhaps its most distinctive strength. The school does not merely offer activities; it has embedded them into the educational fabric.
The working farm sits at the heart of campus, functioning as living classroom and therapeutic space simultaneously. Pupils from Year 4 upwards undertake timetabled outdoor education lessons including archery, cycling, climbing, kayaking, and orienteering. The farm itself operates with Badger Face Welsh Mountain sheep, South Devon cattle, Large White pigs, Shetland ponies, and poultry, allowing pupils hands-on experience in animal husbandry, plant cultivation, and countryside management. Early shifts before school enable boarders to participate in feeding and mucking out, developing responsibility and work ethic. This is not nostalgic petting-farm activity but genuine agricultural operation integrated into vocational pathway options.
Forest School provides structured outdoor learning, with bushcraft sessions and off-site experiences including camping, caving, mountaineering, and trekking guided by qualified instructors. The 84-acre campus itself becomes classroom, with river access to the Severn enabling boating and water activities.
The CCF bridges military heritage and contemporary youth development. Inherited from founder Lieutenant Colonel Tony Sharp, the CCF has evolved into structured youth programme developing leadership, discipline, and self-reliance. Cadets from Year 9 upwards participate in everything from first aid and self-defence to fieldcraft and adventure training. In 2023, eight Bredon cadets earned Bronze at the esteemed Cambrian Patrol, placing them in the top 1% of UK Army and CCF participants in England, validating the programme's rigour and quality.
Bredon operates as a directly licensed centre for Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. From Year 9, pupils can progress through all three levels, developing volunteering experience, physical fitness, skill development, and expeditions. The scheme is purposefully inclusive, allowing high achievers to extend themselves whilst enabling pupils with practical strengths to complete awards with genuine pride, demonstrating the school's philosophy that achievement takes multiple forms.
Facilities include a gymnasium, sports hall, tennis and netball courts, a 25-metre swimming pool, outdoor sports pitches, and a floodlit astroturf. Traditional team sports, rugby, hockey, football, cricket, athletics, basketball, and netball, coexist alongside more distinctive activities: clay pigeon shooting, air rifle shooting, kayaking, canoeing, climbing, and archery.
The shooting programme deserves particular mention. Bredon has a purpose-built clay pigeon ground, and the shooting team is described as a regular winner of the Schools Challenge. The review notes a former pupil currently shooting for Great Britain and being tipped for Olympic contention, underlining the programme’s elite credentials. This combination of traditional and unusual sports ensures pupils of varying abilities find suitable outlets.
Drama and Music run across all age groups. Individual instrumental tuition is available, with performance opportunities through the school choir and school band. Lunchtime music cafes provide informal performance spaces. A Carol Service at Tewkesbury Abbey marks the end of each Michaelmas term, providing ceremonial celebration rooted in the school's broader community.
Painting, drawing, and photography are strong areas, with staff encouraging individuals to pursue personal interest areas and media. The ISI inspection highlighted the creative provision as notable strength, with pupils engaged and confident in artistic expression.
The CISCO Academy teaches programming and networking, introducing pupils to industry-standard IT skills. Engineering and agriculture feature as vocational options, with Hospitality and Catering now expanded through Leiths partnership offering Level 3 Extended Certificate in Professional Cookery, including placements with acclaimed chefs and artisan producers.
This breadth, spanning outdoor pursuits, military-style discipline, athletic competition, creative expression, and technical skill development, means virtually every pupil discovers areas where they genuinely excel.
From September 2025, day fees commence at £4,816 per term, with boarding fees ranging from £9,680 to £14,720 per term depending on age group. These figures are exclusive of VAT. Fees include morning snack, full cooked lunch, academic school trips, examination fees, Chromebook access, all tuition and materials except clay pigeon shooting, canoeing, climbing, and lifeguard training, which carry supplements.
Bredon offers limited bursarial funding to support pupils unable to afford fees, including those already attending who face sudden hardship. The Bursary Policy applies means-testing criteria, and applications proceed to the Bursar. Forces families eligible for Continuity of Education Allowance receive 10% discount. Monthly payment plans and international payment options via Flywire enable flexible arrangements.
Fees data coming soon.
Bredon operates a non-selective admissions policy, distinguishing itself from many independent alternatives. Applications start with school reports, plus any relevant professional assessments where applicable. Those meeting the school's criteria receive interview invitations, followed by a trial period: typically three days for day students, or longer for prospective boarders. This extended trial enables both pupil and school to assess fit, recognising that joining Bredon represents significant transition.
For families considering day education, proximity to Tewkesbury in the Cotswolds provides reasonable access via car. The school offers limited public transport access; trains terminate at Ashchurch (requiring taxi onward journey) or buses serve Tewkesbury with taxi connection needed. Within the 84-acre estate, parking is ample for daily drop-offs.
Boarding is available from Year 5 onwards. The school offers full boarding (including weekends), weekly boarding (Monday-Friday), and flexi-boarding arranged in advance and charged nightly. Day students can also participate in "day boarding," extending their day until 7pm to complete prep, join activities, and take evening meal.
The house system and resident staff model create structured pastoral environments. Houseparents live on site with families, and Resident Matrons provide immediate wellness support. Boarding staff dedicate themselves solely to pupil wellbeing, with regular contact with parents via Skype and facilitated home visits during exeats.
The school operates a 24/7 safeguarding approach, with clear policies and training across staff. Formal Pastoral Care coordination ensures consistent support, addressing not only academic progress but emotional and social development. The ISI 2025 inspection found pastoral care strength, though the school explicitly does not accept pupils whose primary difficulty is emotional or behavioural without significant learning needs.
Non-selective intake with specialist focus. While Bredon welcomes diverse learners, the school's specialism lies with pupils who have dyslexia or associated learning difficulties (dyscalculia, dyspraxia, social communication needs). Pupils without these needs thrive here, but the pedagogical approach and available support specifically target learning difference. Families should carefully assess whether their child's needs align.
Distinctive outdoor ethos may challenge some. The school's commitment to outdoor education means regular engagement with farm work, forestry, and adventure activities, often in challenging weather. Uniform is refreshingly practical: the essentials are an overall and a pair of wellies. Families seeking traditional academic pursuit without substantial outdoor element may consider alternatives.
Remote location and boarding culture. The rural estate, whilst beautiful, sits outside Tewkesbury with limited public transport. Many families invest in boarding or extended day arrangements, which shifts the cost and time commitment significantly. The school's culture is decidedly boarding-friendly, which suits many but requires genuine family buy-in.
Academic results reflect specialist intake. GCSE results (70% achieving 9-4) reflect a cohort that includes pupils who struggled in mainstream, not selection for academic excellence. Families seeking school with elite academic profile should consider alternatives. A-level results (63% A*-C) represent solid sixth form work but sit below the highest-achieving independent schools in England.
Bredon School occupies a genuinely distinctive niche. It is neither a special school nor a traditional independent, but rather a mainstream independent that champions learning difference through specialist pedagogy, small classes, multi-sensory teaching, and seamless integration of outdoor education into daily life. The ISI's 2025 identification of "breadth of qualifications" as significant strength captures the school's philosophy: success takes multiple forms, and the curriculum reflects that through academic, vocational, and creative pathways.
For pupils with dyslexia who have experienced mainstream struggle, and families who value outdoor education, pastoral immersion, and character development alongside academics, Bredon offers exceptional provision. The working farm, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh pathway, and non-selective approach create genuine community where individual development matters more than ranking hierarchy.
The school is not for every learner. Those seeking competitive academic environments or minimal outdoor engagement should look elsewhere. But for the pupil who needs multi-sensory teaching, relishes hands-on learning, and wants to discover genuine strengths through farm work, cadet training, and outdoor adventure, Bredon provides something few other schools match.
Yes. The ISI inspection in January 2025 found the school fully met all assessed standards, with breadth of qualifications identified as a "significant strength." While GCSE results reflect a specialist intake (70% achieving 9-4), A-level performance sits in the national typical band (FindMySchool ranking). The school's real distinction lies in pastoral care, outdoor education integration, and support for pupils with dyslexia and learning differences. For specialist learners, it delivers exceptional outcomes.
From September 2025, day fees start at £4,816 per term (£14,448 annually). Boarding fees range from £9,680 to £14,720 per term depending on age. Fees exclude VAT and are exclusive of supplements for clay pigeon shooting, canoeing, climbing, and lifeguard training. Limited bursaries are available on means-testing basis. Forces families eligible for Continuity of Education Allowance receive 10% reduction.
The school is non-selective, meaning academic ability alone does not determine admission. Instead, the school assesses whether each child's needs align with Bredon's specialist support. The process requires submission of school reports and relevant professional assessments, followed by interview and a trial stay (typically three days for day students). This extended trial enables families to experience the school genuinely and both parties to evaluate fit.
Outdoor education is embedded in timetables, not optional extra. Pupils from Year 4 upwards have weekly outdoor lessons including archery, climbing, kayaking, and orienteering. The working farm operates with livestock (sheep, cattle, pigs, ponies), enabling hands-on husbandry. Forest School teaches bushcraft. Off-campus expeditions include camping, canoeing, mountaineering, and trekking. The 84-acre estate itself becomes classroom, with river access and purpose-built facilities (climbing wall, shooting ground, astroturf pitch).
Yes. Facilities include gymnasium, sports hall, tennis and netball courts, 25-metre swimming pool, extensive sports pitches, and floodlit astroturf. Traditional team sports (rugby, hockey, football, cricket, athletics, basketball, netball) coexist with distinctive activities including clay pigeon shooting (with notable competitive success and Olympic-level shooters), kayaking, canoeing, climbing, and archery. All pupils participate in timetabled PE and games lessons, with opportunities for both competitive fixtures and inter-house competitions.
The CCF, continuing founder Lieutenant Colonel Tony Sharp's military heritage, operates as structured youth development programme for Year 9 upwards. Cadets undertake training in fieldcraft, first aid, self-defence, and adventure activities, developing leadership, discipline, and resilience. A 2023 cohort of eight cadets earned Bronze at the Cambrian Patrol, placing them in the top 1% of UK CCF participants in England. The CCF is optional but popular, attracting pupils seeking structured challenge alongside academic work.
Approximately 100 pupils board in some capacity, representing over 40% of the 229-pupil population. The school offers full boarding (including weekends), weekly boarding (Monday-Friday), and flexible "flexi-boarding" charged nightly. Day students can also participate in "day boarding," remaining until 7pm for activities and evening meal. Boarding begins from Year 5, with boys housed in three landings within historic Pull Court and girls in dedicated modern facilities with single rooms for sixth formers.
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