It was wonderful to see so many parents for our first coffee morning of 2026, thank you to those parents who were able to join us. Our next in-College coffee morning will be Monday 2 February followed by our London Coffee Morning on Thursday 26 February. Register Here 

Many thanks also to Deputy Head (Academic), Jamie Emmett, for his insight into pupil exam options. The Academic team will be leading dedicated talks for Year 9 on 5 February and Year 11 on 29 January and parents will receive direct communications about this. A summary of notes from Jamie's talk are below:

Choosing academic options is an exciting milestone,

but it can also feel daunting, for pupils and parents alike.

For many pupils, this is the first time they have genuine control over their academic journey

That sense of choice is positive, but it can also create pressure: “What if we get it wrong?”

The myth of “getting it right”

One of the biggest anxieties I see is the idea that there is a single correct pathway

In reality, very few 16-year-olds know exactly what they want to do at 22 or 25

Trying to predict the future with certainty is not realistic – and that’s completely normal

Education is not about locking doors early; it’s about keeping options open while building strengths

There are, of course, a few situations where making the right choices is crucial – for certain degree programmes or career pathways, but these remain an exception to the rule and pupils would be guided through the necessary steps in these cases.

What matters more than predicting a career?

Universities, employers and professions consistently value:

• Strong academic foundations
• Depth of understanding
• Commitment and resilience

These qualities come far more reliably from:

• Subjects a pupil enjoys
• Subjects they are motivated to work hard at

Enjoyment is not a “soft” factor – it is often the engine of success

Well-informed choices, not rushed ones

The most successful outcomes tend to come from well-informed decisions, not hurried ones

That means:

• Honest reflection on strengths and learning style
• Understanding the demands of different courses
• Seeking advice from people who know the pupil well – network (teachers, tutors, pupils, Horizons, parents)

Our role as a school is to provide guidance, challenge and perspective – not to decide for pupils - network (teachers, tutors, Horizons) + events à Options Evenings 29 Jan / 5 Feb.

A brief word on pathways

Different pathways suit different learners, and that is a strength, not a weakness

Some pupils thrive with:

Breadth and balance

Others with depth and specialism

Well-placed to support this at Bradfield à dual pathway A-level (ever-expanding), IB + introduction of BTEC

Looking beyond Year 11

For parents of pupils in younger years:

These decisions are part of a longer journey, not a single high-stakes moment

Skills like curiosity, independence and good study habits matter just as much early on

Option choices should be seen as stepping stones, not final destinations

It is entirely appropriate – and healthy – for pupils to feel uncertain

Changing interests, refining ambitions, and reassessing direction are signs of growth, not failure

Very few decisions at 16 are irreversible or misguided, especially when they are thoughtful and supported

To close;

The best academic choices are those that balance: Enjoyment, Challenge, Realism

If pupils are engaged, supported and working hard, they are far more likely to flourish – whatever pathway they take

Our shared aim is not perfection at 16, but confidence, adaptability and ambition over time