Agent Handbook 2021/22

Welcome Agents Handbook 2021-22

Submit Reports and Assessments All submitted reports are reviewed by our Admissions panel. Prospective pupils with Special Educational Needs will also be reviewed by our Head of Learning Support who will confirm that any specific learning requirements your child has can be supported at Bredon.

Contents 01

Welcome

02

Where is Bredon School?

04

Academic Provision

06

Pastoral Care

07

Boarding

08

Sporting Provision

09

Extra Curricular Activities

10

Guardians

11

Accreditation

12

Pupil Testimonials

14

Term Dates

15

Fees

16

Admissions Process

17

Working with Agents

Agent Handbook 2020-21

01

Welcome to Bredon School

Bredon School is a dyslexia-friendly c0-educational independent boarding and day school for children aged 7 to 18 years old, situated in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside.

Our inspiring location, wide-ranging curriculum and vast outdoor environment enables all pupils to find an area in which to shine; whether that is on the school farm, within the forest school, out on the sports fields, taking part in outdoor education and adventure activities, or joining our thriving Combined Cadet Force.

Pupils join us from the local area, the UK and the wider world, and come together to form a vibrant community of learners who are socially and morally responsible and who support one another on their journey towards becoming happy, healthy, confident and capable young people.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH, WITH BRILLIANT RESULTS.

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Agent Handbook 2020 - 21

Where is Bredon School?

Bredon is located on the borders of the counties of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire and occupies a magnificent 84 acre estate, which is very safe and provides an idyllic base for our pupils to explore.

Transport Links The school is just 15 minutes from the M5 motorway with excellent onward transport links to rail and air services throughout the UK. Birmingham and Bristol airports are approximately one hour away, with London approximately two hours by car or coach. We offer door to door transport to London at the end of terms for pupils wishing to take onward flights home.

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A DIFFERENT APPROACH, WITH BRILLIANT RESULTS.

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Agent Handbook 2020-21

Academic Provision The learning experience Bredon School offers helps every pupil to develop their character, strength and talents. We provide an exciting, supportive and friendly learning environment in which children can gain confidence in their ability and thrive in their studies from Key Stage right through until the end of Sixth Form.

As our pupils move through the school, they have the opportunity to mix traditional GCSE and A Level subjects with BTECs, allowing every pupil the opportunity to flourish and progress to university, further education, an apprenticeship or by directly entering the world of work.

Year 7 to Year 9 During Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils get to experiment with what subjects appeal to them; the curriculum is wide and diverse and a pupil’s timetable will often include Outdoor Education, Sport, Woodwork and Engineering, as well as core subjects including English, Maths and Science.

Bredon School Boarding Pupil

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Year 10 to Year 11 One of the key strengths of Bredon School is the wide variety of courses that we are able to offer our pupils, from traditional subjects, such as Geography and History, to our more creative subjects, such as Photography and Art, through to vocational courses such as Agriculture and Caring for Children. All are designed to engage and inspire our pupils.

Our teaching staff continue to offer the encouraging and supportive learning environment that allows our pupils to both progress and develop, whilst structured lessons and courses are designed to ensure that all pupils are able to reach their full potential.

Sixth Form Opening a new chapter on your educational journey, the Sixth Form is the time for pupils take ownership of your own learning, to become independent and embrace the wide range of courses we are able to offer at Bredon. Aimed at both academic and vocational qualifications, courses are designed to continue and develop pupil successes from Year 11.

The years spent in our Sixth Form are designed to help pupils make the transition from the tightly structured life of a school child, to the freedom and responsibility of life as an adult. They will develop confidence in leadership and teamwork, as well as working towards the best possible academic results.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH, WITH BRILLIANT RESULTS.

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Agent Handbook 2020-21

Pastoral Care

Bredon School offers a hugely supportive, caring environment conveyed through small class sizes, remarkable academic and pastoral staff within a stunning, countryside setting.

Pupils are known by name not only by the teaching and support staff but also by one another ensuring a mutually supportive environment that allows our pupils to grow, develop and thrive at Bredon School.

Dedicated to the delivery of outstanding pastoral care be that in the classroom or boarding houses, pupils each have a dedicated tutor with whom they meet on a regular basis either in tutor groups or on an individual basis. Tutors are responsible for the wellbeing and development of each pupil throughout the school.

Our Health and Wellbeing Centre has a large and welcoming reception space, where we encourage pupils to visit should they need any support throughout the school day. The centre is run by our qualified team of highly experienced nurses and Mental Health practitioners. Our team are able to supply and monitor any medication our boarders may require, and are on hand every day for any additional support or care needed.

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Boarding Aiming to provide a happy family atmosphere, Bredon School welcomes boarders from the age of 9 years old.

Over 40 % of Bredon pupils board so the boarding environment is without fail is always busy and vibrant.

The boarding at Bredon is rather unique. Boarding staff are a purely pastoral team not actively involved in the day-to-day teaching of lessons, separating a busy day in the classroom from ‘home’. That said, the boarding team have strong links with all academic staff to ensure seamless support. Boarding staff are highly experienced and able to support pupils with coursework and prep, and monitor academic progress.

Our boarding provision enables pupils to live at school throughout the week and over weekends, although we do also offer flexi-boarding. All pupils go home for a long weekend, known as Exeat twice a term, from half term holiday and of course over Christmas, Easter and Summer. For all Exeats and holidays, Bredon School offers a comprehensive transport service which includes to and from major airports and train stations.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH, WITH BRILLIANT RESULTS.

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Agent Handbook 2020-21

Sporting Provision

From climbing, clay pigeon shooting, canoeing and archery to cross country, netball, rugby and cricket, we are proud of the variety of sports for both teams and individuals. We nurture the sporting talents of our pupils and have helped them reach county, regional and national level in various sports.

Seasonal sports on offer at Bredon School are: Winter Term– Rugby and Hockey Spring Term– Football and Netball Summer Term– Cricket, Rounders and Athletics

Other popular sports include: cross country running, basketball, badminton, tennis, golf, cycling, clay pigeon shooting, canoeing and climbing. We also have an equestrian team.The sports programme at Bredon is delivered by experienced, dedicated coaches. If a pupil wishes to take up a sport that is not currently on offer we will always do our best to accommodate their interest.

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Extra Curricular Activities We make the most of our wonderful 84-acre rural estate and facilities to give our pupils the chance to learn and thrive in an outdoor environment, whether it’s on our school farm, climbing wall, clay pigeon shooting range or across our beautiful site. We also take pupils off-site to a variety of settings so they can learn from new experiences including camping, caving and mountaineering, to trekking, night walks and zip wires.

Bredon School offers pupils from Year 9 upwards the opportunity to pursue Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. In addition, every pupil, from Year 10 upwards, is given the opportunity to be part of Bredon’s thriving Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

A DIFFERENT APPROACH, WITH BRILLIANT RESULTS.

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Agent Handbook 2020-21

Guardians

Any pupil whose parents live overseas must have an adult guardian in the UK who will agree to be responsible for the child on behalf of the parents. A guardian may be a relative, friend of the family or a guardian agency. It is essential that a guardian is nominated before the student joins Bredon and that we are advised of the guardian’s name, address, and contact details at least a week before the start of term. Pupils go to their guardian for half-term and exeat weekends unless alternative arrangements have been made in advance.

It is hoped that each guardian will keep in regular contact with his or her student, but in particular guardians are required to: Be available to accommodate the student in an emergency – such as an accident or illness Accommodate the student for half-term and exeat weekend holidays, unless alternative arrangements have been made in advance Come to the various school functions throughout the year and to meet staff in order to discuss the student’s progress Liaise routinely with school staff regarding pastoral matters and maintain regular contact with parents.

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Accreditation Bredon School is an accredited member of the Independent Schools Association (ISA) and the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).Bredon School is also a member of the British Dyslexia Association.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH, WITH BRILLIANT RESULTS.

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Agent Handbook 2020-21

Pupil Testimonials Antonia

What is your favourite subject?

Art. I find it is a way to express myself because I struggle to read and to write. The art teachers have been very supportive and are amazing and encouraging.

What makes Bredon so special?

I love Bredon due to how understanding everyone is. Bredon has helped me grow as a person. My confidence is growing daily in both boarding and the school. I have been given great boarding staff that have helped me become independent, and I feel completely ready for the next stage in my journey.

My advice for an international boarder Would be to bring things from home, make your room nice. Boarding will soon become your second home and you will have a second family. Boarding is an amazing place to make memories. Make the most of every opportunity that you are given as the time flies at Bredon.

" You get to spend time with your friends and the houseparents are kind and fun."

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Allan

What makes Bredon so special?

For me personally my favourite thing about Bredon is the boarding staff because they don’t come across as just teachers, they are more like your family, (mothers, fathers, older siblings) they are people you can confide in, and that gives it a sense of home.

My advice for an international boarder Would be to enjoy the time that you have here because Bredon takes away the stress of being in a new country that you aren’t familiar with and slowly introduces you to a new way of life. Don’t be afraid to express yourself here - everyone is different and when you get the chance try out as many things as you can.

Thank you to all at Bredon. You do an amazing job. This from a parent whose child is 4000 miles from home.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH, WITH BRILLIANT RESULTS.

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Agent Handbook 2020-21

Term Dates 2021/22 Autumn Term - 8th September to 9th December 2021 Monday 6th September - Staff Inset training Tuesday 7th September - Transition day for Year 7, 12 and 13 Wednesday 8th September - Autumn Term commences for all Year Groups Friday 24th to Sunday 26th September - Exeat Weekend (Boarders to return after 6pm) Monday 18th to Friday 29th October - Half Term Friday 19th to Sunday 21st November - Exeat Weekend (Boarders to return after 6pm) Thursday 9th December - End of Term

Spring Term - 11th January 2022 to 1st April 2022 Tuesday 11th January - Spring term commences for all Year Groups Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd January - Exeat Weekend (Boarders to return after 6pm) Monday 21st to Friday 25th February - February Half Term Friday 11th to Sunday 13th March - Exeat Weekend (Boarders to return after 6pm) Friday 1st April - End of Term

Summer Term – 26th April 2022 to 7th July 2022 Tuesday 26th April - Summer Term commences for all Year Groups Monday 2nd May - May Day Bank Holiday Friday 13th to Sunday 15th May - Exeat Weekend (Boarders to return after 6pm) Monday 30th May to Sunday 3rd June - Half Term Thursday 7th July - Founder’s Day/End of Term

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School Fees Key Stage 2 (Year 5 - Year 6)

£8,619 per term

Key Stage 3 (Year 7 - Year 9)

£10,914 per term

Key Stage 4 & 5 (Year 10 - Year 13)

£12,494 per term

Fee is inclusive of: Boarding provision to include all meals, laundry and all weekend & evening activities Personal accident and effects insurance Basic stationery All travel to airports, all travel to trains and then train Tickets home etc (not air flights) at exeat and holidays All pupil attending trips - i.e. day trips All overnight trips - including leadership course for Sixth form and Outdoor Education trips Examination fees and any readers and scribes (excluding EAL exams) All tuition and materials except CISCO, Clay pigeon shooting, canoeing, climbing and lifeguard training which carry a supplement Use of Chromebook

Additional Fees which may apply: EAL Provision (£1,720 per term) Instrumental lessons (payable directly to the visiting music teachers) Specialised Language teachers School uniform should be purchased separately from our uniform suppliers.

For a full and detailed list of our school fees, please visit: bredonschool.org/fees

A DIFFERENT APPROACH, WITH BRILLIANT RESULTS.

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Agent Handbook 2020-21

Admissions Process Submit Reports and Assessments All submitted reports are reviewed by our Admissions panel. Prospective pupils with Special Educational Needs will also be reviewed by our Head of Learning Support who will confirm that any specific learning requirements your child has can be supported at Bredon.

Registration Following a successful review prospective pupils need to formally register, completing an Application Form and paying a £150 Registration Fee. Virtual Interview Prospective pupils will be invited for a virtual interview with the Headmaster.

Offer of a place Following a successful interview with the Headmaster propsective pupils will be offered a place.

Acceptance of place To accept offer a place, an Acceptance Form together with a £7,250 deposit is required.

Prospective pupils and parents / agents are welcome to visit the school at any point in the admissions process. 'Taster' experiences may also be offered to prospective pupils upon Registration.

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Prospective parents / Agents are always welcome to visit the school at any point in the

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Working with Agents

We work very closely with our Agents and it is very important to us that we build a strong bond between our organisations.

We pay commission equivalent to 10% of the full School Fees payable for terms 1 to 3 (first full year). A copy of our Agency Agreements is available upon request.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with: Jessica Doodes Head of Admissions and Marketing +44 (0) 7799 127449 doodesj@bredonschool.co.uk

Becky Jones Admissions Officer +44 (0) 1684 293156 admissions@bredonschool.co.uk

Photographs and videos are available on our website, which is updated regularly: https://www.bredonschool.org

A DIFFERENT APPROACH, WITH BRILLIANT RESULTS.