"Being a good learner and being a lifelong learner is the key. In 20 years' time, being somebody who enjoys things that are difficult and new and challenging will be much more important than mastery of any single subject."
Dr Chris Stevens
Headmaster | Advocate for Holistic Education
Dr Chris Stevens serves as Headmaster of Bradfield College, one of Britain's leading independent schools. With a deep commitment to educational excellence and character development, Dr Stevens leads an institution that has set benchmarks in British education since 1850.
ABOUT
Professional background
Dr Chris Stevens brings extensive experience in education to his role as Headmaster of Bradfield College. His career spans various educational sectors, from early years through to postgraduate studies, informing his comprehensive understanding of educational development.
Leadership Philosophy
Dr Stevens' approach to educational leadership centres on:
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Fostering academic excellence whilst nurturing character development
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Maintaining Bradfield's traditions whilst embracing innovation
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A commitment to integrating innovative teaching methodologies and educational technologies to enhance student engagement and academic achievement, ensuring a dynamic and relevant learning experience.
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Supporting individual growth within a strong community
Educational Vison
Dedicated to promoting student-centered learning approaches that empower and inspire students to take ownership of their educational journey, fostering a lifelong love for learning and personal growth
at Bradfield College. Dr Stevens has implemented initiatives that reflect his commitment to holistic education:
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Enhancement of academic programmes
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Development of comprehensive wellbeing support
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Integration of advanced learning technologies
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Strengthening of community partnerships
Educational Vision & Leadership
Educational Philosophy
At the heart of Dr Stevens' leadership lies a profound commitment to what he terms "education for life" - an approach that recognises academic achievement whilst cultivating the attributes essential for future success. This philosophy manifests in Bradfield's dedication to developing both knowledge and character, ensuring pupils are prepared for the range of challenges that lie ahead of them, and have developed skills that endure well beyond results day.
Under Dr Stevens' stewardship, Bradfield College has continued to evolve whilst honouring its distinguished heritage. Recent developments include:
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Implementation of an innovative Year 9 curriculum emphasising critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning
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Development of the St Andrew's Study Centre
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Enhancement of technological integration in education
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Strengthening of pastoral care and pupil wellbeing initiatives
Academic Leadership
Vision for Education
Dr Stevens advocates for an educational approach that prepares young people for an evolving world. His vision encompasses:
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Academic excellence through innovative teaching and learning
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Character development and personal growth
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Integration of traditional values with forward-thinking practices
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Enhancement of pastoral care and pupil wellbeing
Global Perspective
Under Dr Stevens' leadership, Bradfield College maintains strong international connections through meaningful partnerships and exchanges, preparing pupils for their roles as global citizens.
SKILLS
Educational Leadership
Curriculum Development
Student Welfare
Community Engagement
Public Speaking
Fluent French & Italian
EXPERIENCE
Non-Executive Roles
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Trustee of the Bradfield Club, Peckham (2015 -)
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Trustee of the Roger Lancelyn Green Memorial Trust (2016 -)
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Local Governing Committee member at Theale Green School (2017 -2024)
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Governor of Twyford School (2018 -); Trustee of Learning Skills Trust (2021 -)
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Chair of the Rugby Group (2021 -); Chair of HMC Education Committee (2023 -)
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IBSCA Steering Committee member (2024 -)
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Independent Director of the British School of Milan (2024 -)
2015-Present
Headmaster
Bradfield College
Oversight of or direct responsibility for all aspects of College and Bradfield Group activity. Over these years, the College has seen steady improvement in exam results (2024: 80% A*-B); been rated ‘excellent’ in all categories in ISI inspection (2022); the roll has grown from 750 to 840 pupils; merged with St Andrew’s prep (320 pupils) in 2021 and now has a combined income of ca. £45m; annual fundraising has doubled to ca. £1m; capital expenditure of ca. £5m annually has seen numerous major projects completed and a backlog of repair and maintenance addressed; an ambitious digital strategy has been implemented and a VR platform incubated and spun out as an independent company. A new year 9 curriculum and alternatives to GCSEs have also been launched.
2011-2015
Second Master
Marlborough College
Responsible for the day-to-day running of the school and co-ordination of the Management Team; attendee of Council meetings and member of Development Campaign Committee (with focus on bursaries); responsibility for staffing, performance review, discipline, communications & IT; teacher of History of Art & French; also acting Director of Studies
1997-2011
House Master
Uppingham School
Housemaster of a boys’ boarding House (2002-2011); teacher of French, Italian, History of Art and English; sometime Master i/c Cricket; Prep School Liaison; Head of Italian, Oxbridge, School newspaper, Fives, Debating, Wine and Philosophical Societies; organiser of fundraising initiatives; sports coach; director of plays and musicals; leader of multiple trips/tours.
Prior to 1997
Oxford University
Tutor and lecturer in Italian (p/t) whilst completing Doctoral research into the work of Giovanni Boccaccio.
Overseas
Director of a Study Centre in France; multiple research visits and a year teaching in Italy.