Bredon School has a rich and unique history, blending education with military influence, alongside a pastoral approach that understands the distinctive challenges faced by Service children.
Founded by Lt-Col Tony Sharp, Bredon originally served as a boys’ boarding school for students aged 13-16.
Pull Court was quickly identified as the perfect location for such a school. The school’s origins are deeply rooted in Lt-Col Sharp’s military background. Sharp and his co-founder, Hugh Jarrett, developed a vision of a school for boys who struggled in the highly academic post-war public school atmosphere.
Together, they introduced the values of discipline, self-confidence, and personal responsibility to children who had not traditionally received the same support as their peers. Sharp’s vision was to create an environment where students could thrive academically while also developing crucial life skills. He brought with him several links to his former role, with many of the school’s first 17 students from Forces’ backgrounds and two key staff recruited from his old battalion
Bredon School proudly offers Combined Cadet Force (CCF) membership to both students and staff, which ranks among the top 1% of cadet forces nationwide.
The CCF provides an opportunity for students to experience military life first-hand, participating in activities that foster leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Through this initiative, Bredon continues to honour its military roots, preparing students for success both in their academic endeavours and in life beyond school.
A key figure in the Bredon community, Director of Boarding Cpl Rob Starr, exemplifies the school’s deep commitment to understanding the unique challenges faced by Service children.
With 14 years of service in the army, Rob’s military background gives him a profound understanding of the challenges that military life brings, not only for the Service members but also for the families they leave behind. Rob’s ability to empathise with the disruptions that military families often experience—such as relocations, long separations, and the emotional toll on children—is invaluable.
Rob believes that Bredon School is uniquely positioned to support Service children. As he states:
“Bredon is a school with a unique military history – it’s a tradition that continues through to today.
In my view, there’s not a school in this country better placed to provide the support Service children deserve.”
Rob’s compassionate leadership extends beyond his military experience. After leaving the army, he faced the challenges of transitioning to civilian life – an experience many former Service people share – but discovered his true calling in education. His own military journey allows him to offer something vital to the students at Bredon: a sense of security, purpose, and understanding. Rob’s leadership is rooted in empathy, and he works tirelessly to create a nurturing environment where all students feel supported and valued.
This commitment is reflected in Bredon’s broader approach to education. With a staff body that includes both former and active military personnel, the school remains steadfast in its dedication to instilling values of discipline, responsibility, and community. The school’s military heritage is not just part of its history but an ongoing influence that continues to shape its ethos.
Bredon School is a place where every child, regardless of their background, receives the support they need to succeed and develop into confident, resilient individuals.
