Bredon School is the first school to have all its full-time boarding staff accredited by the Accredited Boarding Practitioner (ABP) programme run by the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). This is a new scheme set up by the BSA to recognise boarding staff who are personally and professionally committed to best boarding practice.
The scheme, which is the first of its kind in the boarding sector, is fast becoming a benchmark for boarding standards both in the UK and internationally. Indeed, since its introduction, over 85 staff at more than 60 boarding schools have successfully met the standards and become Accredited Boarding Practitioners.
Bredon School’s Head of Boarding, Kelvin Summers, is accredited to ABP Level 3 and comments: “When we learnt about the Accredited Boarding Programme being set up by the BSA we were keen to get all of our full-time staff involved in the scheme. It offers formal recognition for the high level of professionalism that our team show each day.”
“We strongly believe that being part of a wider professional body that offers specific peer support and regular, up-to-date insight on boarding issues really helps us achieve best boarding practice and the best outcomes for our boarders.”
The BSA commented: “The BSA’s Accredited Boarding Practitioner scheme is designed to help individuals demonstrate how they are committed to boarding excellence and best practice. We are thrilled by the take-up of the programme, and are excited that Bredon School is the first of our member schools to have all full-time boarding staff accredited by the BSA. Bredon School boarding staff, led by Kelvin Summers, have shown that they are truly dedicated to giving the best possible care and support to their students.”
Bredon School’s boarding structure is rather unique as the boarding staff are a purely pastoral team and are not actively involved in the academic aspects of the school. Mr Summers believes that this is one of the reasons which sets Bredon apart. He comments: “With Bredon specialising in teaching students with dyslexia as well as other specific learning needs, we find having a purely pastoral staff team really helps the students separate school from home after a long day in the classroom.”
The school recently celebrated its Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report that judged the school as ‘Excellent’ in the quality of Pupil Achievement and Pupil Personal Development. The inspectors commented that pupils benefit from ‘the strong family atmosphere in the boarding houses’ and ‘the school’s individualised approach to learning and sensitive pastoral care.’
Bredon School has nearly 100 boarders aged from 9-18 who are looked after by house parents in a number of dedicated boarding houses on a full, weekly or flexi basis. There is no weekend school so pupils are free to join in with fun excursions and activities, sports and outdoor pursuits outside of the school week. Students at Bredon enjoy the school’s 84 acre estate, which incorporates a working school farm, allotments, climbing tower, forest school, clay pigeon shooting ground, swimming pool
