AN INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL, AGE RANGE 11-18, Bearwood College is set in a beautiful rural Berkshire estate at Wokingham and served by an excellent communication network. Bearwood's origins go back to 1827, its parent body being the Royal Merchant Navy School Foundation.
Every pupil is a member of one of the four Houses and is placed in the care of a housemistress/master, an assistant housemistress/master and matron. This team, together with a personal tutor, the College chaplain and the medical department is responsible for a pupil's well being throughout his or her time at Bearwood. Girls live in the specially refurbished Drake House and have their own resident tutor. All pupils have shared studies although older boys and girls enjoy individual rooms. Sixth formers have their own social centre.
Following early concentration on essential basic skills, GCSE and 'A' level courses are studied and include Art, Business Studies, Design, Media Studies, Photography and Theatre Studies. Pupils are encouraged to pursue interests in Music and Drama in our renowned Bearwood Theatre and Music School, opened by The Queen in 1991.
Progress and effort is supervised on an individual basis. A generous staff/pupil ratio ensures small classes allowing real focus on each person. Qualified tutors, in our CReSTeD approved Special Learning Support Unit, work with dyslexic pupils to develop their capabilities. International pupils are welcomed and English as a Foreign Language is taught.
Saturday is Activity Day at Bearwood. Girls and boys can enjoy a range of recreational pastimes including, tennis, sailing, golf, canoeing and horse riding. The CCF, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Bearwood Outdoor Activities Club provide additional opportunities for challenge and adventure.
The College has responded readily to the changing needs of parents, whilst ensuring that the special community atmosphere has been maintained. The value of hard work, good manners, a smart appearance and a positive attitude are seen as essential preparation for adult life.
Entry is flexible, but is normally at 11, 13 and 16. A wide range of Closed (Her Majesty's Services, British Merchant Navy Service and Old Royals) and Open Scholarships, together with discretionary Bursaries can be awarded.
