Meet The Pupils Leading Bredon School

Charles Phillip & Rhiannon Kenna

As Head of Corps in the school Combined Cadet Force (CCF), Charles Phillip understands the value of leadership. ‘It’s important to set an example to younger years,’ he says, pleased that this is something he does as Head Boy as well. Charles, 17, lives in Devon and came to Bredon in Year 10 to take advantage of its specialist dyslexic support. He’s now looking forward to taking A-levels in History, Geography and Sports Science, hoping a place at the University of Reading to read International Relations will follow. ‘The level of support you get here is unparalleled,’ he says. ‘I was struggling academically before I came here – but Bredon is giving me a chance to reach my full potential. It’s not just about exams, the teachers support you through the whole process of school.’ 

Charles Phillip & Rhiannon Kenna (Photographed by Hester Marriott)

Bredon specialises in helping children, aged eight to 18 – with dyslexia. The school prides itself on small class sizes, a nurturing supportive environment, based around the individual offering enriching dynamic opportunities; the  Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) judged it ‘Excellent’ for both academic achievement and all-round personal development. Facilities including a fully operational School Farm, Forest School, shooting range and miles of cycle tracks all available to pupils.

When not at his books, Charles is keen on outdoor activities and taking advantage of those extensive school grounds (84 acres); kayaking and climbing get a special mention. His friends are ‘really international,’ he adds, and the school is small so the community is tight knit. A special memory Charles will treasure is laying a wreath at the Menin Gate Memorial on a school trip to the WWI battlefields in Belgium last year.

For Rhiannon Kenna, Bredon has offered her the chance to gain confidence academically while also indulging her passion for animals and farming to the max. The 17-year old from an RAF family in Reading is taking qualifications in Art, Agriculture and Animal Care. Like Charles, she came to Bredon having struggled for dyslexia support elsewhere, and like him, she appreciates the uniquely warm atmosphere. ‘I wanted to be Head Girl,’ says Rhiannon, ‘because I wanted to make sure everyone gets heard and seen, even the youngest.’ 

In particular, the school, housed in a stunning mansion called Pull Court with history dating back to Tudor times, has offered Rhiannon the chance not just to follow equestrian pursuits but also during lower sixth, she was able to keep her own horse, Kitty, at the school, riding her to the Sixth Form Ball. ‘It was great,’ she says, ‘I could ride her in free periods; it made for a very tranquil environment.’ 

Rhiannon admits she will struggle to leave school – but has two cousins and a sister still there so will be back to visit. Her special memory came during lambing last year when she ended up taking an unwanted triplet lamb home. ‘We do hands-on learning here,’ Rhiannon says, ‘it’s amazing.’