In a remarkable demonstration of Bradfield College’s commitment to global partnerships, Headmaster Dr Chris Stevenshas completed the Tata Mumbai Marathon, raising nearly £10,000 to support transformational educational opportunities. This significant fundraising effort will enable young people from India’s OSCAR Foundation to experience life at Bradfield, participating in both academic and co-curricular activities alongside the College’s pupils.
From Pre-Dawn Darkness to Mumbai Heat: A Marathon Journey
The challenge began in the pre-dawn quiet of Mumbai, with Stevens joining hundreds of determined runners at 5:00am for the start of the 26.2-mile course. As the sun rose over India’s most populous city, temperatures climbed steadily, eventually rising above 30C. Despite the challenging conditions, Stevens maintained his pace to complete the marathon in 4 hours and 58 minutes, securing an impressive 180th place among 470 competitors in his age category.
“It proved a marathon of two halves,” Stevens recalls, describing the contrasting conditions that tested every runner’s resolve. “The first running in the dark with a breeze for 2 hours, then the second of nearly 3 hours in the light and heat with lots of cramping. I even wondered if I would finish at one point, but the crowds and the cause saw me through.” Throughout the route, local supporters lined the streets, providing encouragement and musical accompaniment, creating an atmosphere that helped carry runners toward their goal.
A Decade of Leadership Culminates in Global Initiative
As Stevens approaches the conclusion of his ten-year tenure as Headmaster, this marathon represents more than personal achievement—it embodies his commitment to fostering international understanding. Before his departure this summer to pursue new challenges, this fundraising effort demonstrates his continuing dedication to building bridges between communities.
Legacy of Educational Vision
Throughout his leadership, Stevens has championed what he terms “education for life,” a philosophy that transcends traditional academic achievements to encompass global awareness and character development. “We very authentically say this is about helping young people to grow up in every sense: knowledge and virtue; neither’s optional,” Stevens explains, reflecting the College’s commitment to holistic education.
Building International Understanding
The marathon effort aligns perfectly with Stevens’ vision of educational partnership that transcends traditional boundaries. His participation demonstrates how personal commitment can strengthen international connections while supporting educational goals that benefit both communities.
From Mumbai to Berkshire: A Partnership’s Evolution
The relationship between Bradfield College and the OSCAR Foundation has grown significantly over recent years, marked by several milestone visits arranged through Oscar International that have enriched both communities:
2018: Breaking New Ground
Fifteen Mumbai girls from the ‘Kick Like A Girl’ football programme visited Bradfield, marking the beginning of a transformative partnership.
2019: Expanding Horizons
An under 17 boys’ team experienced life at the College, further strengthening the bonds between the two institutions.
2023: Recognition at the Highest Levels
A mixed OSCAR touring team achieved remarkable recognition, meeting Oscar International Patron, HRH the Duchess of Edinburgh. The visit culminated in a historic trip to 10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister, highlighting the significance of this international partnership.
Inspiration from India’s Educational Pioneers
Stevens’ decision to undertake the marathon challenge emerged from his early 2024 visit to the OSCAR Foundation in Mumbai. “I was both humbled and energised by what the team has achieved; their positivity and enthusiasm were infectious,” he shares. The vibrant spirit of Mumbai and the Foundation’s work left such an impression that, “in a moment of nostalgia (and utter madness),” Stevens embraced the OSCAR team’s encouragement to represent both institutions as a marathon runner.
Personal Connection to Purpose
This visit provided Stevens with firsthand insight into the Foundation’s vital work, strengthening his resolve to support their mission. The decision to run the marathon came through direct encouragement from the OSCAR team, with Stevens proudly representing both the College and the Foundation throughout his training and the event itself.
Bradfield Community Unites in Support
The College’s commitment to this partnership extends throughout the community, demonstrating how international engagement can unite pupils, staff, and supporters in a common cause.
House-Led Fundraising Initiatives
Each boarding house will organize activities leading up to the summer visit, showcasing the College’s collective support for international engagement. These initiatives provide opportunities for pupils to take leadership roles in supporting global partnerships.
175th Anniversary Connection
In a meaningful conjunction of heritage and future vision, the College’s 175th anniversary clothing line, designed by a sixth form pupil, incorporates charitable giving with £2 from each purchase supporting the OSCAR Foundation partnership. This creative approach to fundraising exemplifies how Bradfield integrates charitable support with celebration of its own history.
Building Bridges Through Education
The partnership exemplifies what Stevens describes as “true partnership, where children engage with other young people and learn from each other in the moment.” This approach creates meaningful connections that benefit pupils from both communities, fostering understanding and personal growth.
Mutual Learning and Growth
These exchanges provide opportunities for pupils from both institutions to develop broader perspectives and understanding. The partnership demonstrates how educational institutions can create meaningful impact beyond their traditional boundaries.
Transforming Lives Beyond Borders
The impact of the fundraising extends far beyond the immediate visit. Contributions will support OSCAR’s Community Learning Centres, which provide educational opportunities and hope to over 10,000 Indian children, empowering them to become agents of change within their communities.
Sustainable Impact
The support for Community Learning Centres ensures that the partnership’s benefits extend beyond individual visits, creating lasting positive change in communities across India.
Summer 2025: Continuing the Journey
The successful marathon fundraising sets the stage for OSCAR Foundation’s fourth visit to Bradfield this summer. Participants will immerse themselves in College life, engaging in both academic and co-curricular activities alongside Bradfield pupils.
Comprehensive Experience
Visitors will experience the full range of life at Bradfield, from academic studies to sports and cultural activities, fostering deep understanding and lasting connections.
Community Recognition and Support
Both Stevens and the OSCAR International team have expressed profound gratitude to the numerous sponsors supporting this initiative. The generous response reflects widespread recognition of the partnership’s transformative potential and the importance of international educational collaboration.
A Legacy of Global Engagement
This marathon effort represents more than personal achievement; it embodies Bradfield College’s commitment to meaningful international partnerships. Through individual determination, community support, and shared vision, the collaboration between Bradfield College and the OSCAR Foundation continues to create life-changing opportunities for young people across continents.
Future Vision and Continued Growth
As preparations continue for the summer visit, this successful fundraising initiative ensures that the partnership between Bradfield College and the OSCAR Foundation will continue to flourish. The marathon symbolizes the dedication required to maintain and strengthen international educational connections that benefit communities both in the UK and India.
Sustainable Partnership
The relationship between Bradfield and the OSCAR Foundation serves as a model for how educational institutions can create meaningful, lasting impact through international collaboration.
Measuring Success Through Impact
The success of this initiative will be measured not just in funds raised or miles run, but in the lives touched and perspectives broadened through this continuing partnership. As both institutions look to the future, the foundations laid through efforts like Stevens’ marathon run ensure that the benefits of this collaboration will continue to grow and evolve.
Legacy for the Future
As Bradfield College celebrates its 175th anniversary, this partnership demonstrates how traditional institutions can embrace global engagement while maintaining their core values and mission. The marathon effort stands as a testament to the power of personal commitment in fostering international understanding and educational opportunity.
