Top 10 Best High Schools in Bristol UK

Badminton School5
Redmaids’ High School2 5
Bristol Grammar School5
Colston’s Girls’ School2 6
Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital5
Bristol Cathedral Choir School6
Redland Green School6
St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School3
Cotham School1
Oasis Academy Brightstowe1

Badminton School

Features: Badminton School is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 3-18. It has a strong academic reputation and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school has a supportive and inclusive community and aims to empower girls to become confident and independent learners.
Qualities: Strong academic reputation, supportive and inclusive community, wide range of extracurricular activities, empowering girls to become confident and independent learners.
Contact information: Website: https://www.badmintonschool.co.uk/; Phone: +44 (0)117 905 5200; Address: Badminton School, Westbury Road, Bristol, BS9 3BA; Email: admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk.

Redmaids’ High School

Features: Redmaids’ High School is an independent day school for girls aged 4-18. It has a strong academic record and offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school has a supportive and nurturing environment and aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Qualities: Strong academic record, broad range of extracurricular activities, supportive and nurturing environment, developing well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Contact information: Website: https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/; Phone: +44 (0)117 962 2641; Address: Redmaids’ High School, Westbury Road, Bristol, BS9 3AW; Email: admissions@redmaidshigh.co.uk.

Bristol Grammar School

Features: Bristol Grammar School is an independent day school for boys and girls aged 4-18. It has a strong academic reputation and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school has a supportive and inclusive community and aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Qualities: Strong academic reputation, wide range of extracurricular activities, supportive and inclusive community, developing well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Contact information: Website: https://www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk/; Phone: +44 (0)117 973 6006; Address: University Road, Bristol, BS8 1SR; Email: admissions@bgs.bristol.sch.uk.

Colston’s Girls’ School

Features: Colston’s Girls’ School is a state-funded academy for girls aged 11-18. It has a strong academic record and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school has a supportive and inclusive community and aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Qualities: Strong academic record, range of extracurricular activities, supportive and inclusive community, developing well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Contact information: Website: https://www.colstonsgirls.org/; Phone: +44 (0)117 942 4328; Address: Cheltenham Road, Bristol, BS6 5RD; Email: info@colstonsgirls.org.

Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital

Features: Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital is an independent day school for boys aged 7-18. It has a strong academic reputation and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school has a supportive and inclusive community and aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Qualities: Strong academic reputation, range of extracurricular activities, supportive and inclusive community, developing well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Contact information: Website: https://www.qehbristol.co.uk/; Phone: +44 (0)117 930 3040; Address: Berkeley Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1JX; Email: admissions@qehbristol.co.uk.

Bristol Cathedral Choir School

Features: Bristol Cathedral Choir School is a state-funded academy for boys and girls aged 11-18. It has a strong academic record and a focus on music, with a choir that performs regularly at Bristol Cathedral. The school has a supportive and inclusive community and aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Qualities: Strong academic record, focus on music, supportive and inclusive community, developing well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Contact information: Website: https://www.bccs.bristol.sch.uk/; Phone: +44 (0)117 353 2800; Address: College Square, Bristol, BS1 5TS; Email: info@bccs.bristol.sch.uk.

Redland Green School

Features: Redland Green School is a state-funded academy for boys and girls aged 11-18. It has a strong academic record and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school has a supportive and inclusive community and aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Qualities: Strong academic record, range of extracurricular activities, supportive and inclusive community, developing well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Contact information: Website: https://www.redlandgreen.bristol.sch.uk/; Phone: +44 (0)117 353 2800; Address: Redland Court Road, Bristol, BS6 7EH; Email: info@redlandgreen.bristol.sch.uk.

St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School

Features: St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School is a state-funded academy for boys and girls aged 11-18. It has a strong academic record and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school has a supportive and inclusive community and aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Qualities: Strong academic record, range of extracurricular activities, supportive and inclusive community, developing well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Contact information: Website: https://www.smrt.bristol.sch.uk/; Phone: +44 (0)117 377 2200; Address: Somerset Square, Bristol, BS1 6RT; Email: info@smrt.bristol.sch.uk.

Cotham School

Features: Cotham School is a state-funded academy for boys and girls aged 11-18. It has a strong academic record and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school has a supportive and inclusive community and aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Qualities: Strong academic record, range of extracurricular activities, supportive and inclusive community, developing well-rounded individuals who are confident and independent.
Contact information: Website: https://www.cotham.bristol.sch.uk/; Phone: +44 (0)117 919 8000; Address: Cotham Lawn Road, Bristol, BS6 6DT; Email: info@cotham.bristol.sch.uk.

Oasis Academy Brightstowe

Features: Oasis Academy Brightstowe is a state-funded academy for boys and girls aged 11-18. It has a strong academic record and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school has a supportive and inclusive community and aims to empower students to become confident and independent learners.
Contact Information: Website: https://www.oasisacademybrightstowe.org/; Email: info@oasisbrightstowe.org; Phone: +44 (0)117 316 7330; Address: Penpole Lane, Bristol, BS11 0EB

Admission Process

Admission to high schools in Bristol is governed by the Bristol City Council. The admission process is designed to ensure a fair and transparent allocation of school places.

Parents or guardians of children who are due to start high school in the following academic year are required to apply for a school place by the deadline set by the council. Applications can be made online or by post.

The council uses a coordinated admissions scheme to allocate school places. This means that parents or guardians can list up to three preferred schools in order of preference. The council will then consider each application against the admission criteria for each school.

Admission criteria vary between schools, but they typically take into account factors such as distance from the school, siblings already attending the school, and any special educational needs or medical requirements.

Once the council has allocated school places, parents or guardians will receive a letter confirming the school their child has been allocated. If a parent or guardian is unhappy with the school allocated, they have the right to appeal the decision.

It is important for parents or guardians to carefully consider their preferred schools and to submit their application before the deadline. Late applications may not be considered, and this could result in a child being allocated a school place that is not their preferred choice.

What are the admission requirements for the top high schools in Bristol?

Admission requirements for the top high schools in Bristol vary depending on whether the school is a state-funded academy or an independent school. Here is some general information based on the search results:State-funded academies:

Admission to state-funded academies is based on the school’s admission policy, which can include criteria such as catchment area, siblings already at the school, and special educational needs.
Parents can apply for a place at a state-funded academy through the local authority’s admissions process. The deadline for applications is usually in October of the year before the child is due to start secondary school.
Some state-funded academies may require an entrance exam or interview as part of the admissions process.

Independent schools:

Admission to independent schools is based on the school’s admission policy, which can include criteria such as academic ability, extracurricular interests, and character.
Parents can apply for a place at an independent school directly to the school. The application process may include an entrance exam, interview, and/or assessment of the child’s academic ability and potential.
Independent schools may also require references from the child’s current school and/or a personal statement from the child.

Curriculum and Specializations

High schools in Bristol, UK offer a diverse range of subjects in their curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to explore their interests and passions.

The core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities, while other subjects such as Art, Music, Drama, and Physical Education are also offered.

In addition to the core subjects, high schools in Bristol offer a variety of specializations. These specializations are designed to help students develop skills and knowledge in specific areas. Some of the specializations offered include:

Languages: High schools in Bristol offer a range of languages including French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin. Students can choose to study one or more languages and can take language exams to gain qualifications.
STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) specializations are becoming increasingly popular in high schools. Students can choose to specialize in one or more of these subjects and can take exams to gain qualifications.
Creative Arts: Bristol is known for its vibrant arts scene, and high schools in the city offer specializations in Art, Music, and Drama. Students can develop their creativity and skills in these areas and can take exams to gain qualifications.
Vocational: High schools in Bristol also offer vocational specializations such as Business, Health and Social Care, and Engineering. These specializations provide students with practical skills and knowledge that can help them in their future careers.

Overall, high schools in Bristol offer a wide range of subjects and specializations, providing students with the opportunity to explore their interests and develop their skills and knowledge.

Extra-Curricular Activities

High schools in Bristol offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities to students. These activities are designed to provide students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build social connections outside of the classroom.

Sports teams are a popular choice for many students, with options including football, rugby, netball, and basketball. In addition to traditional team sports, high schools in Bristol also offer activities such as dance, yoga, and martial arts.

These activities provide students with a chance to stay active and healthy while also learning new skills.

Music and drama clubs are also available at many high schools in Bristol. These clubs provide students with opportunities to explore their creative side and develop their talents in music, theatre, and performance. Students can participate in choirs, bands, orchestras, and drama productions.

For students interested in science and technology, high schools in Bristol offer robotics clubs, coding clubs, and other STEM-related activities. These clubs give students a chance to explore their interests in science and technology and develop skills that will be useful in future careers.

Finally, community service clubs and organizations are available for students who want to make a difference in their local community. These clubs provide opportunities for students to volunteer, fundraise, and participate in community events.

Overall, high schools in Bristol offer a diverse range of extra-curricular activities that cater to a variety of interests and skill levels. Students are encouraged to get involved in these activities to enhance their high school experience and develop new skills that will benefit them in the future.

Support Services

Bristol high schools offer a range of support services to help students succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. These services are designed to provide students with the resources they need to overcome any challenges they may face during their high school years.

The support services available in Bristol high schools include:

Counselling services: Many high schools in Bristol have counselling services available to students. These services are designed to provide emotional support to students who may be struggling with personal issues. Counsellors are trained to listen and provide guidance to help students manage their emotions.
Learning support: High schools in Bristol offer learning support to students who may be struggling academically. Learning support may include one-on-one tutoring, group study sessions, and study skills workshops.
Career guidance: High schools in Bristol provide career guidance to students to help them make informed decisions about their future. Career guidance may include advice on university applications, apprenticeships, and job opportunities.
Mental health support: Mental health support is available in Bristol high schools to help students who may be struggling with mental health issues. Schools may have mental health professionals on staff or provide referrals to external services.

Overall, the support services available in Bristol high schools aim to provide students with the resources they need to succeed academically and personally.

Parent and Community Involvement

Parent and community involvement is an essential aspect of high schools in Bristol, UK. The schools recognize the importance of engaging parents and community members in the education process and have implemented various initiatives to achieve this goal.

One such initiative is the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), which is present in most high schools in Bristol. The PTA works to enhance communication between parents and teachers, organize fundraising events, and provide support to the school community.

Another way schools involve parents and the community is through volunteering opportunities. High schools in Bristol welcome volunteers to help with various school activities, such as coaching sports teams, chaperoning field trips, and assisting with school events.

In addition, schools in Bristol hold regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss students’ progress and address any concerns or questions parents may have. These conferences provide an opportunity for parents to meet with teachers and gain a better understanding of their child’s academic performance.

Overall, parent and community involvement plays a crucial role in the success of high schools in Bristol. By working together, schools, parents, and community members can create a supportive and engaging learning environment for students.

Performance and Rankings

When it comes to evaluating high schools in Bristol, performance and rankings are important factors to consider.

Parents and students want to know how well a school is doing academically, and how it compares to other schools in the area. In this section, we will take a look at some of the key performance indicators and rankings for high schools in Bristol.

Key Performance Indicators

One of the most commonly used measures of school performance is the percentage of students who achieve five or more A*-C grades at GCSE, including English and maths. This is known as the “5 A*-C including English and maths” measure, and is used by the government to assess school performance.

In Bristol, the average percentage of students achieving this measure in 2022 was 64.5%, which is slightly below the national average of 66.9%.

Another important measure is the Progress 8 score, which measures the progress that students make from the end of primary school to the end of secondary school.

The average Progress 8 score for high schools in Bristol in 2022 was -0.02, which is below the national average of 0.0. This suggests that students in Bristol are making slightly less progress than students in other parts of the country.

Rankings

There are several different rankings of high schools in Bristol, each of which uses slightly different criteria to assess school performance. One of the most well-known rankings is the school league tables published by the Department for Education.

In the 2022 league tables, the top-performing school in Bristol was Redland Green School, which achieved an Attainment 8 score of 60.8 and a Progress 8 score of 0.52.

Another ranking is the Real Schools Guide, which uses a range of different criteria to assess school performance, including exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. In the 2022 Real Schools Guide, the top-performing school in Bristol was Cotham School, which achieved an overall score of 75.2 out of 100.

Overall, while there are some high-performing schools in Bristol, there is room for improvement in terms of academic performance and progress. Parents and students should carefully consider the performance and rankings of each school when making their decision about which high school to attend.

Future Prospects

Bristol has a diverse range of high schools that offer students opportunities to pursue their interests and develop their skills. With a strong focus on academic excellence and vocational training, students are well-prepared for their future endeavors.

Academic Pathways

High schools in Bristol offer a variety of academic pathways to prepare students for higher education. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is offered at several schools, providing a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students for university studies.

The Advanced Placement (AP) program is also available at some schools, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school.

Vocational Training

In addition to academic pathways, high schools in Bristol offer vocational training programs to prepare students for careers in various industries.

These programs provide hands-on training and experience in fields such as healthcare, engineering, and construction. Students can earn industry-recognized certifications and gain valuable skills that are in high demand in the job market.

University and Career Opportunities

With its strong academic programs and vocational training, high schools in Bristol prepare students for a variety of post-secondary opportunities.

Many graduates go on to attend top universities in the UK and abroad, while others enter the workforce with the skills and experience needed to succeed in their chosen careers.

Overall, the future prospects for high school students in Bristol are bright. With a range of academic and vocational programs, students are well-prepared for their future endeavors and have many opportunities for success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bristol offers a variety of high schools that cater to different needs and preferences of students and parents. Each school has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it is important for families to carefully consider their options before making a decision.

Some schools, such as Bristol Grammar School and Clifton College, are well-known for their academic excellence and high standards of teaching. They offer a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities, and have a strong track record of sending their students to top universities.

Other schools, such as Oasis Academy Brightstowe and City Academy Bristol, focus more on vocational training and practical skills. They offer courses in areas such as engineering, healthcare, and business, and provide students with opportunities to gain work experience and industry certifications.

Overall, the high schools in Bristol provide a good education and a supportive learning environment for students. While there is always room for improvement, the schools are committed to providing the best possible education to their students, and are constantly striving to improve their programs and facilities.

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Top 10 Best High Schools in Bristol UK

Overview of Top 10 Best High Schools in Bristol UK