Bristol Grammar School and Sidcot School are both in Bristol, about 22 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels and IB programmes. Bristol Grammar School also offers British, and Sidcot School also offers BTEC Qualification. Published annual fees are £12,870 - 22,266 at Bristol Grammar School and £11,610 - 56,700 at Sidcot School, which puts Sidcot School roughly 94% higher. Bristol Grammar School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Sidcot School from 3 to 18. Bristol Grammar School is the larger school, with around 1,313 pupils to Sidcot School's 616.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP)
Curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification, IB (DP)
Pupils
Pupils
1,313
Pupils
616
Typical class size
Typical class size
24
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1532
Opened
1699
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The school is located at University Road, Bristol BS8 1SR. The campus comprises the Infant School, Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form.
Location
Oakridge Lane, Winscombe, North Somerset, BS25 1PD, England. The campus sits on a 150‑acre rural site in the Mendip Hills, with Bristol, Bath and London within easy reach. It is located on the A38, just south of Bristol International Airport, and is accessible via the M4/M5 networks.
Stages
Stages
Infant School; Junior School; Senior School; Sixth Form
Stages
Junior School (Pre‑School to Year 6, ages 3–11) and Senior School (Year 7 to Year 11) with Sixth Form (Year 12–13).
School type
School type
Private day school; Coeducational
School type
Independent, co‑ed, day and boarding school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
34 nationalities; 31 languages spoken at home.
Pupil nationality mix
Around 30 nationalities are represented in the international community.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
One-to-one specialist support in literacy and numeracy; Learning Support across Infant, Junior and Senior School.
Additional learning support
Learning Support is available; EAL support is provided and specialist tuition can be arranged.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Quaker
School day structure
School day structure
Infant School day starts at 8:30am; Breakfast Club runs 7:45am–8:00am; lunch is 11:45am–12:40pm; afternoon lessons run 12:45pm–3:15pm for Reception and 3:30pm for Years 1–2, with Stay & Play after-school care 3:45pm–5:45pm. Senior School day starts at 8:30am, with breakfast 7:45am–8:20am, five lessons and the day ends at 3:50pm, with the Library open until 6:00pm for study and after-school clubs.
School day structure
Pre‑School morning 08:45–11:45; afternoon 12:45–15:45. Breakfast Club 07:45–08:30. After School Care offered with the first hour free until 16:30 and charges from 16:30–18:00. Senior Day includes supper if staying after school for activities and prep.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
The School operates 13 minibus routes across Bristol and Somerset; Year 3 and above may use the school buses, and junior pupils are escorted by bus drivers on arrival. Full bus routes and details are published; spaces are limited and interest should be registered with the school bus team.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Registration and application fees
- Registration fee (payable at application): GBP 50 (inclusive of VAT at 20%).
Tuition fees (per term and per year by year group)
- Infant School - Reception: GBP 4,290 per term — GBP 12,870 per year (three terms). - Years 1 and 2: GBP 4,692 per term — GBP 14,076 per year (three terms). - These figures are inclusive of VAT at 20%. Lunch for Reception–Year 11 is included in the figures (see Lunch).
- Junior School - Years 3–6: GBP 5,052 per term — GBP 15,156 per year (three terms). - These figures are inclusive of VAT at 20% and include the stated provision of exercise books and (from Year 3) iPad/tablet loan.
- Senior School & Sixth Form - Years 7–11: GBP 7,422 per term — GBP 22,266 per year (three terms). - Sixth Form: GBP 7,422 per term — GBP 22,266 per year (three terms). - A 5% discount applies for a second or subsequent sibling attending the Infant, Junior, Senior or Sixth Form; the discount appears on the older sibling's account. These fees are inclusive of VAT at 20%.
What the tuition includes and specific consumable charges
- Included in the tuition: cost of exercise books, learning resource/textbook loan and (from Year 3 upwards) iPad/tablet loan. Lunch for Reception–Year 11 is included in the figures; the lunch charge is GBP 300 per term (this lunch charge is exempt from VAT and has been incorporated into the termly figures above).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The School charges an annual fee but, for convenience, one third of the annual fee is payable by the first day of each term (three term payments per year). - Payment can be made by direct bank transfer or by termly direct debit. - Monthly payment is available via the School Fee Plan (a facility provided by Premium Credit Limited); a fee is payable for using this facility. - Parents may opt to pay the single termly fee payment by Direct Debit to the School with no interest charge. - An Advance Fee Payment Scheme is available (advance payments covering at least one academic year attract a small discount). Further administrative details are handled by the School Finance Office.
Deposits and refunds
- Acceptance Deposit: GBP 300 payable when accepting an offer of a place in any year group. This deposit is exempt from VAT and is refunded, without interest and less any outstanding charges, shortly after a pupil leaves the School.
Additional charges and regular extras
- Head's Fund contribution (termly): Infant and Junior School: GBP 2.00; Senior School and Sixth Form: GBP 4.00. This subsidises trips and pupil-related activities. - Students' Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (compulsory): GBP 4.60 per term. - Parents' Association membership: GBP 1.00 added to the termly bill as a voluntary contribution. - Mobile-phone management (Years 7–11): if a pupil brings a phone they must use a Yondr pouch issued by the School; a surcharge of GBP 25 is added to the bill for the following term when pouches are issued. Exemption passes are provided for pupils who do not bring a phone. - Public examination charges: examination fees for public exams are added to the Summer term bill in the year the pupil takes them; an additional 12% charge is applied to cover external independent invigilator costs. - Wrap-around care: Breakfast Club is free in term time (from 7:45am); Infant breakfast provision is free. Infant and Junior after‑school care is available and charged per session (there is an annual registration fee per family plus a per-session charge, which is added to the termly bill). Specific session rates are added to the termly account when booked.
Uniform and related costs
- Uniform is required for Infant, Junior and Senior pupils. The School's official supplier is Schoolblazer; families receive full uniform requirements in their joiner's information pack. Costs for uniform items are set by the supplier and are not listed here.
Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable. Bristol Grammar School operates as a day school and does not provide boarding accommodation.
Refund and charge notes (summary)
- The Acceptance Deposit (GBP 300) is refunded without interest and less any outstanding charges shortly after a pupil leaves the School. - Public examination charges, Yondr pouch surcharge, wrap-around session charges, insurance, Head's Fund and voluntary Parents' Association contributions are billed termly in addition to tuition where applicable; outstanding sums may be deducted from deposits on departure.
Accepted payment mechanisms
- Direct bank transfer. - Termly direct debit (including the option to set Direct Debit for a single termly payment with no interest). - Monthly payment via the School Fee Plan (Premium Credit Limited) — a fee is charged for this facility. - Advance Fee Payment Scheme (advance payment for at least one academic year available with a small discount).
Fee details
Application, registration and deposits
- Registration (application) fee: £200 (Junior School and Pre‑School registration fee: £105). All registration fees are non‑refundable. - Deposit to accept a place: - Pre‑School, Junior and Senior day places: £1,000 (non‑refundable if a child leaves before the end of Reception). - International boarding places: £5,000 to secure a place (or £1,000 where the student is staying for one term). - Deposits are in addition to the termly fee and are refunded when the student finally leaves the school, once all fees and extras have been settled (subject to the non‑refund condition above).
Tuition fees — termly and annual (2026/27 academic year)
Note: the school publishes separate boarding rates for UK/Non‑Visa and Non‑UK/Child‑Visa students where indicated; some Sixth Form rates show a lower figure in brackets which reflects a loyalty discount for students who took the two‑year GCSE course at Sidcot and continue into Sixth Form. The figures below are inclusive of VAT and exclude lunch unless otherwise stated.
- Pre‑School (per day session): Total £70 per day broken down as: - 08:45–11:45: £33.00 - Lunch: £4.00 - 12:45–15:45: £33.00.
- Junior School (Reception to Year 6): - Reception to Year 2: £3,870 per term — £11,610 per year. - Year 3 to Year 4: £4,870 per term — £14,610 per year. - Year 5 to Year 6: £5,920 per term — £17,760 per year.
- Senior School (Day fees): - Year 7 to Year 9 (day): £8,170 per term — £24,510 per year. - Year 10 to Year 11 (day): £8,480 per term — £25,440 per year.
- Senior School (Boarding fees — termly and annual): - Year 7 to Year 9 (UK / Non‑Visa): £14,390 per term — £43,170 per year. - Year 7 to Year 9 (Non‑UK / Child‑Visa): £14,800 per term — £44,400 per year. - Pre‑GCSE Pathway (Year 8–9) (UK / Non‑Visa): £16,350 per term — £49,050 per year. - Pre‑GCSE Pathway (Year 8–9) (Non‑UK / Child‑Visa): £16,740 per term — £50,220 per year. - Year 10 to Year 11 (UK / Non‑Visa): £15,660 per term — £46,980 per year. - Year 10 to Year 11 (Non‑UK / Child‑Visa): £16,070 per term — £48,210 per year. - Year 11 Pathway (UK / Non‑Visa): £18,510 per term — £55,530 per year. - Year 11 Pathway (Non‑UK / Child‑Visa): £18,900 per term — £56,700 per year.
- Sixth Form (Years 12 & 13): - Day (termly): £9,010 per term (bracketed figure £8,480 indicates the loyalty discounted rate where applicable) — annual: £27,030 (bracket £25,440). - Boarding (termly): UK / Non‑Visa students: £17,260 per term — annual £51,780. Non‑UK / Child‑Visa students: £17,680 per term — annual £53,040. (Bracketed lower boarding figures shown in the fee sheet reflect the loyalty discount where applicable).
Meals, wraparound care and small routine charges
- Lunch is charged separately at £252 per term (Junior, Senior and Boarding arrangements list lunch as excluded from the standard fee and charged per term). - After School Care (Junior School): free for the first hour until 16:30; thereafter charged at £2.60 per half hour until 18:00. Supper in the Refectory is available at £2.60. Breakfast Club costs £3.90 per session (07:45–08:30). - Parental permission is sought for any trip or activity that incurs a charge of more than £25; smaller trip charges may be applied as invoiced extras.
Additional charges and optional services
- Specialist tuition (music, drama, sports, EAL, learning support): individual lesson rate £47.00 per 50‑minute lesson; group lesson rate £27.00 per hour (or per group session as shown). Charges for lessons are billed in arrears; missed lessons not notified will not be rescheduled. - Flexi boarding: £64 per night (flexi/weekly boarding options are available subject to availability). Full boarding includes laundry, healthcare and most extracurricular activities; lunch remains charged separately. - Examination charges: external exam board charges are passed to parents and billed as incurred; International Baccalaureate examination charges are approximately £750. University application fees are passed on where the school pays them on behalf of the student. - A voluntary £10 donation to the Sidcot Community Parent and Teacher Association (SCPTA) is added to the Spring Term Extras invoice each year.
Discounts, notice and refund conditions
- Sibling discount: 10% discount applied where a family has one full fee‑paying sibling; the discount is deducted from the lowest fee at that time. - Loyalty discount: where a pupil has taken the two‑year GCSE course at Sidcot and continues into Sixth Form, the Year 10/11 rate may continue to apply (the fee sheet shows the discounted figures in brackets where this applies). - Notice and refunds: - A full term's written notice, or a term's fee in lieu, is required before removal of a student other than at the end of the Upper Sixth Form year. - No reduction in fees can be made for absence through illness. Insurance that covers fees is available to parents who wish to protect themselves against this eventuality. - Deposits are refunded when the student finally leaves the school once all fees and extras have been settled, except where the deposit is stated as non‑refundable (for example if a child leaves before the end of Reception). Registration fees are non‑refundable.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The annual fee is split into three equal payments (one per term). Termly payments are payable one month in advance of the first day of each term. A full term's notice in writing, or a term's payment in lieu, is required for withdrawal except at the end of Upper Sixth. - Monthly direct debit option: UK bank account holders may elect to pay by 10 monthly instalments by direct debit. Direct debit payments start on 1 August and continue on the first of each month until 1 May. The direct debit application deadline is 30 June; extras are invoiced separately and are payable in full. - Overdue accounts: interest or a charge for debt collection may be added to overdue accounts. Acceptance of a place carries parental responsibility for payment of school fees for the period the student remains at the school (unless another party accepts that responsibility in writing).
Fee payment methods and bank details
- Payment methods accepted and options referenced in the fee documents include: - Direct debit (monthly instalments for UK bank account holders), - Debit card payments, - Bank transfer (school bank details are provided in writing to parents and may be used for fee payments). Extras are invoiced separately from any direct debit arrangement. The school will notify in writing if bank details change. For administration or to set up direct debit the school's fees office should be contacted as indicated in the fee documents.
Key practical points for parents
- Lunch is charged per term at £252 and is not included in the standard day or boarding termly tuition fee. After‑school care and breakfast carry small per‑session charges as above. Flexi boarding is priced per night. Specialist lessons, exam charges and certain trips are invoiced as extras. All of the above are itemised in termly extras invoices.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Infant School (Reception–Year 2), Junior School (Years 3–6), Senior School (Years 7–11) and Sixth Form form the structure of Bristol Grammar School's learning. The school offers 25 GCSEs, including Russian and Latin, taught by specialist teachers. The Sixth Form provides around 30 A level subjects with elective courses. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma). A Learning Support team and a thriving Scholars programme support pupils to fulfil their potential, whether through extra help or extension work.
Curriculum details
The Junior School curriculum includes the formal requirements of the National Curriculum and a broad programme of enrichment activities. It is SATs-free; statutory SATS tests are not used. Reception to Year 6 learn French with specialist teachers, and Junior School pupils study three languages in total: French, Spanish and German, with additional introductions to Italian, Chinese and Russian during the International Week of Languages. ICT is used as a cross-curricular tool and there is a Forest School and environmental learning on Sidcot's campus. The Foundation Stage (Nursery to Reception) forms the start of the curriculum and emphasises early reading, writing and numeracy within the EYFS framework. The Junior School curriculum is designed to develop literacy, numeracy, information and communication technology, and creative and citizenship education, in line with Sidcot's values.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Sidcot maintains small class sizes with a strong emphasis on personalised teaching and small staff-to-pupil ratios.
Exam results
Exam results
GCSE results for 2025 show total entries of 1330. A Level results for 2025 show total entries of 428. IB Diploma results for 2025 show final totals across students, with some scores reaching 43 out of 45.
Exam results
GCSE results for 2025 show 29% of grades were A* to A and 89% were A* to C; 72% of grades were grade 5 and above. Year 13 results for 2025 across GCSE, A Levels, BTEC and IB were A*-A 31.5%, A*-B 54.6% and A*-C 75%; 100% of the IB Diploma was passed and the top IB score was 43/45. One student was accepted at the University of Cambridge and 21% of leavers joined international universities, with 95% heading to UK institutions and 49% to Russell Group universities.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The Sixth Form provides Future Pathways to help plan next steps after Bristol Grammar School. The majority of our students go on to university, with additional support available for Gap years, apprenticeships or the world of work. The Future Pathways team, along with events and alumni networks, helps students explore and prepare for their next steps beyond BGS.
Higher education progression
Leavers' destinations for 2025 show 95% secured a place at UK institutions, with 49% choosing Russell Group universities and 21% studying at international universities. Destinations include a wide range of universities in the UK and abroad, such as Bath Spa University, Cardiff University, Loughborough University, University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, University of York and the University of Amsterdam, among others. One student was accepted at Cambridge, illustrating the breadth of pathways pursued by Sidcot graduates.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
BGS runs a Scholars programme to stretch able pupils and provide opportunities beyond the standard curriculum.
Gifted and talented
The Gifted and Talented programme selects students who excel academically in particular subjects and provides differentiated in-lesson work, enrichment tasks, and leadership opportunities in lessons. The school also offers tailored Scholarships with enrichment activities and specialist support in the awarded subject.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. The main entry to the Senior School is Year 7 in the Autumn term. Entry to other year groups may be possible if spaces are available. Prospective families register interest with the Admissions Office, request a prospectus online, or book a visit to Bristol Grammar School.
2. Assessment schedule: Year 7 entry assessments take place on a choice of two Saturdays in January ahead of joining in September. Assessments for entry to Years 8–10 are held on one Saturday in January. Ad hoc assessments can be arranged for late applicants, subject to the availability of places.
3. Year 7 entry examinations (2026): The entrance examinations consist of four components: a 45-minute Creative Writing paper, a 20-minute Comprehension paper, a 30-minute Problem-solving paper, and a 20-minute Arithmetic paper. A sample of each paper is sent to applicants toward the end of the Autumn term; late applicants receive the samples with their application acknowledgement. For preparation, CGP 11+ Maths and CGP 11+ English materials are suggested.
4. All Year 7 candidates are invited to a meeting with a member of staff to discuss hobbies, interests, and school work. Details of the appointment are sent following the Year 7 application.
5. Years 8–10 entry: Year 8 assessments include English and Mathematics and a Modern Language (French, German, Spanish or Russian). Year 9 and 10 assessments cover English, Mathematics, Science, and a Modern Language. Entry is dependent on space; ad hoc assessments can be arranged for late applicants; contact the Admissions team for up-to-date information.
6. If spaces are not currently available in the desired year-group, an application can be held on a waiting list. Should a vacancy arise, families on the waiting list are contacted with a test date. The place is awarded on merit.
7. As part of the entry process for all year-groups, a reference or recent school report from the current school is considered alongside the examinations.
8. Scholarships are available for entry to Senior School and Sixth Form. Pupils awarded a BGS Scholarship receive an annual grant to support development in their award area and join the Scholars Programme. The Scholars Programme offers opportunities designed to stretch and challenge scholars. Details are published on the Fees and Bursaries and Scholarships pages.
Admissions
1. The school invites prospective parents to contact the Admissions Team to ask questions and arrange a visit. The team welcomes inquiries and will guide applicants through the application process. A visit provides an opportunity to see the campus and meet staff and pupils. 2. The school does not use Common Entrance Examinations to admit pupils. From Year 7 upwards, applicants sit a Maths and English assessment to gauge current ability; these assessments are not pass or fail. The results help determine suitability for admission and inform the next steps in the process. 3. International applicants follow a slightly different process. An assessment in English and Maths is required before joining the school. An international agent may register interest with the Admissions Team, and reports from the pupil's most recent school are used to inform decisions. 4. Most pupils join at the start of the school year in September. The school can admit pupils throughout the year if there are places available in the relevant year group. 5. After assessment, offers are made where appropriate. Families complete the admissions process before joining the School, following the Joining Information guidance on next steps for enrollment.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for entry to Senior School and Sixth Form. Pupils awarded a BGS Scholarship receive an annual grant to support development in their award area and join the Scholars Programme. The Scholars Programme offers opportunities designed to stretch and challenge scholars. Details are published on the Fees and Bursaries and Scholarships pages.
Scholarships
Sidcot Scholarships are available for new students and entitle recipients to a 10% reduction in tuition fees. Scholarship students engage in tailored enrichment activities and receive extra support in their awarded subject, with staff who are experts in their field supporting their development. Scholarship students are ambassadors of Sidcot who share enthusiasm for their subject and encourage fellow pupils to participate. For September 2027, Scholarship applications are invited; deadlines are 15 October 2026 for Sixth Form entrants (Year 12) and 7 December 2026 for Senior School entrants (Years 7, 9 and 10).
Waitlist
Waitlist
When spaces are not available in the desired year-group, applications can be held on a waiting list. If a vacancy arises, families on the waiting list are contacted with a test date. The place is awarded on merit.
