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Bristol Grammar School

United Kingdom, Bristol

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £12,870 - 22,266
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1313
Type Co-educational
Opened 1532
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP)
Taught languages French, German, Spanish, Russian, Latin
Typical class size 24
Strengths Performing Arts, Outdoor Education, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Bristol Grammar School is a private, day school in Bristol for ages 4 to 18. It delivers a British curriculum with multiple progression routes, offering Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels, as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma for Sixth Form students. The school is structured into Infants (Reception–Year 2), Juniors (Year 3–6), Seniors (Year 7–11) and Sixth Form, with around 1,300 pupils. In addition to strong specialist teaching in Russian and Latin at GCSE, the school supports pupils through a Learning Support team and a Scholars programme to extend or assist learning. Facilities are anchored by the 1532 Performing Arts Centre, opened in 2016, including the MacKinnon Theatre and Mackay recital hall, plus practice studios and a linked recording facility. Extensive sports facilities include a 5-court Sports Hall, 4 squash courts, and outdoor pitches. The school was founded in 1532, and its motto Ex Spinis Uvas reflects tradition of learning.

Bristol Grammar School, University Road, Bristol, BS8 1SR, United Kingdom

The Essentials

Bristol Grammar School has 1,313 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.

Location
The school is located at University Road, Bristol BS8 1SR. The campus comprises the Infant School, Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form.

Stages
Infant School; Junior School; Senior School; Sixth Form

Type
Private day school; Coeducational

Pupil Nationality Mix
34 nationalities; 31 languages spoken at home.

Additional learning support
One-to-one specialist support in literacy and numeracy; Learning Support across Infant, Junior and Senior School.

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.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school is a co-educational day school.

Uniform Requirement
All Senior School pupils wear the school uniform. Details of the uniform requirements for Years 7–11 are in the Senior School Information Booklet; the official supplier of uniform and games kit is Schoolblazer.

Food Options
Lunch is provided for pupils in Reception to Year 11. The Sixth Form café offers lunch options to purchase, including hot meals, sandwiches, a vegetarian option, and salads.

House System
There are six Houses; pupils join a House for the duration of the Senior School, forming a house-based community with regular activities and competitions.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a charitable foundation governed by a Board of Governors; trustees have proprietorial responsibility. It operates independently and is not part of a multi-academy trust.
Fees

Annual tuition at Bristol Grammar School ranges from GBP 12,870 to GBP 22,266 for 2026/27.

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).
Academics

Bristol Grammar School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP) for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
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.

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.

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.

Gifted and Talented
BGS runs a Scholars programme to stretch able pupils and provide opportunities beyond the standard curriculum.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Wellbeing Hub provides expert guidance on wellbeing, including parenting courses; articles, videos, and practical tools to navigate everyday challenges; and guidance on friendships, online safety, resilience, and more. It includes monthly webinars with experts to support families. Staff have access to a 10-part course to better support students' mental health and wellbeing in school, and students aged 10+ have their own access to the platform.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Support helps each child to achieve their best, whatever their individual strengths or abilities.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an additional language policy exists.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a year‑round priority; form tutors and heads of house provide wellbeing sessions and support. Partnership Talks offer expert input on mental health and online safety, and school counsellors and a school nurse provide confidential welfare support as needed.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy exists.
Parent Experience

History
Bristol Grammar School was founded by Royal Charter issued on 17 March 1532 by Henry VIII for the teaching of 'good manners and literature', and was endowed by Robert and Nicholas Thorne. The School's motto Ex Spinis Uvas translates as 'Grapes From Thorns'. It moved from its original home at St Bartholomew's Hospital to Unity Street in 1767, and then to its current site at Tyndalls Park in 1879, with major buildings including the Big School, the Great Hall and the Headmaster's House. The Preparatory School began in 1900, moved to Elton Road in 1928, was damaged in the 1940 bombing, and later redeveloped; in 2016 the 1532 Performing Arts Centre opened. Bristol Grammar School became independent in 1979, began admitting girls to the Sixth Form in 1980, and today educates around 1,300 pupils aged 4–18 across its Infants, Juniors, Seniors and Sixth Form.

Community
One of Bristol Grammar School's stated aims is to be a force for good beyond the school gates. Through partnerships with other schools and organizations, and by sharing expertise, facilities and time with others, staff and pupils contribute positively to the wider community and make a meaningful difference to the world around them. The school documents its outreach impact in an annual Impact Report. This community engagement enriches the school and supports development beyond academic learning.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Two parent associations support the BGS community. The BGS Friends I&J exists for the Infant and Junior School community and arranges social and fundraising activities, joining with the Senior School Friends to organise an annual whole‑school social event. The AGM is held at the start of the year, and the Chair can be contacted via friendsij@bgs.bristol.sch.uk with regular updates in the weekly newsletter. The BGS Friends is the Senior School Parents' Association; it brings Senior School parents, friends and family together for social occasions such as the Summer Sizzle, with profits returned as grants for a wide range of items and activities. It coordinates with the I&J group for the annual whole‑school event, with details circulated by email to the parent body at friends@bgs.bristol.sch.uk. The Parent Forum provides a two‑way dialogue between current parents and the school, established in 2012 to advise on strategic and operational matters; it meets at least once per term and minutes are available on the BGS portal. The school welcomes involvement from parents and carers in governance and events.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The 1532 Performing Arts Centre opened in September 2016, providing spaces for music, dance and drama for Bristol Grammar School and Bristol as a whole. The MacKinnon Theatre is a versatile auditorium seating 245-320 with top-of-the-range sound equipment and an LED lighting rig, and it has a foyer with a licensed bar for public performances. The Mackay recital hall seats up to 80 and is linked to a recording studio and a band practice room. The Dance Studio has floor-to-ceiling windows and a sprung floor, while the Drama Studio can be blacked out for performances or rehearsals. The Elton Road block houses music teaching and practice spaces and a drama studio, while The Mackay is used as a recital space with attached recording facilities.

Sports Facilities
Public bookings open after the school day, with extended hours at weekends and during holidays. The Sports Centre includes a five-court Sports Hall for football, futsal, basketball, netball and more, plus four glass-backed squash courts. A Fitness Suite provides cardio and strength equipment, including squat racks, a functional rig, dumbbells, treadmills, watt bikes and rowing machines. The Graveney Room is a Dance Studio with a vinyl sprung floor and a mirror wall, with the McFadyean Gallery Balcony around it. The SP24 Classroom is a 30-seat room with HDMI, suitable for events such as sports coaching courses. Two AstroTurf pitches and a new 3G pitch (constructed in 2017) supplement the outdoor facilities at Failand, with the Don Pople Pavilion completed in 2008.

Academic Facilities
The Elton Road block has been redeveloped to provide music teaching and practice spaces and a drama studio. The Mackay has become a recital space with an attached recording studio. The 1532 Performing Arts Centre opened in 2016 and provides spaces for music, dance and drama. The MacKinnon Theatre seats 245-320 and offers high-quality sound and LED lighting for performances. The Mackay functions as a recital and rehearsal space with an attached recording facility.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The 1532 Performing Arts Centre provides spaces for theatre, dance and drama, including the MacKinnon Theatre, the Mackay recital hall, a dance studio and a drama studio, and these spaces are available to hire. The theatre, dance and drama spaces are suitable for school and external events. The Sports Centre spaces are available to hire for public after-hours use, including the Sports Hall, squash courts, the Fitness Suite and related rooms. The 1532 site and facilities support clubs and enrichment activities due to their hireable spaces.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Model United Nations is a popular club for pupils from Year 9 upwards, and it fosters discussion, debate and understanding of global issues. The school has participated in the Inter-School Philosothon, with the BGS team named winner in 2017. Mock elections are run to teach electoral processes, including lunchtime hustings and discussions of voting systems, as shown by the 2024 mock election results. A pupil-led robotics project was highlighted by BBC Points West, illustrating student engagement with STEM.

Arts & Creative
The Performing Arts section notes the 1532 Performing Arts Centre, opened in 2016, with state-of-the-art facilities for drama, music and dance. The program supports creating music, drama or dance performances and developing life skills such as creativity, flexibility, commitment, empathy and resilience. The Senior School has produced productions such as Annie, highlighting active participation in performing arts.

Cultural & Language
Russian language has been offered in the Juniors. Infants and Juniors offer a broad range of clubs including choir and orchestra, contributing to cultural life. A broad mix of clubs exists in Juniors including Art, Code Club, Business Club, Chicken Club and Russian, with yoga also featured.

Social & Hobbies
Infants have co-curricular clubs including gardening, Lego, cookery, choir and Active Club. In Juniors, choices expand to Art, Business Club, Chicken Club, Code Club, Russian and yoga, alongside choir, orchestra and sports such as badminton, rugby and netball. An Activities programme provides a whole afternoon each week for new challenges and social time with pupils from across the Junior School.

Community & Service
One of Bristol Grammar School's aims is to be a force for good beyond the school gates through partnerships with other schools and organisations to contribute to the wider community. The school produces an Impact Report each year to understand and measure the impact of these activities on both the community beyond BGS and the school itself.

Leadership & Professional
Model United Nations offers leadership opportunities, with a Secretariat and regular meetings. The school has a history of participation in the Inter-School Philosothon, where teams demonstrate leadership in ethical discussion and debate; the BGS team won in 2017. The school runs mock elections to teach political processes and has hosted events like The Big Youth Vote and Bristol's Youth Council and Youth MPs; students have been involved in youth parliament activities. The MUN programme has grown with annual events such as BGSMUN, and pupils meet on Mondays for briefings and preparations.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Outdoor Education provides adventure from Forest School in Reception to mountain treks in the Sixth Form, building self-confidence, independence, leadership and teamwork while fostering environmental awareness. The program also develops communication and problem-solving skills. The Care and Wellbeing programme focuses on wellbeing with access to school counsellors and a nurse, and Partnership Talks on mental health and online safety. The School day supports family life with Breakfast Club before school and Stay & Play after school for younger pupils.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include French, German, Russian, Spanish, Ancient Greek and Latin. In Years 10–11, pupils study GCSE or IGCSE language courses and choose one language from French, German, Russian, Spanish, Ancient Greek or Latin; to select a GCSE language, pupils must have studied that language in Year 9. In Year 8, pupils may study Russian or German in place of French or Spanish. In the Sixth Form, French, German, Russian, Spanish and Classical Languages (Greek and Latin) are offered, and Russian or German may be studied in place of French or Spanish.
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.

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.

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.
School Events
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