Bristol Grammar School vs Sidcot School

	B Bristol Grammar School Bristol, United Kingdom	S Sidcot School Bristol, United Kingdom
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year £12,870 - 22,266	Fees / year £11,610 - 56,700
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum 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 —
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 —	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	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 —	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 The school is a co-educational day school.	Boarding arrangements Boarding is available from Year 7 (Third Form) in the Senior School, continuing through Sixth Form. Full boarding, weekly boarding, and flexi (flexible) boarding are offered.
Uniform requirement	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.	Uniform requirement The uniform is staged by school section. Junior School has its own uniform guidance; Senior School has separate Trouser Clothing, Skirt Clothing, and Sportswear guides; Sixth Form is more relaxed but formal business wear is expected on Mondays.
Food options	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.	Food options The school provides varied, nutritious meals with fresh produce; vegetarian options are available; special dietary needs are accommodated; meals are served in the Refectory; boarding students receive three meals daily and have access to kitchens in the boarding houses; The Hub offers snacks and drinks.
House system	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.	House system There are four boarding houses: Newcombe House, School House Girls, Wing House, and School House Boys. Lower Sixth share with one or two students; Upper Sixth typically have their own study space or bedroom, or may share; each house has a common room and a small kitchen; three meals per day are provided in the refectory.
Governance and ownership	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.	Governance and ownership Sidcot School is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The Governors are the proprietors of the School and Trustees. The School has two wholly owned non-charitable subsidiaries, Sidcot Leisure Activities Limited and Sidcot International Limited, and a linked charitable trust, Sidcot School Trust.
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 —	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 —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning 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.	Social & emotional learning The school has a clear structure for student support and wellbeing across the whole school. Tutors deliver thorough, up-to-date PSHE sessions every week, supporting emotional literacy, resilience and social development. Zones of Regulation provides a shared language to describe feelings across the school. The school places importance on honest communication, empathy and restorative justice to support students' social and emotional development. Rose Cottage is the Wellbeing Hub offering a reflective space with access to wellbeing support, including 1:1 sessions and tailored counselling when needed, staffed by a Wellbeing Lead and the health-centre team. The wellbeing team provides crisis support and resilience workshops as part of a broad approach to mental health and wellbeing.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning Support helps each child to achieve their best, whatever their individual strengths or abilities.	Special educational needs (SEN) Sidcot is a mainstream school with a supportive environment where teaching and learning, achievements, attitudes and wellbeing matter. The Learning Support Department and SENDCo coordinate provision, with day-to-day responsibility delegated to the SENDCo in conjunction with the Learning Support team. The policy aims to make reasonable adjustments to increase access to the curriculum and environment, ensure engagement in activities, and provide provision additional to and different from the differentiated curriculum. The school caters for mild to moderate needs including dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, autism, ADHD and some emotional needs; it is not a special school and cannot support severe or complex needs or extensive personal care. Differentiation is embedded in teaching, and the SENDCo works with external agencies when needed, with EHC plans used where appropriate.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English as an additional language policy exists.	English as an additional language Sidcot is a mainstream boarding and day school with language at the centre of learning. All teachers support EAL students and aim to provide social and emotional conditions for learning that value all languages and cultures. The majority of non-native speakers receive direct in-class EAL support, with group lessons or one-to-one tuition available depending on need and often at additional cost. In Years 9–11, EAL may substitute for one MFL option; students in Years 10–11 take group EAL toward IGCSE English as a Second Language, and Years 12–13 may pursue IELTS or related pathways; one-to-one lessons are timetabled as needed. The Head of EAL timetables one-to-one lessons at the start of the Autumn Term, and external exam entries are coordinated by the Examinations officer and Head of EAL.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing The school recognises responsibilities to protect the mental health and wellbeing of students and aims to foster a culture of positive mental health and wellbeing with early intervention. The policy describes staff protocols and aims to raise awareness of mental health issues, provide guidance to staff and families, and reduce stigma through curriculum integration. The Whole School Context includes a Wellbeing Lead, a dedicated Wellbeing Hub, health-centre support, and trauma-informed PSHE and resilience programming; there are zones of regulation and school-wide mental health initiatives. PSHE programs cover health and wellbeing topics such as Healthy Body, Healthy Mind and Coping with Change. The school offers a counselling service, Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) provision, Take Ten and Talking Sticks in the Junior School, and a Health Centre to support students' mental and emotional health.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy exists.	Safeguarding The Designated Safeguarding Lead for the whole school is Mr Samuel Drew, Deputy Head (Pastoral), with Deputy Safeguarding Leads in the Senior and Junior Schools and a Digital Safety Lead; a safeguarding team provides cross-school support. The whole school staff undergo annual safeguarding training and follow a Child Protection and Safeguarding policy updated to reflect current guidance such as KCSiE; concerns are discussed in weekly safeguarding meetings and through tutor time and PSHE. When a serious safeguarding or child protection concern is raised, the DSL and safeguarding team inform relevant parties, including external agencies such as social services and the Police. Contact details for the DSL and DDSLs are published for accessibility.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview Sidcot occupies 150 acres of countryside. It has modern and inspiring facilities, including an Equine Centre, a swimming pool, and a dedicated Forest School area. The campus also features recently renovated science laboratories, a Sixth Form Centre, an Arts Centre and a Drama studio.
Sports 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.	Sports facilities Sidcot Sports Centre includes a 25m indoor swimming pool, a sports hall with sprung floor, a dance studio, and a multi-gym. There are four tennis courts and extensive playing fields. A full-size hockey all-weather pitch and a rugby/football training pitch are available. A dedicated Equestrian Centre is on site.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities Recently renovated science laboratories support STEM learning. A Sixth Form Centre provides dedicated spaces for older students. An Arts Centre and a Drama studio support creative subjects. Languages in Junior School include French, Spanish and German.
Extra curricular facilities	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 facilities Sidcot offers over 100 extracurricular activities, ranging from archery to trampolining, maths club to beekeeping. Activities run at lunchtime, after school, after tea, and into the evening, as well as at weekends. There are opportunities beyond the classroom, including field trips, gallery and museum visits, international exchanges, music tours and lectures. The Senior School includes co-curricular activities and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History Sidcot School began in 1699 when a Quaker school was opened in Sithcott by Headmaster William Jenkins. It moved briefly to nearby Yatton in the eighteenth century and reopened in 1808 in the current main building, welcoming both boys and girls and becoming one of the first co-educational schools in the UK; it was not until the late nineteenth century that pupils were taught together across the whole school. From nine pupils in 1808, Sidcot is now home to over 500 pupils, including around 160 students from over 30 countries. The 160-acre site is equipped with dedicated centres for sport, arts, media and music.
Community	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.	Community Sidcot is rooted in Quaker heritage, with truth, equality, peace and sustainability at the heart of school life. The Sidcot Learning Wheel binds the community with values such as Respect, Integrity, Resilience, Engagement and Kindness. The school is culturally diverse, with students from many nationalities and backgrounds and it celebrates a wide range of festivals and traditions. International Languages Week and a languages program in the Junior School bring languages and cultures into daily life.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association 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.	Parent teacher association Sidcot Community Parent and Teacher Association (SCPTA) supports school initiatives. A voluntary £10 donation to the SCPTA fund is added to Spring Term extras invoices to support its initiatives. SCPTA funds support a wide range of school activities and events across the curriculum, sports, arts and campus life. Volunteering is encouraged, with policies allowing parent helpers to assist with activities. SCPTA activities include events such as the Summer Festival. Details about SCPTA involvement and administration are published in Sidcot's handbooks and parent information pages.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual Sidcot offers a wide range of academic enrichment. Years 7-11 can apply for the Lead Learner Programme in up to two subjects, enabling deeper study and acting as ambassadors for their chosen subjects. Students participate in external competitions, represent their subject in the Academic Enrichment Showcase held in June, and organise events to promote their subject to the wider school community, such as International Languages Week. In the Sixth Form, students can become Subject Captains, work with subject mentors, take part in conferences and competitions, and help promote their subject through enrichment activities.
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative Sidcot Creative Arts Centre bridges traditional genres with the latest technology and state-of-the-art facilities for fine art, music, drama, sculpture, photography and digital media. The music school has a dedicated performance hall, practice rooms, a recording studio and a music technology suite. Drama provides opportunities to work on theatre, radio and film productions, with regular school performances and in-school workshops. The Arts also offer Open Studios, specialist workshops, leadership opportunities, masterclasses from visiting artists, and trips to galleries and cities such as London and New York.
Cultural & language	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.	Cultural & language International Languages Week is organised as part of the academic enrichment programme. The school runs a broad languages and cultural programme through enrichment activities and subjects, including languages-focused events. Language-related opportunities appear in the Academic Enrichment framework, with activities such as Languages Week and, for senior students, initiatives like Debating Club and Model United Nations.
Social & hobbies	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.	Social & hobbies Sidcot offers a broad menu of lunchtime and after-school clubs across the Senior School, including Mindfulness, Choir, Chess, Photography, Drama, Lego, Street Dance and Board Games. The Senior Activities list features numerous clubs and activities, from Open Art Studio to Kayaking, Choirs and Sports clubs. There are extensive indoor and outdoor options, designed to appeal to a wide range of interests and talents.
Community & service	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.	Community & service Working for the community is part of Sidcot's Quaker values, with students organising charity events for Red Nose Day, Children in Need, Macmillan and local charities. The school also has links with local community groups, charities and businesses, reflecting its community-facing ethos.
Leadership & professional	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.	Leadership & professional The Programme of Activities for Sidcot Students (PASS) is designed to develop leadership skills and to foster teamwork, wellbeing and resilience. In Years 7-11, students can join the Lead Learner Programme in up to two subjects, serving as subject ambassadors, while in Sixth Form, students can become Subject Captains, work with mentors, attend conferences and competitions, and promote their subject through enrichment activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Outdoor learning is a central feature, with many students taking part in Duke of Edinburgh's Award schemes and outdoor adventures. Junior School activities include Forest School, equestrian facilities with riding lessons, and a focus on mindfulness and wellbeing. The senior offering includes a 25-metre pool, a multi-gym and a sports hall, and mindfulness and wellness activities are integrated into the programme.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision All Sidcot students learn at least one language other than their mother tongue in Years 7–9 and can continue to GCSE level; French begins in Year 7 and students choose German or Spanish in Year 8, with GCSE, IB and A‑Level options in French, German and Spanish. The school also offers Italian and German Language A at IB, and Ab initio Spanish within the IB programme. In Junior School, French, Spanish and German are taught; Italian, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) and Russian are introduced during International Week of Languages. EAL support is provided for international students, with tailored lessons and occasional EAL-based substitution for a second language in Years 8–9.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Junior Pathway – an immersion programme for Year 9: Students whose level of English indicates they would need more than two individual lessons per week will be offered a tailored programme to support learning across the curriculum; they transfer to the mainstream year group when ready. Summer Immersion Programme (age 12-14) gives international students a taste of life as a UK boarder, with bespoke EAL support and English, Maths and other subjects taught alongside UK students.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
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.	Waitlist —
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