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What it's like

Founded in 1590, it is a Blue Coat school along the lines of Christ's Hospital. Since 1847, it has occupied its present urban site, near the university and city centre. The buildings are imposing and very well equipped, including a theatre, technology department and a new sixth form centre. A junior school opened in 2007, taking boys from age 7. There is regular Christian worship. It is socially comprehensive while being academically selective. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. Generous endowment and scholarships permit support of many pupils. Very strong drama, music and art. Strong on games, and plentiful activities. Widespread commitment to local community schemes and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. It enjoys vigorous local support. Full use is made of the cultural amenities of the city.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 620 boys. Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Bristol area entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs grade B (usually grade A in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 50% at 11. Some 15% from own junior, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Junior (rising to 30% as school expands); other feeder schools include Clifton High, The Downs, Torwood House, Cleve House, Fairfield PNEU, Elmlea Junior, Henleaze, Westbury Park.

Scholarships & bursaries

Some 25 pa scholarships, value up to 25% fees: 22 academic and 3 music. Many school assisted places based on financial need. Parents not expected to pay for academically-related trips nor to buy textbooks; extras include music tuition and lunch.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Stephen Holliday, in post since 2000. Educated at Cambridge University (history). Previously Deputy Head at Queen Elizabeth's, Blackburn, Head of History at Giggleswick, and taught at Dean Close. Teaching staff: 57 full time, 17 part time. Annual turnover 8%. Average age 36.

Exam results

GCSE: On average, 84 pupils in Year 11, 99% passing at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 70 in upper sixth, 11% passing in 4+ subjects, 90% in 3 subjects, with an average final points score of 357.

Pupils' destinations

95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (40% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 30% in science and engineering, 5% in law, 45% in humanities and social sciences, 5% in art and design, 5% in vocational subjects eg pharmacy. Others typically go on to technical courses in drama or art foundation courses.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 18 GCSE and 23 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (wide range), 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 23% take science A-levels; 23% arts/humanities; 54% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges. French assistants teach in school. Sixth form successful in European Youth Parliament. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 70 computers for pupil use (7 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Over 35% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 9 musical groups including choir, orchestra, jazz band, wind band, brass, strings, woodwind groups. Drama: Drama offered; GCSE and A-level may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 24 take GCSE, 8 A-level. Design, ceramics also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, cricket compulsory (first 2 years). Optional: swimming, athletics, tennis, soccer, badminton, squash. GCSE and A-level PE offered. Regular county and regional representatives at rugby and cricket. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award and take part in Ten Tors competition, national debating and public speaking. Community service optional. Some 30 clubs, including archery, computer, Scrabble, fencing, war games.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn, modified in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy, head of house and house prefects - some elected, some appointed. Religion: Christian. Morning assembly. Social: Drama and music (choral and orchestral) with three local girls' schools; debates and public speaking (ESU and Bristol Rotary Club). Organised trips to France (French and history), Germany (German and rugby), Estonia (debating), winter ski trip, visits to Europe, USA, Australia and Africa. Meals self-service. Breakfast club.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a reprimand or detention. Problems in first instance are dealt with by tutors and year heads.

Association of former pupils

is run by John Dunster, c/o the school

Former pupils

William Friese-Greene (pioneer of motion pictures); Hugo Weaving (actor); Jonathon Pearce, Simon Mann (sports commentators); Martin Bright (political journalist), Mike Smith (MD Columbia Records), Jack Cuthbert (rugby player), Ashley Pharoah (co-creator, Life on Mars)