10 Highest-Rated Secondary Schools in Bristol: Your 2025 Guide

Parents face a daunting task when selecting from Bristol’s 41 secondary schools that serve more than 30,000 students. The city offers 31 state and 8 private high schools for the 2024/25 academic year, and finding a school that matches your child’s needs takes careful thought.

Bristol’s secondary education system shows mixed results. Schools like Redland Green School stand out with their ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings and academic excellence. The city’s academic results tell an interesting story – students achieving grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs stand at 25.05%, compared to the national average of 30.84%.

This piece brings you a detailed look at Bristol’s top 10 secondary schools for 2025. St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School shines with its excellent 17:1 student-teacher ratio. Cotham School has built its name as a “diverse, busy, happy place” and excels in performing arts. 

Bristol Cathedral Choir School’s popularity speaks through its numbers – ten students compete for each available spot. Ashton Park School rounds out the options with its specialised speech and language unit.

St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School

St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School ranks among Bristol’s leading Church of England secondary schools. The school welcomes over 1,700 students between the ages of 11-18. Unlike other schools that focus on catchment areas or academic ability, this school selects students based on church attendance, how close they live to school, and whether they have siblings already attending.

St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School academic strengths

The school’s academic results put it right at the top of Bristol’s secondary schools. Students performed exceptionally well in their 2023 GCSEs. Nearly 80% earned grade 4 or above in both English and Mathematics, while 57.1% achieved grade 5 or higher in these key subjects. The school reached its best-ever Progress 8 score of +0.39.

A-level results tell a similar success story. Students earning A or A* grades rose to 26.2% in the latest results, up from 25.6% last year and 23.6% in 2019. The number of students achieving B grades or better jumped to 57.8%, showing great improvement from 54.3% in 2023 and 49.5% in 2019.

The school excels at helping disadvantaged students who achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.11, matching their previous best. Five talented students earned spots at Oxford or Cambridge Universities, and three more secured places at medical schools nationwide.

St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School Ofsted rating

The school faced a major change in January 2025. Ofsted changed their rating from ‘Outstanding’ to ‘Good’ across all five inspection areas. This was the first time since January 2012 that the school didn’t receive top marks.

The inspection report still praised many aspects of the school. Students “achieve well” thanks to high expectations and staff who know how to spot their needs. The report also highlighted the school’s “Alive” curriculum as “ambitious” and “carefully designed”.

St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School student-teacher ratio

The school has 1,759 students with room for 1,799. Students benefit from a favourable student-teacher ratio between 16:1 and 17:1. These numbers put the school in the top 20% nationwide, letting teachers give more individual attention to students.

St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School sixth form options

Redcliffe Sixth Form Centre specialises in A-level education with nearly 40 subjects to choose from. Since 2004, the sixth form has operated from its own building on Redcliff Hill. It teaches about 580 students, and roughly two-thirds are new arrivals in Year 12.

Students can pick from an impressive range of subjects that include:

• Creative Arts: Art and Design, Music, Music Technology, Photography, Theatre Studies
• Social Sciences: Economics, Law, Politics, Psychology, Sociology
• Languages: French, German, Spanish
• Technical subjects: Computer Science, Design Technology (Product Design and Textiles)

This detailed course selection helps explain why so many students go on to top universities.

Elmfield School for Deaf Children

Elmfield School for Deaf Children stands out among Bristol’s secondary schools as a special educational hub for deaf students aged 2-16. This bilingual, bi-cultural special school teaches both British Sign Language (BSL) and English. Students learn in an inclusive environment where they can excel both academically and socially.

Elmfield School for Deaf Children academic strengths

The school’s academic foundation rests on bilingualism, where BSL (the Deaf community’s language) and English (the hearing community’s language) carry equal weight. Students learn to master both languages. This approach helps them build strong personal values and self-esteem as deaf learners.

Each child follows their own learning path at Elmfield. The school puts a strong emphasis on students evaluating their own progress. They gain confidence and understand their learning journey better this way.

The school excels in several key areas:

• Visual phonics sessions for younger pupils (matching signs with letters and sounds)
• Reading and mathematics, where pupils progress faster than expected
• British Sign Language proficiency, with students reaching at least Level 2 BSL (equivalent to GCSE grade B) by Year 11

Older students who are deaf but have no other disabilities perform well in their GCSEs. Four Year 11 students recently earned over 40 GCSE or equivalent qualifications, and a quarter of these grades were A or A*.

Elmfield School for Deaf Children Ofsted rating

The school has kept its “Good” Ofsted rating, confirmed again in May 2023. This consistent quality shows in their “Good” ratings since 2006.

Inspectors highlighted the school’s success in:

• Building a supportive environment where pupils learn about their deaf identity
• Encouraging positive self-image through spoken English and BSL
• Setting high expectations for all pupils
• Building strong bonds between staff and students that create a nurturing atmosphere

Elmfield School for Deaf Children student-teacher ratio

The school’s student-teacher ratio of 3:1 is exceptional compared to other Bristol secondary schools. This small ratio lets teachers give individual attention to deaf students, especially those who need extra support.

Elmfield currently has 46 students and can take up to 55. They expect this number to reach 48 by 2025/26. The small size means each student gets personal attention and learning support.

Elmfield School for Deaf Children sixth form options

While Elmfield doesn’t have its own sixth form, it prepares students well for their next steps. All Elmfield pupils continue their education after GCSEs, compared to the national average of 89%.

After GCSEs, Elmfield students choose between:

• Further education colleges (50%)
• Other educational paths (50%)

The school is growing with £8.363 million in funding to move its secondary section to a new building. Construction should finish by late 2025, and the new school will open in 2026.

The City Academy Bristol

The City Academy Bristol sits in the heart of Easton. This mixed-gender secondary school has come a long way over the last several years. The school moved from special measures to become one of Bristol’s top performing educational institutions. It now serves nearly 1,000 students aged 11-18.

The City Academy Bristol academic strengths

Students at The City Academy excel in their core subjects. The 2024 results show that 62% of students passed Mathematics and 65% passed English. The school saw twice as many students achieving grade 7 or above in English and Maths. Grade 9s improved across all subjects.

Every year group shows strong progress, especially in English and mathematics. The school’s mathematics progress ranked among the top 20% nationally in 2018. Students can expect:

• Strong academic curriculum with specialist teaching
• Dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) team
• Special Needs Resource Base that supports students with different learning needs

Students from disadvantaged backgrounds have improved a lot. They now achieve results that match other students nationally who start from similar points.

The City Academy Bristol Ofsted rating

The school earned a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating in April 2019. This marks an impressive turnaround from January 2015, when the school was in special measures.

The inspectors praised “dynamic leadership of the principal and senior leaders”. They also highlighted the school’s “vibrant and inclusive” environment where “cultural diversity is celebrated”. The latest inspection noted:

• “Strong subject knowledge” among teachers
• “Warm, mutually respectful relationships between staff and pupils”
• “Effective safeguarding” measures throughout the school

The City Academy Bristol student-teacher ratio

The academy has 992 students enrolled against a capacity of 975. It maintains a favourable student-teacher ratio of 14:1. This setup helps teachers give more personal attention and support to students with various needs.

The school serves many families facing economic challenges. About 49.2% of pupils get free school meals, which is much higher than the national average of 13.4%.

The City Academy Bristol sixth form options

Students can choose between A-Levels and BTECs in the sixth form. The school runs a complete careers programme starting from Year 7. Universities, colleges, and local employers regularly visit to help students plan their future.

The sixth form results need improvement. The average A-Level score stands at 18.87, below the national average. However, the school helps students find their path after graduation. About 91% of leavers continue their education, matching national figures.

St Bede’s Catholic College

St Bede’s Catholic College ranks among Bristol’s top 10 secondary schools. This 9-year-old Roman Catholic academy educates 1,301 students aged 11-18 in Lawrence Weston area. Principal Mr Robert King leads this academy converter that has built a strong reputation with its distinctive Catholic ethos.

St Bede’s Catholic College academic strengths

The college’s academic achievements put it among Bristol’s finest secondary schools. Students achieve an Attainment 8 score in the nation’s top 10%. About 61% of students earn a grade 5 or higher at GCSE. Mathematics stands out as a strong subject, with a 63% pass rate putting the school in the nation’s top 22%.

Students start with 15 subjects in Year 7. The broad and ambitious curriculum helps each child reach their full potential. They focus on 12 exam subjects by Year 10. English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Sciences and Religious Studies remain core subjects throughout their education.

St Bede’s takes a different approach from many Bristol schools. The college balances academic excellence with spiritual and personal development. Their vision statement reads: “St Bede’s is a beacon of excellence in Bristol and the Clifton Diocese”.

St Bede’s Catholic College Ofsted rating

The college earned a “Good” Ofsted rating in July 2014. The leadership and management team received an “Outstanding” rating, which shows the school’s excellent governance.

A newer inspection in October 2021 by Ofsted managed to keep this positive assessment. Inspectors praised student progress specifically: “Students make good progress from high starting points, achieving above average standards in English and mathematics”.

St Bede’s Catholic College student-teacher ratio

The school enrols 1,301 students against a 1,208 capacity. St Bede’s has a favourable student-teacher ratio between 15.2:1 and 16:1. This ratio puts the school in the nation’s top 9% and allows teachers to give students more individual attention.

The school excels in staffing quality. All teachers are qualified, and there are no vacant or temporary teaching positions.

St Bede’s Catholic College sixth form options

The “Areté Sixth Form” at St Bede’s has quickly become one of Bristol’s leading post-16 providers. Students can study A-level subjects that Russell Group universities value most.

The curriculum offers 23 A-Level subjects. Students typically choose three subjects, though some exceptional students take four. Many enhance their studies with Maths Studies or the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). These additional qualifications help students stand out in university applications.

The college ranks in the lower 39% nationwide for A-level grades. All the same, the sixth form stays true to its mission of developing “active, critical and open-minded thinkers” in a distinctively Catholic setting.

Kingsweston School

Kingsweston School stands out among Bristol’s secondary schools. The school operates across four sites and provides specialised education for 4 to 19-year-old pupils with moderate or severe learning difficulties and autism spectrum disorders. Students receive a customised curriculum that matches their unique needs.

Kingsweston School academic strengths

The school shines through its three distinct curriculum pathways that match each student’s needs and abilities. Students can join either mainstream lessons or specialised learning spaces based on what works best for them.

The school excels in:

• Literacy, numeracy, and personal and social education, where pupils make good progress
• Practical independence skills are embedded throughout the curriculum
• Post-16 achievements, with many students securing employment or further education

Students do well across all pathways because teachers quickly understand their needs and interests. The curriculum gets students ready for adult life and puts special focus on independence skills.

Kingsweston School Ofsted rating

The school earned a “Good” rating in all categories during its March 2020 Ofsted inspection. They’ve managed to keep their “Good” ratings from previous inspections, too, showing consistent quality in education.

The inspectors were impressed by:

• A well-laid-out curriculum with clear pathways
• Teachers who are skilled, caring and know their pupils well
• Strong bonds between staff and pupils
• Systems that work well for managing behaviour

The inspectors did point out that the curriculum delivery could be better for secondary ASC pupils.

Kingsweston School student-teacher ratio

The school’s student-teacher ratio sits at about 6:1 or 7:1. This is a big deal as it means that the ratio is much better than the national average of 19.9:1. Teachers can give more attention to each student who needs extra support.

The school has 175 students spread across its four sites. Small class sizes mean each student gets specialised teaching that fits their needs.

Kingsweston School sixth form options

The Napier Miles site hosts most of the sixth form activities. Students can learn at City of Bristol College or stay within the provision for severe learning difficulties.

The sixth form helps students prepare for their next steps after school. The curriculum focuses on:

• Functional and creative learning experiences
• Life skills development in dedicated facilities
• Students making their own choices and decisions
• Working closely with parents/carers and support services

The results speak for themselves. All students move on to education, employment or training after leaving, beating the national average of 87.25%.

Cotham School

Cotham School stands in Bristol’s heart, providing a vibrant and diverse education to 1,642 pupils, with 426 enrolled in its sixth form programme. This non-selective academy has built a reputation that balances academic excellence with inclusivity. Local families consider it one of Bristol’s most desirable secondary schools.

Cotham School academic strengths

The school shows strong academic results across key metrics. Students performed well in 2024, with 25% achieving grades 9-7 at GCSE. Another 65% earned grades 9-4 in both mathematics and English. These results show improvement from 2023, when 21% of students reached grades 9-7.

Students benefit from a broad and ambitious curriculum that ensures smooth progression between key stages. The school uses mixed-ability classes for most subjects. Mathematics sets begin in Year 7’s second term, while English setting starts in Year 11. Students explore three languages – French, Spanish and German – during their first three years, which helps them develop linguistic skills.

Cotham School Ofsted rating

Cotham School earned its “Good” Ofsted rating in October 2023. The inspectors praised the school for:

• Creating a “calm and harmonious” environment where students feel safe
• Delivering a curriculum with “breadth and ambition”
• Nurturing “polite and friendly” students who enjoy school
• Embracing its diverse community

Jo Butler’s leadership since 2015 has helped the school adapt to major changes and meet its community’s evolving needs.

Cotham School student-teacher ratio

The school’s student-teacher ratio stands at 19.2:1, placing it among the lower 40% nationwide. Strong support staff levels balance this ratio – the school has 0.4 assistants per teacher, which rates as “excellent” compared to other schools.

The teaching team consists of 94 teachers (about 86 full-time equivalents). Every teacher holds a qualified teacher status – an “excellent” rating compared to national figures.

Cotham School sixth form options

The North Bristol Post 16 Centre emerges from a partnership between Cotham and Redland Green School. This collaboration draws students from Bristol and beyond, offering:

• A-levels
• BTECs
• Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs)
• Vocational Route Qualifications (VRQs)

The sixth form boasts impressive results. Students achieved 51% A*-B grades at A-level, while 83% earned merit or higher in BTEC qualifications. The centre’s 95% progression rate to higher education surpasses the national average of 89.5%.

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School in Whitchurch promotes faith development and academic achievement, making it one of Bristol’s notable secondary options. This 747-student Roman Catholic voluntary aided school serves students aged 11-16 and runs almost at full capacity.

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School academic strengths

Students at St Bernadette’s achieve strong academic results with an average Attainment 8 grade of 4.3 points. The school’s 2024 results show that 59% of students earned grade 4+ in English and Maths, while 32% achieved grade 5+ in these core subjects. The overall performance shows 63% of grades at 4+, 45% at 5+, and 16% at 7+.

Some standout performers include:

• Ami Chi (6 grade 9’s and 3 grade 8’s)
• Angela Thomas (7 grade 9’s, 2 grade 8’s, 2 grade 7’s)
• Marcus Lau (6 grade 9’s, 4 grade 8’s and 1 grade 6)

The school’s curriculum features traditional academic subjects and unique offerings like Enterprise and Marketing, Music, and Drama. This comprehensive approach helps graduates secure spots at prestigious institutions, including Russell Group universities.

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School Ofsted rating

The school proudly maintains its “Good” Ofsted rating, which was reaffirmed in February 2025. Previous inspections in 2018 and 2014 also resulted in “Good” ratings. The inspectors praise the school’s ability to make pupils “feel welcome and included”. They also note how students “behave well and strive to meet high expectations”.

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School student-teacher ratio

A student-teacher ratio of 17:1 allows for individual attention. The school demonstrates its commitment to serving students from various backgrounds, with 27.3% currently eligible for free school meals. The core team includes about 50 teachers (roughly 47 full-time equivalents).

St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School sixth form options

St Bernadette’s doesn’t offer a sixth form, unlike many other top Bristol secondary schools. However, the school excels at preparing students for post-16 education. Many graduates head over to study Law, Criminology, Media, Engineering, and Psychology at institutions across the UK. Several former students have earned places at prestigious institutions, including Cardiff University (Russell Group).

Bridge Learning Campus

Bridge Learning Campus provides a comprehensive all-through education model in South Bristol. Students can progress from nursery all the way to their GCSEs at age 16. The school has come a long way, moving from an “Inadequate” rating to achieving “Good” Ofsted status in every area. This makes it one of Bristol’s top secondary schools for families who want consistent educational progression.

Bridge Learning Campus academic strengths

The school’s academic performance has improved dramatically over the last several years. The 2024 Key Stage 2 results are impressive – 77% of pupils reached the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths. This is a big deal as it means that they’re performing well above the national average of 61%. Reading stands out as a particular strength in primary years, with 92% of pupils hitting the expected standard compared to 74% nationally.

GCSE results show 35% of students achieved grade 4 or better in English and Maths combined. English results were stronger at 59% grade 4+, while Mathematics sat at 38% grade 4+. The school’s curriculum sets it apart from other Bristol secondary schools. It runs seamlessly through primary and secondary years, which gives teachers more time to build students’ knowledge and confidence.

Bridge Learning Campus Ofsted rating

The school earned a “Good” rating in all five inspection areas during its October 2021 evaluation. This marks an incredible turnaround from its previous “Inadequate” grade. The inspectors were especially impressed with:

• The school’s high aspirations through the ‘BLC charter’
• A calm and settled environment with better behaviour
• The team’s dedication to improvement despite COVID-19 challenges
• Smart management of staff workload

Bridge Learning Campus student-teacher ratio

The school has 1,211 students enrolled against a capacity of 1,395. They maintain a healthy student-teacher ratio of 17:1, putting them in the better half of Bristol secondary schools. The assistant-to-teacher ratio sits at approximately 0.45, which ranks as “very high” compared to other schools.

Bridge Learning Campus sixth form options

The school doesn’t have a sixth form but prepares students well for their next steps. Most students – 86% of Year 11 – stay in education or employment for at least two terms after finishing Key Stage 4. The school launched a new Careers Zone that helps students:

• Take career-related assessments
• Browse courses and career options
• Create and build CVs
• Access local labour market information

Bristol Brunel Academy

Principal Jenny Cusack has transformed Bristol Brunel Academy in Speedwell into one of Bristol’s most improved secondary schools. This mixed-gender academy has 1,336 students aged 11-16, which exceeds its official capacity of 1,160.

Bristol Brunel Academy academic strengths

The academy’s academic performance stands out with its Progress 8 score ranking in the top 30% nationwide. Students benefit from an ambitious curriculum that reflects their community’s diversity. To name just one example, history students learn about Somali migration.

The academy has built an exceptionally strong reading culture. Students read books that introduce them to different cultures and challenge stereotypes. Students who need extra help receive targeted reading support that helps them catch up with their peers.

GCSE results highlight excellence in specific subjects:

• 40% of students achieve grades 9-7 in Biology and Chemistry
• 43% secure top grades in Religious Studies
• 33% excel in Statistics

Bristol Brunel Academy Ofsted rating

The school earned a “Good” Ofsted rating in June 2023. Inspectors highlighted several strengths:

• A calm, purposeful atmosphere throughout the school
• Respectful relationships between staff and pupils
• Strong leadership at all levels
• Effective safeguarding measures

Bristol Brunel Academy student-teacher ratio

The academy’s student-teacher ratio of 16:1 ranks in the top 16% nationwide. This ratio allows teachers to give more individual attention to their pupils.

The school’s steadfast dedication to serving various socioeconomic backgrounds shows in its student population, where 35.7% of pupils qualify for free school meals.

Bristol Brunel Academy sixth form options

The sixth form provision needs improvement. While the school has official sixth form status, an inspection report rated this provision as “Inadequate”. The average A-Level score of 21.33 points falls below the national average by a lot, and information about available courses remains limited.

Redland Green School

Redland Green School educates over 1,650 students aged 11-18 in north Bristol, building its reputation on academic excellence. The school ranks among Bristol’s top secondary schools and operates as part of the Excalibur Academies Trust under Headteacher Ben Houghton.

Redland Green School academic strengths

The school’s academic performance stands out across key metrics. Students achieve a Progress 8 score of 0.48, which puts them well above national averages. The school’s Attainment 8 score reaches 60.6, showing high standards throughout the curriculum.

GCSE results showcase the school’s strength:

• 74% of pupils achieve grade 5 or above in English and Maths GCSEs
• 89% achieve grade 4 or above in these core subjects
• 76% of students enter the English Baccalaureate
• 52% achieve the EBacc at grade 5 or above

These results place Redland Green among the top 6% nationwide for Attainment 8 scores and the top 8% for mathematics pass rates.

Redland Green School Ofsted rating

Ofsted rated Redland Green School as “Good” overall in December 2023, changing from its previous “Outstanding” rating held for eight years. The sixth form continues to hold its “Outstanding” status. The school earned praise from inspectors for its “ambitious and inclusive curriculum” where “pupils are motivated to achieve highly”.

Redland Green School student-teacher ratio

Student numbers at Redland Green show a ratio between 18:1 and 19:1, based on different sources. The school now serves 1,651 students, exceeding its official capacity of 1,485. The percentage of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 7.1%, well below national averages.

Redland Green School sixth form options

The school works together with Cotham School to create the North Bristol Post 16 Centre, offering students from Bristol and beyond extensive academic opportunities. The sixth form ranks in the top 10% nationwide for A-level value added scores. Students describe their experience as “supportive, friendly and caring”. The centre’s excellence shows in its results – 98% of pupils continue their education after GCSEs, compared to the national average of 90.53%.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

Parents face one of their biggest decisions when choosing the right secondary school for their child. This piece explores Bristol’s top 10 secondary schools that have earned a “Good” Ofsted rating. Each school brings its own unique educational approach and specialities to the table.

Bristol’s educational world shines through its variety of options. Elmfield stands out with its specialised education for deaf students and an exceptional 3:1 student-teacher ratio. 

Redland Green shows its academic strength with 74% of students achieving grade 5 or above in English and Maths GCSEs. St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School combines strong academic results with Christian values. Kingsweston School provides specialised education at multiple locations for students with learning difficulties.

The student-teacher ratios vary substantially between schools. Numbers range from Elmfield’s impressive 3:1 to Cotham School’s 19.2:1. Parents should think over the level of individual attention their child needs. Sixth form options differ too – all but one of these schools offer different paths. St Bernadette’s and Bridge Learning Campus focus on pre-16 education, while others provide specialised post-16 programmes.

Parents should look beyond just Ofsted ratings and league tables to find their child’s perfect fit. School open days are a great way to get a real feel for the atmosphere and talk directly with teachers and current students. The school’s curriculum focus, extra activities, and student support are crucial in making the right choice.

Moving to Bristol to access these excellent schools? AJM Removals Bristol offers trusted moving services that understand family needs in Bristol’s educational hotspots.

Academic success matters, but the ideal school should help your child grow personally and develop their unique talents. The best part? Bristol’s variety of schools means you’ll find the perfect place where your child can flourish both in and out of the classroom.