Gilbert Simmons deputises for the Head Master, and has oversight of a number of functions of the College, including communications and parents meetings.
Deputy Head Academic: Christa Clark cclark@cliftoncollege.com
Christa Clark oversees all matters relating to teaching and learning, including academic administration.
Deputy Head Pastoral: Helen Evans hevans2@cliftoncollege.com
Helen Evans oversees all matters relating to pupil welfare and discipline.
Deputy Head Co-Curriculum: Roo Hanrahan rhanrahan@cliftoncollege.com
Roo Hanrahan oversees the co-curriculum and planning for the day to day running of the school and events.
Head of Sixth Form: Mary Beever mbeever@cliftoncollege.com
Mary Beever oversees all academic and pastoral matters relating to Sixth Form, Higher Education and Careers.
Director of Admissions: Jeremy Mather jmather@cliftoncollege.com
Jeremy Mather is responsible for the admissions journey of pupils and parents from enquiry to onboarding.
Director of Safeguarding and Upper School Designated Safeguarding Lead: Rob Farrow rfarrow@cliftoncollege.com
T: +44 (0) 7562616027
Rob Farrow is responsible for overseeing the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils across the College. He is supported by a team of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSL), a senior safeguarding practitioner and safeguarding & pastoral administrator.
Our collective aim is to ensure the smooth running of the school and the welfare, happiness and fulfilment of all members of the community, both staff and pupils.
Director of Sport Stuart Loughrey sloughrey@cliftoncollege.com
Director of Music James Drinkwater jdrinkwater@cliftoncollege.com
Director of Performing Arts James Moore jmoore2@cliftoncollege.com
Where to find information
Engage
Engage is where you will find the details that we hold about you and your child(ren), policies and other documents, fee invoices, and other information.
You will also be able to see reports, grades, and teaching timetables, and have the ability to view and update pupil and parent contact details online and reset passwords.
You can access Engage at cliftoncollege.engagehosted.com. Engage is accessed by a username and password that will be sent to you by email.
Sports App
We use the Schools Sports App to provide you with information on fixtures, team sheets, directions to opposition venues and results. This can be accessed via the home page of the Clifton College website www.cliftoncollege. com or, most parents download the app onto their smart phones and devices. To do this, log on to the website www. schoolssports.com from the device you wish to load the app onto. Click ‘find your school’. Type in Clifton College, select the school then it will prompt you to save the app onto your home screen. You will be sent a password to access our information separately.
Social Media Platforms
Stay in touch with day to day news for Clifton College and engage via our range of Social platforms:
Termly Calendar
The calendar is available through the SOCS calendar at calendar.cliftoncollege.com. To keep up to date with all the events and activities you can create your own personalised calendar.
Curriculum Booklets
There are curriculum booklets for Year 9, Year 10 & 11 and Sixth Form. As your child progresses through the College you will be given copies of the relevant brochures for information. These are also available on our website.
House Handbooks
Each House has a detailed handbook. This contains information specific to each House.
@CliftonCollegeUK
@cliftoncollegeuk
The School Shop
The School Shop, also known as the ‘Grubber’, is in the middle of the College’s main buildings, near the Sports Centre and the Hammond building. A hub of activity during break times, the Shop is also a very handy place to buy all the essential items to support study and recreation.
Contact details
T: +44 (0) 117 315 7620
Merchandise
• All new school uniform for The Pre-Preparatory School, the Preparatory School and Upper School is available to purchase from the School Shop.
• Clifton sportswear and a complete range of games clothes and equipment.
• Stationery and textbooks.
• Drinks and snacks.
Opening times for parents
Term Time
8.00am to 10.00 am and then 2.00pm to 5.00pm Monday to Friday 8.00am to 2.00pm Saturday (appointments recommended)
Holidays
A service is available throughout the Summer Holidays, with the exception of the August Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday - Monday inclusive).
We strongly advise that you telephone or email in advance to make an appointment on: +44 (0) 117 315 7620 schoolshop@cliftoncollege.com
9.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm Saturday
School Uniform
Click here to view the brochure.
Term Dates
Term dates are published on the College website. We expect pupils and parents to adhere to these dates. Permission to return late or to leave early will be granted in exceptional cases only. Any request for term time leave should be submitted to the Head Master as soon as it is anticipated, and where possible at least four weeks before the absence.
MICHAELMAS TERM 2026
New pupil induction day: Monday 7 September (information will be sent via Housemasters/mistresses)
Term dates: 7:30am Tuesday 8 September – 2:30pm Thursday 10 December
Half term exeat: 5:00pm Friday 16 October – 7:30am Monday 2 November
There are two exeats this term on Saturday 26 September and Saturday 21 November. There are no academic lessons, but boarders are welcome to stay in the Houses.
LENT TERM 2027
Term dates: 7:30am Wednesday 6 January – 2:30pm Wednesday 24 March
Half term exeat: 5:00pm Friday 12 February – 7:30am Monday 22 February
There is an exeat on Saturday 30 January. There are no academic lessons, but boarders are welcome to stay in the Houses.
SUMMER TERM 2027
Term dates: 7:30am Wednesday 21 April – 2:30pm Thursday 8 July
Upper School Commem: Saturday 29 May
Half term exeat: After Commem finishes on Saturday 29 May – 7:30am Monday 7 June.
Exeats
Before term starts there is often pre-season training for major sports - please see the calendar for information.
We start the term with assemblies and tutor meetings and we end each term with House and School assemblies involving prize giving and the awarding of Colours’ Ties for sport and Head Master’s Ties for outstanding contributions to the co-curriculum.
Clifton operates a flexible policy with regard to exeat weekends, though there are some boarding activity weekends when boarders are expected to stay. Boarders may request an exeat from their HoM with at least 48 hours notice.
Permission will normally be granted provided that the HoM, having been in contact with parents, guardians or other adults as appropriate, is satisfied with the arrangements, and also that the pupil has fulfilled all his/her school commitments and is up to date with academic work. Once the pupil has obtained permission for the exeat from their HoM, this is registered with the Marshal. There are a variety of trips that happen during half term exeats and holidays, please see the calendar for more information about this.
There are forms to complete when parents are hosting other pupils during an exeat please ask the relevant HoM for information about this. Overseas pupils must have guardians in this country so that they can go to stay with the guardian during short exeats.
The First Week
The Senior Tutors lead an induction programme to help all pupils settle into the College. As the programme involves activities during the first weekend to welcome all pupils, we prefer all boarders to remain in school for the first weekend to allow them to settle in. There are also other activity weekends spread throughout the year when we ask boarders to remain.
On arrival pupils receive a booklet containing the Behaviour Policy, the weekly routine, a timetable template, teaching staff and room information and a map of the College Campus. In this booklet they will also find information about times they are allowed off campus and where they can go.
The Deputy Head Academic is available during the day before term starts to sort out any issues or changes to academic choices and to issue new timetables. New pupils will undergo screening tests to ascertain if they need extra support.
Pupils will be professionally photographed during their first few days. Copies of these photographs can be purchase from Fraser Portraits.
Boarders will need to have access to some money and their own bank account is recommended. To open an account, overseas pupils will need a letter saying they are being taught at Clifton and this can be provided by admissions or their Housemaster/ Mistress.
Pupils receive a pupil card with their photo on which gives them access to classroom areas and their House.
Pupils receive information on safeguarding procedures and are introduced to senior members of staff, the Designated Safeguarding Lead, the School Counsellor and the Marshal.
The school organises for pupils to have their registration and visa checks on site if required.
To welcome the new Year 9 there is a barbecue in the early evening on the Close with activities. To welcome the Lower 6th into the Sixth Form there is a welcome event on the first Saturday in September to help the mixing of the Houses and new and old students.
An Activity Fair is put on in the library for Year 9 & 10 pupils to help them choose their activities, and games choices are made through the Houses in consultation with the Director of Sport.
Pupils are introduced to instrumental teachers by the Director of Music in order to sign up for lessons, and auditions are held for the school productions.
All new 6th form pupils who are interested in using the gym will be invited to a gym induction in the first week of term by a member of the sports department.
The Daily Life of a Cliftonian
Weekly Routine
The weekly routine is printed in the pupil booklet, and runs on a fortnightly cycle. The formal school day starts at 8.10am each morning with registration in Houses. Pupils meet their tutors several times a week when they discuss pastoral matters, academic progress, and set targets. Co-curricular activities are carefully scheduled in a way that provides maximum opportunity for participation, whilst at the same time minimising clashes.
We like our pupils to live active and busy lives but we also recognise the value of relaxation and the need for time in which to study. Tutors and Housemasters/ mistresses help the pupils to organise their time and are always happy to discuss a pupil’s individual programme.
The Co-Curriculum
Clifton places great importance on the breadth of the co-curriculum and the opportunities that it provides; this includes a core element in which all pupils are expected to participate. Pupils are also encouraged to set up and run their own activities and societies. Details are available in the curriculum booklets; however, the content is subject to change.
Boarders, Flexi Boarders & Day Pupils
Since its foundation in 1862 Clifton has had a mix of pupils who board and those who live close enough to be day pupils.
We also offer four night weekly flexiboarding packages. Day pupils can also request to ‘flexi-board’ for the
occasional night, subject to availability and at an additional charge. At Clifton all pupils are treated as equals and they all reap the rewards of a House system which provides extensive opportunities for participation, for leadership and for learning to live in a diverse community.
Day pupils benefit from the full and active life of a boarding school, while boarders gain from the presence of boys and girls whose lives are rooted in the local community of a bustling, lively city.
Maintaining this balance between the different constituents of our community can only work if we treat all boys and girls in the same way. This is why we have one set of rules that applies to both boarders and day pupils.
Pastoral Care
Clifton is proud of its reputation as a school with excellent pastoral care. The key to our success in this most important of areas lies in the strong House system within which each pupil is cared for in a close-knit community that provides friendship, security and a sense of identity. The Housemasters/mistresses (HoMs) are at the heart of this system, and it is the HoM who is usually the first point of contact for any parent or pupil who needs help or advice.
Each HoM is supported by a team of House Staff. This includes an Assistant Housemaster/mistress and a House matron. Every pupil has a personal tutor who works closely with the HoM and keeps an eye on the progress and welfare of the pupils in his/her care as well as their academic progress. Sixth Form tutors work with their tutees directing them towards their future applications. Pupils also have access to counsellors in the Wellbeing Centre and an independent person, as well as the College Chaplain and Rabbi.
The school’s responsibility begins from the moment a pupil arrives on the College campus, following the opening of the Houses, having returned from a holiday break or exeat. Parents or the appropriate legal guardian are responsible for the pupil for all travel between home and the College, unless the pupil is on an authorised College trip. House Staff are available for pupil supervision during the working day and at weekends according to a published rota.
Health & Wellbeing
The Health Centre is situated within the school campus and is run by a team of qualified nurses. The Health Centre is open from 7.30am until 6.30pm Monday to Saturday. Outside these hours we have residential nurses who are always available for advice or visits. During the course of the day the Health Centre offers immediate care to day pupils who have become unwell or been injured. The College employs sports rehabilitators who are available to support all pupils.
The medical team believes in an holistic approach to health care and are interested in every aspect of the pupils’ wellbeing They run a completely confidential service and encourage all pupils to go and see them whatever their worries. Pupils also have access to the school’s counselling service, which includes either speaking to one of our student wellbeing team or a counsellor, as well as an independent person.
We also believe in partnership in care and encourage enquiries from parents or guardians who may have concerns. In
order to help the service run effectively parents are asked to inform the school of any existing medical conditions or mental health issues, before arrival at the school, using the medical forms that are contained within the joining documentation.
Surgery
The College Health Centre works closely with a local National Health Service medical practice. The surgery is independent of the College, but both male and female Doctors hold a surgery in the Health Centre on four mornings a week. The practice has responsibility for the health care of the boarders, undertaking chronic illness clinics, immunisations, sports injuries, pastoral support and health promotion.
Meals
It is a school rule that all boarders attend three meals a day. If your son/daughter has any special dietary requirements or food allergies please let the Housemaster/ mistress know who will inform the Catering Manager.
The School Rules
School Rules are embedded in the Behaviour Policy and are based upon a Code of Conduct that aims to create an atmosphere and environment in which individuals thrive and feel secure. The Rules amplify and support this code by giving examples of courteous and considerate behaviour and by listing actions which violate it. The Behaviour Policy, including the School Rules, are printed for pupils in the pupil booklet. Policies are reviewed regularly and updated versions are available on the College website.
Rewards and Sanctions
The School’s Rewards and Sanctions Policy is published on the College website. You will see that we take a strict line with bullying, alcohol & drug abuse and smoking/vaping and we trust that you will support us in this stance. Our aim is to help young people to develop their own moral code, self-discipline and resilience that will serve them well throughout their life.
Positive behaviour brings its own rewards in the quality of life and relationships that pupils build among themselves and with staff. Rewards for diligence in academic work include good effort grades and reports, praise points and end-of term effort prizes. School prizes also reward academic achievement. Excellence in the co-curriculum is rewarded by praise points and prizes and by the award of colours and Head Master’s ties. Praise points accumulate throughout the year and result in postcards home and tokens to spend in the school shop and cafes. The reward for honesty, loyalty and service is the bestowing of trust and positions of responsibility. Sanctions are imposed to protect our communal life and to make it clear that certain actions are unacceptable. We always try to be clear and fair and to explain the reasons for any punishments given so that those involved can reflect upon their actions and understand what is expected.
Relationships
Clifton is a co-educational institution where integration between boys and girls in the classroom and in cocurricular activities is both expected and encouraged. We set out guidelines in the school rules to inform all on what is considered to be acceptable behaviour.
Uniform, hair and jewellery
Uniform and clothing, hair and jewellery regulations are detailed in the Upper School Uniform List and the School Rules. We ask parents to support us in maintaining appropriate standards of pupils’ personal appearance.
Money and other possessions
We expect pupils to take good care of their possessions; all articles should be named and pupils should resist any temptation to bring more personal belongings to school than they really need. Unmarked valuables found on the campus will be taken to the Marshal; other articles of lost property are sometimes retained at the Porters’ Lodge and marked property is then returned to Houses. Years 9, 10 and 11 will ensure they have an appropriate school bag to help keep their possessions safe and available for classes. There is normally no need for pupils to carry more than £5 in cash and it is never sensible to leave money in any insecure place. Each pupil has a lockable drawer or safe and lockable cash boxes can be ordered from the School Shop, any large amounts of money should be kept in bank accounts. The removal or borrowing of school or personal property without permission for any length of time constitutes an act of theft, and will be dealt with seriously. Please note however that the School Insurance does not cover personal property, so anything of value must be privately insured. Boarding Houses are let during the holidays so property cannot be left in rooms after the end of term.
Electrical equipment
It is good practice that personal electrical equipment should be PAT certified. The College runs a programme of PAT testing equipment and devices.
Computer use
Pupils in Years 9, 10 and 11 obtain Chromebooks from the College IT Department: More details on this scheme are provided to parents before term starts. Sixth Form students must bring their own device, either purchased themselves or through Easy4U, the College’s provider of pupil devices. The school has ICT facilities in all the academic departments, libraries and the houses. If parents provide their son or daughter with a mobile device which does not require school WiFi to access the internet then they as parents have responsibility for monitoring the content. All devices which use the College WiFi will be monitored by the College. All pupils sign the School’s Electronic Device Acceptable Use Agreement, agreeing to comply with the School’s ICT rules.
Mobile phones
Pupils with a mobile phone at school should give the number to their Housemaster/mistress.
All pupils hand them in during the working part of the day. We have a mobile phone usage policy which is there to encourage pupils to interact with each other face-to-face in the “real world”, to foster a healthy use of technology. Phones are encouraged to be used in an appropriate way and pupils must not engage in inappropriate communications with other pupils, members of the school community, or individuals outside the school.
Parties and supper parties
Experience tells us that parties organised during term-time can be disruptive to a sensible working routine and can lead to pupils getting themselves into trouble. Before permission can be given for such an event, we ask parents of all pupils (day and boarding) who wish to organise a party or a supper party involving Clifton pupils, to contact the HoM and Deputy Head (Pastoral) well in advance providing the relevant details as laid out in our Parties Policy.
Cars, mopeds, motorcycles, escooters, ebikes and bicycles
Strict regulations apply to pupils who wish to drive cars, motorcycles or mopeds to school. Permission from the Deputy Head Pastoral is required to drive a car; the Housemaster/mistress should be consulted and a form can be obtained from the Marshal, which must be signed by parents, HoMs and the Deputy Head Pastoral. There is also the added complication of parking restrictions which are in place around the College which require a permit to park for more than 5 hours Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. Bicycles may not be ridden in the school precinct other than on public roads. Further details are contained in the School Rules.
Academic Support
Academic Support
New pupils will undergo literacy screening tests to ascertain if they need extra support. Academic departments run clinics regularly during the week to support pupils with their work or to help make up for missed lessons. Support with English for pupils for whom it is their second language is available, as is learning support.
Prep/Homework
Prep is always posted on Google Classroom so that pupils can access instructions and resources from multiple devices and locations.
Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Year 13
Three 30 minute preps are set a night from Monday to Friday.
Parents Meetings
Three 40 minute preps are set a night from Monday to Friday.
Three 40 minute preps are set a night from Monday to Friday.
Sixth Form students are expected to work for a minimum of approximately 12 hours per week outside the classroom.
Parent Meetings for Year 12 and 13 tend to happen in the Michaelmas Term, Years 9, 11 and 12 in the Lent Term, and Year 10 in the Summer Term. These meetings are usually scheduled to happen soon after Assessment Weeks and to coincide with decision-making over subject choices where appropriate. Other parent events include talks and option fairs that help inform parents about the next academic steps for students. We are currently consulting on the balance of online and onsite events.
Reports and Grades
Reports and grades are available for parents to view on the Engage Portal according to the schedule in the school calendar. New pupils have a short report written for them at half term in the Michaelmas Term. Subject reports are not usually written when parent meetings have been recently held, but in general parents will always receive co-curricular, tutor, and Housemaster/ mistress reports every term.
Sport
Sport at Clifton
Clifton College has a long and proud sporting tradition, which began with the first Head Master, John Percival, who believed all should be involved in physical activity. These days, Clifton still operates a policy of ‘Performance and Participation for All’, and the range of sport offered is outstanding, both in its breadth and excellence of instruction.
The College’s impressive sports facilities total 90 acres, providing pupils with outstanding indoor and outdoor sports provisions. Our facilities include a water based hockey pitch and 3G artificial pitch, accompanied by a range of traditional courts including rackets and Real Tennis. Our state-of-the-art Chellaram Sports Complex at our Beggar’s Bush site opened in September 2024, housing an eight court hall for netball, tennis, basketball and badminton amongst other sports, as well as a 60m2 indoor bouldering wall.
Many sports and matches take place at our site at Beggar’s Bush across the Suspension Bridge. Please see the Sports App for information about matches. (See page 6 for more information). Parents are welcome to watch all matches at School or at Beggar’s Bush. Please note no dogs are allowed.
Sports Options in the Upper School
Sports Performance Programme
The sports performance programme supports and develops aspiring athletes, who are combining sporting and academic excellence whilst at the College. The programme provides a pathway to support aspirational and gifted pupils on their sporting journey from the initial discovery of athletic potential to its realisation. Staggered over the pupils’ school life, from Year 9-13, the programme is tiered, providing the appropriate levels of support at each stage.
The programme adopts a holistic approach that focuses on the pupil’s physical, emotional and mental development. Each pupil on the programme has access to a qualified strength and conditioning coach and sports specific mentor, should they wish. The programme aims to support each athlete individually, nurture and help realise their potential. It is open to all pupils in The College and membership is based on a number of factors, including individual potential, coach-ability and drive.
Activities
Terriers is an activity programme on Monday afternoons. Pupils rotate through a carousel of activities focused on outdoor adventure. This culminates in the Terriers Formal Dinner in Big School in the Summer Term.
In the Summer Term, after exams, Year 9 go away on an activity trip.
Pupils opt for the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) for 2 years, which has an Army, Navy and Air Force Section and involves compulsory Field Days and Camps or the Year 10 Outdoor Pursuit Programme which also involves compulsory Field Days. This takes place on Monday afternoons.
Pupils continue in the CCF sections or move from the Year 10 Programme into the Year 11 Enrichment Programme which involves teams of pupils learning about business and raising money for charity. This takes place on Monday afternoons and culminates in a presentation evening which parents are invited to attend.
Other Activities
At least one extra activity of their choice outside of the core programme. Individual music lessons are available in school during the school day and can be booked through the Director of Music.
At least one extra activity of their choice outside the core programme.
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze is available as is Ten Tors (35 mile challenge - one team of six selected after rigorous training) to those who choose to get involved.
Individual music lessons are available in school during the school day and can be booked through the Director of Music.
At least one extra activity of their choice outside the core programme.
Careers events are run throughout the year. Individual music lessons are available in school during the school day and can be booked through the Director of Music.
Pupils can choose to continue in the CCF on Monday afternoons or join one of the many enrichment activities on offer. There is also the opportunity for pupils to undertake volunteering work as part of the Clifton in the Community programme. The Personal Sports Programme (PSP) may also be available to pupils performing at the highest levels.
Pupils continue with what they did in Year 12.
Year 13 Year 13
Each week a timetabled lesson is dedicated to the ‘Clifton Futures’ programme, which is designed to help prepare Sixth Form pupils for life after school.
This programme combines lectures, taught PSHE material, higher education and careers guidance, and the development of life skills. In the final week of the Summer Term all Year 12 student undertake a work experience placement.
All 6th Form students are required to participate in one or more activities or societies, outside of the core programme. Pupils are able to get involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award as well as the Ten Tors challenge.
Higher education and careers events are run throughout the year, and all L6th are offered the opportunity for a 1:1 careers guidance meeting.
Sixth Form students wishing to undertake work experience during the school term may do so on Thursday afternoons, alongside or in addition to sport.
Individual music lessons are available during the school day in a student’s study periods and can be booked through the Director of Music.
Activites run in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms only for Year 13.
Events
House Events
Michaelmas Term
House Song – The whole House combines to compete in an Inter-House competition singing in unison in Chapel on the night before half term.
Part Song – A small select group from each House sings in an Inter-House competition. Parents are invited to watch part song, with priority given to the parents of those performing.
House Senior and Junior Debating (runs throughout the year).
House Art – Each House puts on a display of Art from across the House. This is open to parents to view in the Art Department after the Advent Carol Service.
House Supper – A supper to celebrate Christmas, involving all pupils and House staff.
Lent Term
House Play Festival – Each House is invited to stage a short, fringe-style production in the Redgrave Theatre, adjudicated by a visiting panel. Parents are welcome to attend. Tickets are available through the Houses
The Pens – a whole-school cross-country race at Ashton Court.
Safari Supper around the Houses for Year 9 pupils.
Summer Term
House Instrumental – A small internal competition involving instrumental groups.
House Dance Competition (Friday evening before Commem.). Parents are welcome to attend.
Houses compete in tennis and the Clifton Chase. There are also Darts and General Knowledge competitions.
Public Reading – A small competition in which pupils read an unseen and a passage of their choice in the Percival Library. Parents are welcome to attend.
All Terms
House Performance Platforms on Thursday mornings and some evenings, allowing pupils to perform informally and individually to their Houses. Parents are welcome to attend.
House Performance/music evenings put on throughout the year in the House or Music School. Parents are welcome to attend.
House Sport – Pupils compete for their House in a wide variety of sports, e.g. rugby, hockey, waterpolo, mixed rounders and netball, or darts!
School Events
Michaelmas Term
School Musical (Parents can purchase tickets through the Redgrave Theatre box office).
The Autumn Concert in Big School featuring a variety of musical groups and ensembles plus the orchestra.
Black History Month and Open Music in the Crypt. Acoustic night and open mic night.
Christmas Concert in the Chapel.
Year 9 are offered the chance to attend an event in the Percival Library for Halloween.
Sixth Form Open Event
Lent Term
Joseph Cooper Concert featuring a variety of groups and ensembles. (Parents can purchase tickets through the St George’s box office).
Joint Choirs Concert (Prep and Upper School in the Chapel).
Band Night (in the Redgrave).
Acoustic Guitar and Jazz Night (in the JCR).
Cabaret Night (a Musical Theatre showcase evening).
Parents are welcome to attend.
Parents are welcome to attend.
Choral Congers (a chance for pupils to gather with a band to sing a variety of genres).
Model United Nations
L6th Form Higher Education Information Morning & Higher Education Fair
Summer Term
Drama Showcase (Parents can purchase tickets through the Tobacco Factory box office).
Year 9, 10 and 12 pupils’ Drama Production. (All parents can purchase tickets through the Redgrave Theatre box office.)
Junior and Senior Kadoorie Cup music competition for individual instrumental and singing performances. Parents are welcome to attend.
Arts Evening on the same evening as the Summer Serenade Concert. Parents are welcome to attend.
Commemoration Concert in the Chapel. For ticket holders only (Leavers’ parents).
Throughout the year there are:
Sporting Fixtures. Parents are welcome to come and support teams at school or at BB. Please see the Sports App for information on matches.
Performing Arts. A Performing Arts Events Brochure is produced each term where all Performing Arts events are detailed. There is a wide variety of concerts and showcase performances ranging from large scale choral extravaganzas to individual recitals and small scale sharings.
LAMDA is available to all pupils and gives excellent training in public speaking and performance and results in qualifications which can contribute to UCAS points.
There are also Author visits, organised by the Percival librarians, PSHE lectures for pupils and parents and other visiting speakers
Faith and Spirituality
At Clifton College faith and spirituality is valued. We have an Anglican priest as our Chaplain who has the lead responsibility for promoting and supporting the spiritual wellbeing of the whole community and providing opportunities for spiritual development. Alongside the Chaplain we have a Jewish Life Coordinator and Rabbi who supports our Jewish community. The Chaplain offers pastoral care to all staff and students; irrespective of their faith and beliefs. They have responsibility for the Multi-faith prayer room which is available to everyone and will help any member of the college to connect with a local worshipping community of any faith. The Chaplain can provide pupils from all religious faiths with any objects, symbols or texts that they need to support their worship.
During each term there are particular services which are compulsory for all pupils, known as Starred Services. Parents are welcome to join the Clifton Community for some of these services. Please note that due to high demand there are some occasions and special services at which we have to give priority to certain groups of parents as indicated below.
Please note that due to high demand there are some occasions and special services at which we have to give priority to certain groups of parents namely:
Michaelmas Term
Remembrance Day (Priority to U6th and Forces parents)
Carol Service (Compulsory for all pupils; ticketed event for parents).
In the Michaelmas Term we hold an Advent Carol Service by candlelight on the Sunday evening before the Carol Service. (This is a Cross-College event and all parents are welcome to attend).
Jewish Worship
Lent Term
Holocaust Memorial Day (The day of this service varies; for pupils only)
Lent Service
Summer Term
Commemoration Day Service (This is a ticketed event for parents of leavers only).
Cross-College Parents’ Prayer Group
This group meets weekly on a Saturday morning at 32 College Road at 8:15am. Please contact The Chaplain (chaplain@cliftoncollege.com) for more information.
The Chaplain can provide pupils from other religious faiths any equipment that they need to aid their worship.
Clifton College has a synagogue at the heart of its Campus, where Jewish students come together on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays for prayers in place of Chapel. The synagogue is also used to host Friday Night Suppers, as well as occasional services for special occasions, like Bnei Mitzvah celebrations. All pupils with Jewish heritage are welcome, irrespective of religious observance and a Masorti (traditional) and egalitarian approach is adopted for both worship and education. Bristol’s Orthodox synagogue is within walking distance of Clifton College and students can be accompanied to attend services there on Shabbat or for festivals if they fall during term time and the students choose not to attend lessons on those days. Alternatively, students can attend services at the Liberal synagogue which is a short drive from the College campus.
Commemoration Weekend
A large number of parents attend our annual Commemoration celebrations which take place at the end of the first half of the Summer Term. The programme of events usually includes an orchestral concert in the Chapel, Inter-House Dance competition and Soul Band in the marquee on Friday evening followed on the Saturday by a Chapel service (a ticketed event for parents of leavers only), for all parents prize giving and speeches are in the marquee, followed by drinks in the Houses - on the Close if the sun is shining - and lunch back in the marquee. In the afternoon there is a chance to look at exhibitions and activities around the College as well as enjoy a 20:20 cricket match on the Close. Parents will be given advance notice of all the scheduled events. There is also a Ball run by the school to which parents, staff and Upper Sixth Form pupils are all invited.
Glossary of Clifton Terms
Armoury
The storeroom and administrative centre for CCF.
BB Abbreviation for Beggar’s Bush, a 90-acre site on the far side of the River Avon with playing fields, all weather surfaces and pavilions.
Big School (BSK) The school dining hall, where all meals are eaten. Lunch is compulsory for day pupils and breakfast lunch and supper for boarders.
Callover Registration in the Houses.
CCF The Combined Cadet Force, which is divided into three sections: Army, Navy and Air Force.
Commem
The annual celebration of the Commemoration of the Benefactors of the College Chapel, held at the beginning of half-term in the Summer Term. Speeches and prizes in a marque, with exhibitions around the School.
Congers Congregational hymn practice in the Chapel on Saturday mornings.
Dyffryn A former school in the Brecon Beacons, used by the School for outdoor pursuits.
Exeats Weekend leave of absence from School.
Grubber The School Shop.
HoM & Asst HoM Abbreviation of Housemaster/mistress and Assistant Housemaster/mistress
HoD Abbreviation of Head of Department
JCR Junior Common Room in the Crypt for Sixth Form where they can relax, eat lunch and purchase snacks.
Languages Café At break all pupils can purchase snacks and drinks from the Languages Café which is situated in the Modern Languages building 4/5 Worcester Road and Sixth Form can eat lunch there.
Marshal The Marshal is responsible to the Head Master and the Senior Leadership Team for the general discipline of the School, the detention system, the bounds and the absentee system; he works closely with the Deputy Head (Pastoral).
Praepostors School Prefects.
Starred Sunday Services when Chapel is compulsory have a star against them in the Calendar; hence the name Starred Sunday.
SCR The Senior Common Room for staff.
Teams in sport Some boys’ teams still use Senior Colts (U16), Junior Colts (U15) and Yearlings (U14) for particular year groups.
The San The Health and Wellbeing Centre was formerly known as the Sanatorium.
