Clifton High School Senior School Prospectus 2025-2026
SENIOR SCHOOL
Year 7 - 11
Pupils are very confident individuals and take risks in their work without fear of being judged. This is very much part of the school’s culture. This confidence is underpinned by the positive relationships between pupils and teachers and a well-developed system of pastoral support.
ISI Report, 2023 “
MR WILL PHELAN, HEAD
Clifton High School is more than an education; it is a place for children to belong and a defining chapter in their lives that helps develop personal growth, identity and confidence. Our holistic approach is paramount in the ethos of our School, where the value we place on children’s wellbeing reflects overall happiness. Happy, engaged and motivated children excel.
As an all-through, co-educational independent day School in the heart of Bristol, we consider ourselves to be ‘One School. One Education. One Community’. We are large enough to compete in the marketplace, yet we are small enough to genuinely care and know every pupil. Our culture is one that relies on a shared partnership with families which, we believe, not only helps us to evolve as a School but also enables children to feel supported in what they achieve both within and beyond the classroom.
In the Senior School, pupils thrive, whether it be in academia, on the sports field or through creative endeavours. Our academic results consistently show the very highest value is added, reflecting the talent and commitment of our teaching staff as they nurture and guide children to have ambition in achieving personal goals. What matters most to us, as educators, is that pupils’ attitudes towards learning is recognised and children are applauded to reach their own standards, not those of others. Core academic subject lessons are complemented by an extensive sporting and co-curricular programme, instilling a sense of purpose for children as well as embedding key skills. They have a myriad of opportunities through clubs and societies, further education, careers and vocational pursuits. Brillance lies within every individual, and we are here to help pupils discover theirs.
Founded in 1877,
educating young people for their world. We maintain the traditional values of teaching whilst ensuring that children move forward with optimism and ambition in their modern world. We are a School that has learnt from the past, focuses on the present and looks to the future with a clear vision that keeps ‘education’ at the heart of who we are and all we do. As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2027, we continue to draw upon this experience, investing back into education and our facilities; most especially our science provision for younger pupils and a commitment to our on-going bursary programme that supports any child, whatever their financial circumstances, to be educated at our School.
As Head of Clifton High School, I wear the traditions of our symbolic Rose with honour to help impart, alongside my colleagues, the true values of Curiosity, Empathy, Love and Direction - qualities that have stood the test of time and remain pillars of our School community. They encourage children to be of a curious mind, show themselves the empathy and love they also extend to others and follow a path that guides them with a focused direction to reach key milestones in every part of their School journey.
I invite you to visit us and very much look forward to introducing you to Clifton High School and what we may offer your family in support of your child’s secondary school education.
Welcome to our beautiful School.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Will Phelan, Head
OUR HOLISTIC EDUCATION
Our Aim
Clifton High School aims to realise the Individual Brilliance of each and every child. We believe that the most authentic way to achieve this is by offering a well rounded, bespoke education, delivered by staff who grow to recognise each child’s gifts to offer them unique opportunities to shine.
Our Values
CURIOSITY
The bedrock of curiosity is embedded into the Clifton High School learning structure for our younger children to be informed individuals. They develop the ability and knowledge to apply the art of questioning and debating to build confidence in themselves as they explore the development of new and independent ideas.
EMPATHY
Clifton High School’s renowned pastoral system is one that is at the forefront of wellbeing. They learn to consider alternative perspectives and, based on kindness, are encouraged to form strong relationships with one another and the natural world.
School Life
LOVE
The value of love is weaved into all elements of learning at Clifton High School; a love for oneself, others and the environment help children to realise how the emotion can impact us all in positive ways. Relationships are enhanced, personal wellbeing is prioritised and working towards the preservation of our planet for future generations are lessons constantly celebrated.
DIRECTION
Clifton High School’s bespoke curriculum provides children with an education that supports direction in School and life in the wider world. It is integral in motivating learning whereby pupils are guided to reach for and accomplish personal goals and whilst we hold their hand, they achieve with purpose and ambition on their own.
It is an important part of being an all-through School that all our pupils, from the youngest to the oldest, and their families, are engaged in School life beyond the classroom. Annual events including Christmas celebrations, performances, assemblies, prizegivings and concerts provide a vibrant social scene that everyone looks forward to being involved in.
TEACHING & LEARNING
Learning at Clifton High School
Clifton High School is an academically selective school with a well respected, holistic approach to learning. Our pupil body are intelligent, capable and creative individuals who learn the art of working collaboratively and independently to achieve excellent results. They feel a natural sense of progression as they transition through our Senior School to become confident learners. Small class sizes encourage an exceptional level of support and are the basis for an individualised educational experience that enhances our stimulating curriculum. This is based upon additional learning opportunities such as national and international trips, excellent teacher resources and individually allocated iPads. All elements collectively add value inside and outside the classroom.
Diamond Edge Model
In Years 7 to 9 pupils embark upon a fresh educational chapter, discovering new potential possibilities through the inclusion of extensive co-curricular activity options. The Diamond Edge Model of Education is a method operated in Years 7 to 9, whereby pupils are taught in single sex groups for Mathematics, English and the Sciences. They benefit from a co-educational structure in all other lessons and social settings and since the model was introduced, pupils have achieved more equally and success is clearly demonstrated in our excellent academic outcomes.
We also believe that the true indicator of our pupils’ success lies in the value added: the measure of a pupil’s progress since they joined Clifton High School. With this, we pride ourselves on the consistently high academic progress that every pupil enjoys, with a focus on meeting and exceeding baseline grade predictions in every subject.
GCSEs
As Year 10 and 11 pupils study towards their GCSE examinations, they are afforded greater responsibility of learning to take ownership of their individual choices. Pupils are recommended to select nine GCSE subjects, as well as take advantage of our extensive Co-Curricular Programme which adds to our offering a well-balanced education.
In 2025, over 77% of all grades awarded at GCSE were at level 9 to 6. Furthermore, 96% of all grades were level 9 to 4 and given the array of subjects studied, these remarkable results are significantly above the national averages of 67.4%.
OUR HOLISTIC OFFERING
Culture & Pastoral Care
At the heart of Clifton High School’s culture is a true sense of belonging and respect for our community. We see a strong desire from our Senior School pupils to engage with and enhance the wider world. Their charitable and proactive attitudes towards change and charitable giving are reflected in either group fundraising drives or individual action; each supporting a range of worthwhile causes that include climate change, social and economic justice. The positive impact these endeavours have on others, internally and externally, is a distinct quality of a Clifton High School pupil.
Safeguarding is paramount to the education of all our pupils as we build upon and continue to develop an outstanding and well-considered pastoral care system. We are fortunate to have compassionate staff and committed parent bodies that recognise this has a significant impact on and integral role in a pupil’s wellbeing and overall personal development.
At Clifton High School, we arrange pupils into co-educational forms of no more than twenty pupils, with two dedicated form tutors, who also act as 1:1 personal tutors. Each year group has a Head of Year and all Senior School pupils are closely supported by the Deputy Head - Pastoral, dedicated wellbeing staff members who include the School Nurses, Mental Health Lead, and a Wellbeing Counsellor all of whom provide additional pupilcentric care. Their collective roles secure the bridge between our academic and pastoral systems to maintain a community in which pupils feel individually recognised, supported and championed.
We actively encourage open-ended communications so that our assemblies, timetabled lessons and co-curricular clubs are spaces where social issues are discussed and respectfully explored. A diverse range of Health and Wellbeing lessons encourage pupils to recognise how best to tend to their own needs as well as those of others.
Our Families
We are strong advocates of a three-way partnership between pupils, the School and parents; always encouraging open lines of communication and offering termly Parents’ Evenings alongside full and interim reports. Furthermore, throughout pupils’ educational journeys at Clifton High School we encourage our families to be engaged in all aspects of School life which may include Christmas celebrations, Sports Days, Performances, Prizegivings, Concerts and School events that populate our vibrant social calendar.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Co-Curricular & Societies
Personal development is part of an education at Clifton High School with our Co-Curricular Programme forming an essential component of School life. To provide a positively enriching experience for all pupils, our co-curricular offerings embrace a holistic approach to education. Over one hundered and fifty thoughtfully curated clubs cater to a diverse Senior School audience. They are categorised as Skills Development, Academic Progress and Individual Brilliance with each sphere serving to broaden horizons, encourage new and personal interests and passions as well as sharpen essential skills. Clubs include Debating Society, French Film, Coding, Oracy, Fantasy Football, Model Airfix, Eco, School Newspaper, Pilates, Water Polo, Duke of Edinburgh Award and many more.
Music & Performances
Collectively, many of our pupils, staff and community member’s passion for the arts contribute to the range of musical, dramatic and creative clubs we offer including Music Tech, Music Theory and Composition, Cantata, String Group, Hip Hop Dance and the School Production. United in their commitment, collaboration and skills required for an array of performances, these culminate in our termly Lunchtime Concerts, Annual Spring Concert and School Production. In Year 7, the Power of Performance Programme enables all pupils to experience and participate in an element of performance that builds confidence whilst developing a highly sought after skill that will
serve them, no matter what pathway they choose in the future.
Sport
Our mission in sport at Clifton High School is to offer a broad range of opportunities that cater to individual’s sporting interests and abilities, firmly establishing a love of sport for life. Through this inclusive approach, we create an environment whereby every pupil can discover the joy of the term’s specific sport, participating in a variety of other sporting clubs that attain invaluable life lessons.
Our elite in-house Swimming and Tennis Programmes are available for passionate individuals who wish to take their talent in these disciplines to a higher level. Taught by specialist coaches, pupils are coached to achieve ‘individual brilliance’.
We appreciate that the sports skills developed by pupils may not be limited to the field or court alone. It is the qualities of dedication, discipline, respect and resilience that can significantly enhance academic performance and with this in mind, we are committed to helping children apply these transferable skills to their studies, creating well-rounded and successful pupils.
Facilities
Clifton High School is located on one single campus, a component integral in maintaining a sense of community in our all-through School. We are fortunate to sit amidst open and green spaces surrounded by the contrasting dynamism of Bristol city.
Classrooms are modern, bright and equipped with advanced technology and educational resources with pupils designated an iPad to extend their studies. These components provide an environment that engages and enables an effective learning culture for all pupils.
Beyond the spacious Senior School classrooms our specialist facilities include:
• Music Rooms and Technology Suite
• Science Laboratories
• STEM Room
• Food Technology Room
• Art and Design Rooms
• MAC Design Suite
• Design Technology Rooms
• Senior School Library
• Rose Theatre and Main Hall for events, performances and the creative arts
• Medical Centre - Treatment, Counselling Rooms and Wellbeing Hub
• MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) - tennis and netball courts
• On-site Sports Complex including Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Climbing Wall, Cardio, Strength and Conditioning Suites.
We are fortunate to partner with the University of Bristol, sharing Coombe Dingle Sports Complex (an off-site sporting facility). This gives us access to professional standard pitches, courts, and tracks that include 3G Artificial pitches (sand dressed and floodlit), Grass pitches (football and rugby), Cricket squares and nets (including grass), indoor and outdoor floodlit Tennis courts, Lacrosse pitch and Netball courts.
JOINING THE SENIOR SCHOOL
Whether you are a new Senior School pupil or a child that is transitioning from our Junior School, you are in the safe and capable hands of Clifton High School’s community. Our expertise and understanding of the significant milestone this signifies in a child’s life is identified as a symbol of personal, emotional and academic growth. As pupils move from a nurturing, more familiar environment into one that is naturally more challenging and diverse, we support them every step of the way.
Admissions
Our Admissions Team guide families through the entry process on an individual basis, following the admissions process below.
The main entry point into the Senior School is Year 7 with applications into Years 8 to 10 accepted if places are available.
For entry directly into Year 7, prospective pupils are invited to attend a Taster Day in the Autumn Term of Year 6 before sitting entrance examinations in the following January. Further details of these entrance examinations can be obtained from the Admissions Office.
For entry into Years 8 to 10, prospective pupils are invited to sit entrance examinations in English and Mathematics. If successful, they will be invited to attend a Taster Day in their current year group.
For entry into all year groups, parents will be required to provide a copy of their child’s most recent school report, and the Admissions Team will also request a confidential reference from your child’s current school.
Scholarship Entry
Pupils who possess potential ability and aptitude, may be considered for a Clifton High School Scholarship.
Scholarships are typically awarded upon entry into Year 7, however they can be awarded in other Senior School year groups at the discretion of the Head. All pupils applying for Year 7 entry are automatically considered for an Academic Scholarship upon the result of entrance examinations.
Sport and Music Sponsorships as well as an Individual Brilliance Award for abilities or skills which do not fall into the other categories such as Art, Drama, Computing, or something more unique are available.
A variety of opportunities are accessible for our Scholars, including guest speakers, workshops and an Athletic Development Programme.
For further information, please visit our website or contact our Admissions Department directly.
