Senior School
Year 7 - 11
MR WILL PHELAN, HEAD
It is a distinct honour to undertake the Head role at Clifton High School and as I approach the responsibility entrusted to me, it is with delight that I embrace and grow upon the School’s identity, now and in the years to come.
Founded in 1877, Clifton High School stands consistently tall in the highly regarded Bristol independent school marketplace. Our principles remain; yet we continue to grow in personality and awareness, embedding traditional values with a modern cultural understanding of the world around us.
It is a privilege to prioritise the wellbeing of all our Senior School pupils through our teaching methods. The open-door and openminded approach we implement, extracts not only knowledge and confidence in and outside of the classroom but also instils a sense of ambition and purpose as children pursue further studies, long term careers and vocational pursuits. This, I believe, is testament to a pupil’s true “success” and enforces the holistic approach that retains Clifton High School’s reputation as one of the leading schools in the area.
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 “
The inclusive co-education we afford our pupils is a clearly defined balance of academia, sports and the creative arts. We finely tune these areas of learning to satisfy all Senior School children through a carefully curated timetable and an extensive Co-Curricular Programme; all of which present opportunities that are immeasurable in escalating a child’s interest in the curriculum and beyond.
Our teaching methods rely heavily upon the solid foundation of our community, a network that aids us in guiding Senior School pupils throughout this integral chapter. The allrounded support we offer directly reflects the high academic results Clifton High School pupils attain and are a notable reflection of their understanding that ‘success’ is not merely meeting the standards of others, but by the challenges that they overcome to achieve.
Clifton High School’s values are firmly anchored in the Senior School as we actively encourage pupils to be curious, develop a natural sense of empathy, discover love in themselves and others and feel secure in the direction they are heading. When these pillars of distinction are reinforced, the children’s ‘individual brilliance’ is easily recognised, setting them on the path of life with confidence and an intrinsic sense of personal identity.
By visiting us, you will gain a true understanding of who we are as a School and I encourage you to take the time to discover how we can best support your child as they embark upon the critical milestone of their secondary school journey.
OUR HOLISTIC EDUCATION
Our Aim
Clifton High School aims to realise the ‘Individual Brilliance’ of each and every student. 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 student’s gifts to offer them unique opportunities to shine.
Our Values
CURIOSITY
The bedrock of any school is when curiosity is embedded into the learning structure. At Clifton High School, our students are educated to be informed individuals. They develop the ability and knowledge to apply the art of questioning and debating that builds confidence in themselves to explore the development of new and independent ideas.
EMPATHY
Consideration of alternative perspectives directly relates to the formation of relationships with one another. As a School, we aim to foster empathy in our students, allowing them to appreciate a world based upon human interaction and nature. Our embedded pastoral system equips them with the ability and desire to change the world in positive ways, maintaining a foundation of kindness throughout their life.
LOVE
Relationships are enhanced when the value of love, for oneself and others, is achieved. We encourage students to believe that love for others directly equates to an inclination of prioritising personal wellbeing. Effectiveness is heightened when individuals develop the confidence and resilience of self-love. Loving the natural world, feeling passionate about the outdoors and nurturing a desire to preserve our planet for future generations are lessons constantly celebrated within the School.
DIRECTION
Collectively, Clifton High School’s values direct students to aspire and achieve in the education that they receive, beyond the parameters of a standard curriculum. We actively encourage students to strive for ambition through a commitment and dedication to accomplishing their personal goals, all of which provide direction, purpose and drive motivation.
School Life
As an all-through school, it is important that all our pupils, from the youngest to our oldest, and their families, are engaged in our wider community and School life. Annual events including Christmas celebrations, performances, assemblies, prizegivings and concerts provide a vibrant social scene that our parents and children alike, look forward to being involved in.
TEACHING & LEARNING
Learning at Clifton High School
We are an academically selective school with a well rounded, holistic approach to learning. Our pupils are intelligent, capable and creative individuals who understand how to work collaboratively and independently to achieve excellent results. Pupils naturally feel a sense of progress as they transition through our Senior School. Small class sizes encourage an exceptional level of support alongside an individualised educational experience that enhances our stimulating curriculum. This is based upon bespoke learning opportunities that are supported by national and international trips, excellent teacher resources and individually allocated iPads that collectively add value inside and outside the classroom.
Diamond Edge Model
Pupils in Years 7 to 9 embark upon a fresh educational chapter, discovering new potential options through co-curricular activities. The Diamond Edge Model of Education is operated in Years 7 to 9 whereby pupils in these year groups are taught in single sex groups for Mathematics, English and the Sciences. However, they still benefit from a co-educational structure in all other lessons and social settings. Since the model was introduced, we have seen pupils achieve more equally and succeed, with evidence clearly demonstrated in our excellent academic results.
GCSEs
As Year 10 and 11 pupils study towards their GCSE qualifications, they are afforded greater responsibility with the encouragement to take ownership of their choices. Pupils are recommended to choose nine GCSE subjects, as well as take advantage of the extensive Co-Curricular Programme to ensure a well-balanced education. Innovative offerings, such as the introduction of our elite Swimming Programme is interwoven into GCSE academic subjects, to truly aid pupils in realising their individual brilliance.
We 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. 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.
In 2024, over 36% of all grades awarded at GCSE were at Level 9 to 8. Furthermore, 57% of all grades were Level 9 to 7. Given the array of subjects studied, these remarkable results are significantly above the national averages of 21.8% at Level 9 to 7.
OUR HOLISTIC OFFERING
Culture & Pastoral Care
At the heart of Clifton High School culture there 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 giving are reflected in either group fundraising drives or individual action, supporting a range of worthwhile causes that include climate change, social and economic justice. The positive impact these endeavours have on others, within and beyond the School, is a distinctive 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 network. 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 coeducational 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 supported by the Deputy Head - Pastoral. School Nurses, Mental Health Lead, and a Wellbeing Counsellor who each provide additional pupilcentric care. The roles secure a bridge between our academic and pastoral systems to maintain and develop a community in which pupils feel individually recognised, supported and championed.
As a School, we encourage open-ended communications so that our assemblies, timetabled lessons and co-curricular clubs are spaces where social issues are discussed and respectfully explored. Dedicated 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 a pupil’s education 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
In educating individuals who thrive on personal development, our Co-Curricular Programme is an essential component of life at Clifton High School. Providing a positively enriching experience for all pupils, the programme embraces a holistic approach to education with over 150 thoughtfully curated clubs that cater to a diverse Senior School audience. Categorised as Skills Development, Academic Progress and Individual Brilliance, each sphere serves to broaden horizons, foster new interests, encourage personal interests, passions and sharpen essential skills. They include Debating Society, French Film Club, Coding, Oracy, Fantasy Football Club, Model Airfix Club, Eco Club, School Newspaper, Pilates, Water Polo, Duke of Edinburgh Award and more.
Music & Performances
Passion for the arts is withheld by many of our pupils, staff and community members who collectively contribute to a range of musical, dramatic and creative clubs including Music Tech Club, Music Theory and Composition, Cantata, String Group, Hip Hop Dance, and School Production. United in their commitment, collaboration and the technical skills required for an array of performances, these culminate in our termly Lunchtime Concerts, Spring Concert and School Production. In Year 7, the Power of Performance Programme ensures all pupils experience some kind of performance to build confidence in a highly sought after skill that will
be required of them no matter what pathway they choose in their future.
Sport
Our mission in sport at Clifton High School is to offer a broad range of opportunities that cater to individual’s interests and abilities, firmly establishing a love of sport for life. Through this inclusive approach, we aim to create an environment whereby every pupil can discover the joy of the specific term’s sport, participating in various sporting clubs that attain the invaluable life lessons pupils impart.
We appreciate that the sports skills developed by pupils are not 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
Our School is located on one single campus, a component integral in maintaining a sense of community in an 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. Each pupil is designated an iPad that extends their studies both within and
beyond the classroom. The combination of 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.
In partnership with the University of Bristol, we share Coombe Dingle Sports Complex, an offsite sporting facility. The professional standard pitches, courts, and tracks 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 pupil or a child that is transitioning from our Junior School, you are in the safe and capable hands of Clifton High School community when joining the Senior School. Our experience and understanding of the milestone that this signifies in a child’s life is acknowledged 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 our 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 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.
+44 (0) 117 933 9087
admissions@cliftonhigh.co.uk www.cliftonhigh.co.uk
