North Bristol secondary schools

[missl1]

Hello Bristolians. We are considering relocating to north Bristol but have heard many horror stories about the secondary school situation. This may be an impossible question but how likely is it that you will be offered your catchment map area secondary school? Is it definite, very likely, not very likely? I mean are there some people who just don't get offered anywhere at all within their 'zone'?

[missl1]

Ah so just found last year's data and it looks like you'd get into Cotham or Fairfield if you live in the priority area but not necessarily Redland Green if that's your priority area. Does that sound about right? Not sure I'm understanding it correctly.

[catndogslife]

If you look at data for 2019 admissions for Bristol then 90% of applicants were offered one of their 3 preferences.
It is possible to live in the catchment/priority area for a school in Bristol and still not be close enough to be offered a place there.
But not all schools have catchment areas there are some schools with other entry criteria e.g. lottery admissions and faith schools.
For Redland Green it's hard to predict as some families will also apply for independent schools.
There are some "bulge" years coming up but more places are being created.

[catndogslife]

PS I have no idea what you mean by "zones".
You can apply to other councils outside Bristol e.g. South Gloucestershire or North Somerset, but if your dcs are not offered a place at any of your preferred schools you will be offered the nearest school within Bristol LEA that has space.

[missl1]

I was just using zone as an alternative phrase for catchment map area as it's a bit of a mouthful!