Clifton High School or Bristol Grammar School

[pinkhibiscus]

Hi, I am relocating to Bristol with 2 primary school age sons(9 and 7). I am considering Clifton High School or Bristol Grammar School. We will be going on visits and taster days but wondered if anyone with real life experience could give me an idea abut the schools. (e.g.Is BGS very academic? I know they would have to sit an entrance exam). Unfortunately I don't know any one locally to ask. Any input would be very much appreciated. Thanks

They are both good schools, and I know people with primary-age children at both who are very happy. CHS just does assessments for entry rather than tests, but the BGS tests are quite low key - most people don't do much in the way of preparation for them, and I don't think the bar is set very high, or that there is a huge difference in terms of academic level later on.

BGS is a much bigger school overall, so a wider range of facilities - but then CHS has a pool, which BGS doesn't. And CHS, being smaller, might feel less daunting to start with - but the BGS lower school is not much bigger than CHS lower school. One issue perhaps if you have two boys is that CHS is still girl-heavy in the upper school, so can't offer the same opportunities in terms of sports teams etc as the ones with a longer history of senior boys. Really you just need to see both schools for yourself and go on your gut feeling about what is right for your children.

Thanks for responding exexpat. I'm always a bit nervous about posting! I have visits booked, so will see how we feel after them.

You're welcome. If you want more input, it might be worth signing up for the Bristol group under Mumsnet Local and putting the question on the local board - I think there are people around who have children at both schools....

I have friends with children in the lower schools of both and they all seem happy with their choices. My friend with a son at Clifton High is looking to move him at age 11 to somewhere with a higher proportion of boys and more team sports options, as has been said before. Clifton High until quite recently was a girls' school and still tends to be regarded by many as such.

Mother-in-law used to do school runs to both these schools - traffic and parking at BGS used to terrify her. It may have changed. Or perhaps you'll live within walking distance

Hi there,

I know the post is about 2 weeks old now and you may well have already decided.

I have a 7 year old boy and am trying to make the same decision between the 2 schools - we already have a place at BGS, but have looked again at the High School and my son will have a taster morning there later this week.

As posted earlier they both seem like very good schools. Apparently the BGS year 3 classes will be very small next year which may sway us (although who can say whether they will amalgamate and make one larger one in year 4!)

Good luck choosing - I know from experience how hard it is

Hi kasia

Hope your son enjoyed his visit. We may meet a the school gates next year! My two had their tasters, I am tending more towards BGS because of the higher number of boys.

Good luck to you too!

Pinkhibiscus,

Finally decided upon the grammar school a couple of weeks ago so my 7 year old will be in year 3 next September. Will definitely see you there if you've made the same choice!

Kate

Hi Kate

Isn't MN great!! Yes,we decided on BGS as well! See you there