Where to live in Bristol??

[BoojaB]

Hi all,

My partner and I (with our 2 year-old) would like to move to Bristol, but we don't know which area(s) to look at. We're keen for Lauren to attend a decent state primary, in the catchment of a good state secondary, but are clueless.

DP grew up in Easton-in-Gordano, but hasn't been back for more than a fleeting visit to Bristol in twenty years, so he's out of touch.

We currently live in Cheltenham, but I'm madly craving city life!

I'd be EXTREMELY grateful for any advice!

S.

Schools aren't great in Bristol tbh! It also really depends on your budget.

Cotham is very central, has a couple of decent primaries and two secondaries - Cotham School and Colston's Girls (which was an independent school and is now an academy). House prices are high though.

Clifton and Redland also both have good state primaries and Redland Green secondary is rated good by Ofsted I think. Again, expensive though.

Hi Riven,

Thanks for that.

We have around £330k to spend on a three bedroom. I'd like to be in the city, rather than suburbs, although within easy distance of Easton-in-Gordano for access to Granny. We drive, but I'd much rather cycle and Lauren loves the bus!

Thanks again!

Hi MoonUnitAlpha,

Yes, I've read that Bristol schools are pretty much at the bottom of the scale, but we can't afford independent school fees, alas.

Cotham and Redland sound interesting, thanks.

I've got friends in hotwells - just in the edge of clifton so pricey but a great primary school and loads going on for mum's and babies, I've also got other less flush friends who live in henleaze which is further out but lovely also and has good schools they also have little ones so looked at this stuff before moving. don't know if that helps

If it was me, I'd be looking at Ashley Down as I like the area. Ashley Down has a good primary school, but a good secondary is difficult.

Other areas to consider: St Andrews, Bishopston, Westbury on Trym, Kingsdown (but may be outside your budget), Totterdown, Windmill Hill, Southville.

I would definitely look at Bishopston too - should be able to get something nice for your budget, it's an area with lots of families, there's St Andrews park close by. Good state primaries but lots of competition for places.

If you are a bit bohemian then Ashley Down/St Andrews might work! The primaries are mostly fine around there, and the secondary (Fairfield) seems lively and interesting. No idea about results tho.

Some fab houses around St Andrews park, tho above your budget I suspect!

St Mary Redcliffe School is well regarded and pretty much in the city centre. It is a church school though so depends whether that suits you.

Admissions for Colston's Girls are a bit of a lottery - the children take an entrance exam and are then banded A-E I think and the same proportion of children from each band are offered places, so you could be bright and not get in, or not so bright and get offered a place. Bit of a gamble in my opinion.

Plans are afoot to turn St Ursula's into an academy, which may or may not make it a good school. It's likely to be small though and is in a more suburban area.

Your child is very young and things do seem to be changing with Bristol schools at the moment. I think it's hard to predict how things will be in 10 years time.

St Mary Redciffe & Temple Secondary is a superb school and is a decent bet for remaining so as it has been getting better steadily for the last fifteen years. I know several former and current students all of whom love the school. It has very caring staff and excellent results with many students going on to top universities. Don't be put off by the faith aspect, they take from all areas of Bristol and are not in any way fanatical on the religious aspect of education. They have just moved into new buildings and have fantastic new facilities. Extra-curricular, music in particular, is outstanding. The list of primaries above is good, Hotwells is another to add.

I live in Montpelier, which I love great primary school St Barnabus, great teacher and small school. House prices range from £250k to £550k lovely victorain and georgain houses