What is best for 6th form; KES, Prior Park or Kingswood??

[Crumble7]

I know there was a thread a few years ago about this, but I would really welcome any up to date advice about the 3 schools above- anyone who has sent kids through their sixth forms or have children still there! We are thinking of sending DS to one of these three as rather disenchanted with current Bristol school. He would have to train it most days, so not sure if Kingswood does a shuttle service from the station- I know KES and PPC do. He is bright, sporty and also very keen on drama. We want somewhere that is good academically but very friendly and with a good work/play balance and some focus on creating nice people-not just academic slog. Somewhere that is good with integrating newbies into the 6th form would be great as not all schools do this well. Thank you for any thoughts on this as they all look good- will soon do visits but first hand mum's insights are priceless!! x

Hi Crumble,
I can't tell you anything about 6th form I'm afraid, but I have two dcs at KES. They have been there since nursery and are now both well established in the senior school and love it. I have never had a moment's doubt about it as the overall ethos really appeals to us despite the odd minor grumble along the way. The head is fantastic and while there definitely I an emphasis on academic achievement, it is not a hothouse. Lots of emphasis also put on sport, music, drama, CCF etc. All the children I have met are bright in demeanour (not just academically) and personable and courteous. Yes there is a shuttle bus but a lot walk from station too. Definitely recommend. Good luck!

Hi crumble! We have children at PPC -wouldn't rate the sixth form as they allowed one of ours to dop a rather important subject very early on, therefore leaving a bizarre option of career path ( that we are not happy about for obvious reasons. The arts and drama are not big there either. I would opt for KES or have you looked into the state schools such as Beaching Cliff? I've heard rave reviews and am tempted to try to get my others in there. Good luck !

Hi Crumble, I have 2 DC at PPC, one in the 6th form. The teaching is excellent and there are huge opportunities to do art, drama and especially music. The sport is good too, with a wide variety on offer. You only have to visit on a day when the kids are there to see that they like being there - it has a lovely atmosphere and is encouraging and enabling academically without being a hothouse. The emphasis is on being as good a person you can be and honing your talents, while not neglecting the academic focus that 6th formers need. I can't recommend it highly enough.