Prior Park College, Bath

[jennymac31]

Just wanted to find out what Prior Park College, Bath is like. The searches I've done online suggests that it's a good school but it would be good to hear any personal experiences. Does the school have a good pastoral support department? Is there a diverse community at the school (my children are Mixed-race)?

Hi @jennymac31, i have a child in Y7 at PPC, so we’re relatively new to the school, but so far, we’re delighted with it. The pastoral care is fantastic, the teachers are approachable and responsive, but there’s also a real drive to let the children take responsibility.

Of the four co-Ed private schools in Bath, I think it has the smallest year groups and this means there is a really strong community between the pupils across the houses. There are also plenty of clubs for pupils to explore their interests outside the curriculum.

There seems to be a good mix of nationalities and languages at the school and the boarders and day pupils all mix in well together. Please do PM me if you have any other questions. I’m sure others will chime in with children further up the school.

Hi @jennymac31 in contrast to @Oli31 my son is in his final year and has had 7 very happy years at the school. We have been very impressed with all areas of the school and in particular the pastoral and music/drama. Our son has Tourette's and the school have gone out of their way to support him (& us) whilst simultaneously encouraging him to learn to manage it on his own. The confident and happy child that is (hopefully!) about to head off to university is due in no small part to the caring & supportive nature of all the staff and students.

During the day the students all mix for both in and out of lessons and then after school boarders 'move' into one of the two boarding houses (one male, one female). This works really well as everyone gets to know each other during the day and there is no differentiation between day or boarding.

A great school, highly recommended and we'll really miss it.

Definitely recommend Prior Park! My son moved to Prior for 6th form from another local independent school where he had been bullied & felt a failure. He was so unhappy he wanted to leave school at 16! After only 2 years at Prior, I had a happy son who left school with the top grades in all subjects & gained a place at his 1st choice university! Prior Park College is a happy school with excellent pastoral care. At the end of the day, happy students will achieve their potential & can get the top grades, without being in an environment where results are the main topic of conversation & only those who gain a place at Oxford or Cambridge are recognised on a wall of fame!

Thank you for all your responses - they have been really helpful.