Which Bristol Prep School?

[Newfamily2014]

Am keen to hear opinions on which prep school you chose for your child in Bristol.

I think I prefer co-ed (and then single sex for daughter at secondary level), so looking at Clifton College, Clifton High and perhaps Bristol Grammar.

I wonder what we would get for the higher fees at Clifton College compared to the other school?

People seem to describe Clifton High as a good school but feelings seem a bit mediocre and if I'm paying, I want a bit of wow for my money!

I personally don't think you get anything different educationally for your money at Clifton College - other than access to swanky buildings and expensive facilities and the option for boarding when they are older, if that is something that may be useful. Of the 3 I think I would choose BGS - it has a more solid academic reputation than the other two, if that is something you are looking for. It also makes more sense than Clifton College if you are planning to move your daughter for secondary school, as both Bristol girl's schools main intake is year 7 - which is when the progression from BGS junior to secondary would take place. Whereas Clifton College Prep goes up to Year 8 before entering the senior school. That's obviously assuming that you were thinking of staying with a Bristol secondary. Clifton High I believe is smaller, but I don't have any recent knowledge to comment on anything specific. Nothing better than visiting to see where you feel most comfortable and where you think your DD will be happy.

What about Red Maids' High School? It is girls only though.

Clifton high is sometimes where children go who don't get into bgs. It's not academically selective as bgs is.
Clifton college is a boarding school so lots of sports etc on weekends which even day pupils can be required to partake in.
The Downs is non selecting and just outside Bristol.

Thanks, a collective wealth of info!
Mrsmoasty hubby very keen for dd to attend Red Maids' junior as that is the school we hope she will attend at senior level but I can't decide if I would prefer for her to attend a co-ed junior school. Do you have a child there?

Interesting to hear thoughts on CHS and it not having reputation as being as academically sound as BGS. I'm biased as her mum but believe have been told by nursery and others that dd is a bright girl so would like her to have the ability to reach her full potential. We have yet to visit BGS.

jo164 I suspected the additional fees might be for the reasons you state. No, dd would not be boarding.

I went there in the 1980's and still live in the Bristol area.