Secondary Schools in Bristol

[bodbear]

Hello
Have been living in Bristol for about 6 years now with husband and three lovely girls. My eldest daughter will be 8 years old this year and I know we still have a few years before she goes to secondary school but I would really like to find out which schools are worth looking at. Currently we live in South Bristol and the nearest school is Ashton Park. I have had mixed reviews about this school from a few parents that I know, but I would really like some feedback...Thanks!

Where to start with Bristol schools!!!! I am a teacher and have lived/worked in and around Bristol for most of my life, so I have a pretty good idea about the schools - however I haven't taught in Ashton Park. From the Ofsted, it looks to be a fairly good school, however the results are pretty low in my opinion - but this can be said for many schools in Bristol. From what I know about it, it definitely has the reputation of being one of the best state schools in South Bristol area, but obviously go and have a look yourselves - try and make an appointment on a 'normal' school day rather than waiting for the open days - this gives a much more realistic picture of what the school is like!
My recommendation would be Colstons Girls school, on Cheltenham Road. It has been an academy for about 4 years now, but previously was an independent school. I have friends working there now and they say much of the ethos has remained, behaviour is good and results are currently still very high - however this will clearly change a little as the mixed ability cohorts reach exam level. Bristol Cathedral School is also another private school turned academy, so is probably worth a look as maybe not too difficult to get to from South Bristol.
If you are at all a church going family - C of E, then St Mary Redcliffe has a good reputation, and Catholic, St Bede's - both definitely on the better side of Bristol schools.
The academy schools and church schools have different selection criteria so it doesn't matter how far away you are from them.

I was just about to let you know all about Ashton Park, then a little voice inside reminded me that, whilst I do love Bristol and have some fantastic memories of Ashton and Bedminster, I have not actually taught there since 1983.

So probably best avoid any advice I might have to give. jo164 seems a much safer source.

Hello I live in South Bristol and have a daughter who has just started Y7 in September, so have looked round the secondary schools. My child is at St Mary Redcliffe secondary and we are very pleased with the school and how our daughter is doing. You do have to be a church-goer (for 3 years prior to entry) to meet the admissions criteria, but although it is a C of E church they do also accept dcs from other denominations. They do have a large number of children with BS3/4 postcodes. I really wouldn't rule out putting Ashton Park as one of the 3 choices on your form as it does have a good reputation locally. Colston Girls is definitely worth a look if you have just dds as they have a lottery /banding system for entry so distance is not a factor. I would also recommend looking at Bedminster Down school as well. The teaching and recent OFSTED report are very good and it is definitely an improving school. They place children in sets according to ability from Y7 onwards and I know several bright children who have done very well there.
You can also apply to schools outside Bristol. For example there is a bus service from Bedminster to St Katherine's school in Pill.