About BGS. Originally founded under a charter of Henry VIII, BGS today is a connected, diverse, socially-aware and progressive school, whose aims explicitly include being a school for the city, reflecting the diversity of Bristol, and widening access to what we provide. A co-educational day school serving students from ages 4 to 18, our pupils come from all walks of life, as do their families and they are aware that with the privilege of the education they receive, comes a duty of service and partnership with the wider community. Governed as a charitable trust, the school remains committed to providing an exceptional and rounded education rooted in its core values of Kindness, Integrity, and Rigour.
BGS’s forward-looking curriculum is designed to inspire intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning. The School’s academic results reflect the engaging curriculum and the high standard of teaching, with the results received by BGS pupils at GCSE and A level being among the strongest in Bristol and the South West. Students are encouraged to develop their unique talents in a diverse and supportive environment, with a wide range of academic subjects, sports, performing and creative arts, and extracurricular activities. Beyond academics, BGS fosters personal growth and social responsibility, preparing our students to make a positive impact in the world.
The School is organized into a House system that promotes a strong sense of community and belonging. Each House offers continuity of care and a foundation for friendships across age groups, as students engage in sports, music, drama, and community service projects.
BGS is committed to broadening access to its community; the School’s 500 Campaign seeks to raise funds to enable 1 in 4 pupils to benefit from a significant bursary by the 500th anniversary of Bristol Grammar School’s foundation, in 2032. Our Bursary Award programme ensures that talented students can thrive here, regardless of financial circumstances.
With its central location near Bristol University, BGS benefits from being at the heart of a vibrant city. Continual investment in facilities—such as sports grounds, performance spaces, and state-of-the-art classrooms—enhances the educational experience, ensuring that BGS students have every opportunity to excel and grow into confident, compassionate leaders.
Admission. Entry to the School is normally in September at age 11+ following an entrance examination held in the previous spring and a creditable school report or reference. All Year 7 applicants are also invited to meet with a member of staff to discuss their school work, interests and hobbies. A small number of places become available each year at age 13+, with a further thirty–forty places at 16+. Pupils may also be accepted into the School during the year at other points, subject to the availability of places.
Applications should be made to the Admissions Office at the School. Prospective entrants and their families are always welcome to visit; please see the website for information about open days, tours and taster days.
Bursary Awards. The School’s Bursary Award scheme is able to offer substantial financial assistance towards the fees of able pupils whose parents have limited means. It can also offer assistance towards ancillary costs such as lunch, transport, uniform and trips.
Scholarships. Scholarships are available for entry at 11+ 13+ and 16+ and are awarded for academic ability; all applicants who take the entrance assessments in January are automatically considered for these, there is no separate assessment. Scholarships are also available at 11+ and 13+ for Sport and Creative & Performing Arts.
Pupils awarded a BGS scholarship receive an annual grant to support development in the field of their award and join our Scholars Programme. The scholarships no longer carry an automatic fee reduction, but all pupils (including those awarded scholarships) are eligible for fee assistance through the Bursary Award scheme.
Our Scholars Programme is designed to meet the educational needs of our most gifted pupils, but many of its events are open to pupils across the school. This programme offers extended individual learning opportunities, group activities and mentoring in and out of School by the Heads of Scholars. At 16+ pupils may apply to become specific Subject Scholars and work more closely with Heads of Subject.
Fees per term 2024-2025. Senior School £6,509. Juniors: Years 3–6 £4,437. Infants: Years 1 & 2 £4,123, Reception £3,774. Fees include the cost of most textbooks and stationery and lunch for Reception to Year 11 pupils. (Inclusive of VAT from January 2025.)
BGS Infants and Juniors. The Junior School extended its provision to include Infants, with its first Reception class in September 2010. The School admits children from 4–11 and is housed in its own buildings on the same site as the Senior School. (For further details see entry in IAPS section.) Old Bristolians Society. Close contact is maintained with former pupils through the Old Bristolians Society whose Honorary Secretary can be contacted at the School.
Charitable status. Bristol Grammar School is a Registered Charity, number 1104425. It has existed since 1532 to provide an education for Bristol children.
Governors & Staff:
Governors:
M Alkerstone
Dr M Boulton
I Chesham
Ms M Crayton
Miss H Drake
Dr M Gainsborough
S Harvey
P Huckle
Mrs S Hutchison
Mrs E Leggate
J May
A Moore
Mrs L Parr
N Pickersgill,
Ms K Redshaw
D Shelton
Mrs M Simmons-Bird
J Sisman
Ms S Speake
Dr D Thompson
M Wilson
Senior Leadership Team:
Headmaster: J M Barot, MA, MSc, FCCT
Head of BGS Infants and Juniors: Miss H Hughes, BSc, MEd
Deputy Head: P R Roberts, BSc, MSc
Deputy Head: Ms R L Davies, BA, MSc
Deputy Head: M L Pattie, MA MLitt
Deputy Head: Miss F A Ripley, BSc
Deputy Head: D J Stone, BSc
Bursar: G Mitchell, BA
Assistant Head: G S Clark, BSc
Assistant Head: J S Harford, BSc
Assistant Head: O L Chambers, BSc
Assistant Head: A N Gunawardana, BA
Assistant Head: B Schober, BSc, MA
Assistant Head: T Yates, BA