Bath Academy is an inclusive and academically non-selective independent school for local and international students aged between 14 and 19 years old. We offer a wide choice of A level and GCSE subjects, alongside successful intensive Revision and one-year Resit courses. We have a proven track record of impressive exam results and even more impressive university destinations for our students, many of which often achieve the much sought-after places at top Russell Group Universities, despite being non-academically selective.
Pastoral care. Pastoral care is paramount to everything we do at Bath Academy. All of our pupils, no matter their background, or future plans, are given a tailored individual personal education with direct and regular one-to-one support. We are proud to foster a sense of community, and future-proofing is at the forefront of the plans we help our students make.
In order for our students to recognise their strengths, we use psychometric profiling tests at the point of admission and we also hold weekly (bi-weekly for GCSE level) Formative Assessments to monitor progress, and to make sure our students are performing to the best of their ability. These FAs help to develop any areas that they find challenging and allow teachers to provide extra support if needed.
Site and facilities. Lessons take place in the Bath Academy buildings centrally located on Queen Square. We are within easy reach of the M4 and M5 motorways, as well as having excellent transport routes to Bristol (15 minutes via train), and London (90 minutes via train). Bath is one of the most beautiful and safest cities in the world. Our UNESCO World Heritage city is full of impressive architecture, green spaces and a rich diversity of museums, galleries and activities. The boarding house is situated less than ten minutes’ walk away from the classrooms.
Curriculum. Our curriculum is personalised, tailored and engaging. Our tutors are qualified teachers and academics who are passionate and knowledgeable about their subjects, and who thrive on the small school environment of Bath Academy. This atmosphere enables them to focus on targeted teaching and individualised learning for each student, without the constraints of mainstream institutions. Many of our teaching staff have postgraduate qualifications in their specialised subject and in addition, some are senior examiners for examination boards. The small class sizes (eight students maximum) means that each student is known as an individual and cared for by welfare staff, by their personal tutors, and by the senior management team. Student support is exceptional at Bath Academy, with students regularly encouraged to reach out to any and all of the aforementioned adults. Students also receive a one-to-one personal tutor meeting each week. This personal tutor meeting allows students to express any concerns with their studies or future prospects as well as to be given suggestions and advice specific to the student.
Co-curricular. Pupils benefit from a lively and full co-curricular programme which enhances their learning experience at Bath Academy. The Social Programme each term covers a plethora of sports, such as: paddle boarding, walking the Bath Skyline Walk, bowling, paintballing, ice skating, visiting the Ninja Warrior Adventure Park. We also tend to our students’ cultural sensibilities and historical interests with regular trips to the theatre, the cinema, Bristol Aquarium, Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, Oxford, Escape Rooms, and visits to local and international galleries and museums such as Hauser & Wirth in Bruton, and the Wake the Tiger immersive art experience in Bristol. Building a sense of community and a relationship with the local area, and with fellow classmates, is of the utmost importance at Bath Academy – events like the Summer Ball, the Firework Display, the Halloween Party, the Boules Tournament, Virtual Reality Experiences, and the Model United Nations conference debate, all help foster deep and long-lasting friendships between the students.
Students also benefit from a full and varied Enrichment programme and many pursue an Extended Project Qualification too. Enrichment sessions include UCAS Application Support, Revision Workshops, Stress Management and Mindfulness Sessions, Futures Fairs, Medical Ethics, field trips for specific subjects, student-led charity fundraising opportunities – the list goes on.
Sports and games. Studies repeatedly show the strong correlation between increased activity and increased wellbeing, so we feel it is a very important requirement in today’s age of poor student mental health to encourage a healthy, active lifestyle for all of our students. BA Active looks very different to the PE lessons of old. Think Boules in Queen Square on a hot summer's day, walks along the canal, trampolining, Adventure Golf, tennis, bowling, and access to a state-of-the-art gym, all with a backup of a Wii Fit in the SEN department.
Leavers. The vast majority of Bath Academy leavers go on to university, either immediately after college or after a gap year. We go above and beyond when providing student support, by including guidance on writing personal statements, and thorough interview practice. Speakers regularly visit the college to talk about their profession and career pathways for a tangible and direct dialogue about how to make our students’ dreams a reality. As a result of this support, the majority of Bath Academy students gain a place at their first-choice university, if they are prepared to put the work in to achieve their full potential.
Fees per term (2024-2025). £7,883 (day); £14,216 (full boarding); £15,883 (international boarding).
EAL teaching is provided for students who do not speak English as their first language – this is included in the fees.
Entry requirements. We are academically non selective but students that wish to take A levels should have completed GCSEs/IGCSEs in Mathematics and English Language and achieved grades 9-4/A*–C.
Scholarships and bursaries. Scholarships are addressed and assessed on a case-by-case basis.