Founded in 1710, it occupies a single, spacious site at Stapleton in the northern outskirts of Bristol, with 40 acres of good grounds and playing fields. The main building is the former palace of the Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol; there have been numerous modern developments and facilities are of a high standard. The junior department is nearby. Founded as a boys' school, it has been accepting girls since the 1980s. A broad-based education is provided and examination results are good. Being a C of E school, chapel is an important part of school life; all denominations are welcome. There are flourishing music, art and drama departments and the largest CCF in the region. Sport is very strong, especially in rugby where its record is formidable. Pupils are also encouraged to undertake social and community service in Bristol. Full use is made of the cultural and other amenities of the city.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18, 856 day pupils (567 boys, 289 girls). Upper school, 11-18, 648 pupils (433 boys, 215 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used. Any special ability is taken into account; no religious requirements. 62% new intake to senior department from state schools (plus 12% to sixth form).
Means-tested scholarships and bursaries available. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
85+% live within 30 miles; 5% live overseas.
Headmaster: Peter T Fraser, in post from 2005. Teaching staff: 75 full time equivalent. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 37.
GCSE: 105 pupils in fifth form, 97% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 78 in upper sixth: 6% pass in 4+ subjects; 51% in 3 subjects - achieving an average final point score of 346.
85% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year). 11% take courses in science and engineering, 54% in humanities and social sciences, 35% in the arts. Others typically go on to non-degree courses, or straight into employment.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 17 GCSE subjects, 19 AS/A-level (general studies is not examined). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. 16% take science A-levels; 52% arts/humanities; 32% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Dyslexia for limited numbers. Languages: Spanish, French and German offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges to France. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 100 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Most pupils take Clait.
Music: Some 35% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some11 musical groups including orchestras, swing band, wind band, choirs, choral society, theory club and rock bands. Drama and dance: Drama and dance offered. GCSE and A-level drama may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions and majority in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 40 take GCSE, 12 A-level.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket compulsory to age 13 for boys; netball, hockey, tennis, rounders for girls. Optional: badminton, squash, athletics, tennis, cross-country, swimming. In last 10 years, 80 schoolboy international rugby players; 24 current Guiness Premiership rugby players; regional and county representation in hockey, cricket, cross-country, tennis, squash and badminton. Activities: Pupils take Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF (140 cadets); 4 recent army scholarships, 1 flying. Up to 30 clubs, eg debating, chess, computing, gym, calligraphy, origami, table tennis, music appreciation.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout (some relaxation in the sixth form). Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head prefect, head of house and house prefects, appointed by the Headmaster. Religion: Church of England school. Attendance at religious worship compulsory (unless given special dispensation). Social: Choir, choral society and plays. Organised French and German exchanges. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school; day pupils may bring cars. Meals self-service.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to do it by the following day; those caught in possession of cannabis on the premises are required to leave the school.
Old Colstonians - link through www.colstonsconnected.co.uk
Professor Peter Mathias (Master of Downing College, Cambridge); Chris Broad (England cricketer); Ollie Barkley, Tom Varndell, Shane Geraghty (England rugby players); John Mason (Daily Telegraph rugby correspondent); Simon Mugglestone (international athlete).
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