Clifton High School
Bristol, South West · BS8 3JD
Founded in 1877 and now educating children from age 3 through to 18, Clifton High School is a non-denominational independent school in Bristol. With around 805 pupils and a generous pupil-to-teacher ratio of about 12 to 1, it offers a small-class environment across a broad age span. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent at its most recent inspection, awarding the same top mark for pupils' personal development. A notably high proportion of pupils - close to 29 per cent - receive some form of SEN support, suggesting a school comfortable accommodating a range of learning needs.
805
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£21,150
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 3-18
- Pupils
- 805
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 12
- Location
- Bristol, South West
- Website
- www.cliftonhigh.co.uk
- Telephone
- 0117 973 0201
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Head Will Phelan
Latest results
Attainment 8
29.6
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
0%
National average 47%
GCSE grade 9-7
57%
A-level A*-A
31%
A-level A*-B
60%
Teaching & academics
Just over half of GCSE entries reach grades 9 to 7, and at A-level around a third achieve A* or A with 60 per cent reaching A* to B. Headline Attainment 8 figures sit below the national average, a measure worth viewing in the context of the school's inclusive intake and broad subject offering. The curriculum is wide, with three modern languages alongside Latin, sciences, and creative and practical subjects, while the sixth form of 119 students favours mathematics and the sciences as well as history, geography and economics, with the EPQ available for independent study.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 119
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 28.83%
- EHC plans
- 0.13%
Arts & extracurricular
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Sport
Main sports
Beyond the classroom
Swimming is a notable strength among the school's sporting provision.
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 1877
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £10,944 - £21,150
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 6 June 2023
The last word
A long-established, inclusive Bristol independent that spans nursery to sixth form. Its excellent ISI verdict and strong support for pupils with additional needs may matter more to some families than raw league-table figures.
The Passmate verdict
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Clifton High School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Clifton High School located?
Clifton High School is located at College Road, Bristol, BS8 3JD.
What type of school is Clifton High School?
Clifton High School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South West.
How many pupils attend Clifton High School?
Clifton High School has approximately 805 pupils on roll.
What is Clifton High School's inspection rating?
Clifton High School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 6 June 2023.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.