Ages 
Bristol Grammar School was founded by Royal Charter for ‘the teaching of good manners and literature’. This remains the school’s ethos, albeit now with a few more subjects on the timetable! One parent put it well: ‘The message to the children is that they have been given a great brain, and they can do something great with it in the world.’ A school that offers a lively, inspiring start for children with sights set on the senior school right next door – just the place for enquiring minds.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 336 ·
- Religion
- Non-denom
- Fees
- £12,384 - £13,536 pa
- Local authority
- Bristol City Council
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Head of BGS Infants and Juniors
Dan Simson
Since September 2025, Dan Simson, previously head of Sefton Park in neighbouring Bishopston. A proud Bristolian, he is a keen cyclist, cricketer and loyal supporter of the Bears. He is already part of the BGS family as a parent.
Entrance
Academically selective at all entry points and it’s competitive – there’s been a waiting list for 10 years. For entry into reception, children observed playing in small groups and informally assessed against appropriate early years skills. For year 3
- Open days
- Check school website
Exit
Very much an all-through school. The vast majority (95 per cent in 2025) stay on for the senior school, with some leaving due to family relocation. Robust selection process ensures very few need to leave because they would not be able to cope with
Latest results
There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.
Teaching & learning
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Bristol Grammar School is a phone free school, with no unsupervised phone use permitted during the school day. In the infant and junior schools, it is not common practice for pupils to bring mobile phones to school, and all mobile phone use must be made in the junior school office.
Pupils
Money matters
BGS’s mission is to give an exceptional education to those who might benefit, regardless of background or financial means. Some bursary awards for junior pupils (up to 40 per cent of school fees), but as is usually the case, more financial support is
- Fee information
- £12,384 - £13,536 pa
Our view
The Victorian buildings that house the infants and juniors are now pretty much surrounded by the University of Bristol’s ever-expanding estate – buzzing minds of all ages right next to each other. The buildings may initially seem a little austere but
The last word
Bristol Grammar School was founded by Royal Charter for ‘the teaching of good manners and literature’. This remains the school’s ethos, albeit now with a few more subjects on the timetable! One parent put it well: ‘The message to the children is that
