Chew Valley School

Since 2016, Gareth Beynon. A geographer at heart: studied it at Manchester University and spent much of his twenties taking students from the UK to far-flung destinations on expeditions. Has also worked with schools in Kenya - an evocative oil

Large catchment of about 120 square miles with majority coming from ‘the valley’ and others from further afield in south Bristol. Oversubscribed but if you live in Chew Valley, you’re likely to get a spot. About 35 primary feeder schools, many of

Over half leave after GCSEs, a good proportion returning to south Bristol to attend more conveniently located sixth forms or colleges. Post year 13, avenues for future learning are rich and diverse. About two-thirds go on to university.: recent

In 2023, 25 per cent of 9-7 at GCSE; 68 per cent 9-4 in both maths and English. At A level, 25 per cent A*/A (47 per cent A*/B).

Morning classes were in full steam when we toured and we were impressed with their calibre – traditional, well-structured lessons being delivered to calm, studious pupils. ‘Are they always like this in class?’ we wondered. ‘Indeed, they are – we are

Learning Support department recently took over the old Children’s Centre to have a large, designated building with plenty of space. There’s a quiet room that’s used for therapy sessions (speech and language, educational psychologist, O.T.,

Art is popular and the department is producing some inspiring work. We were blown away by the quality of the small sixth form group who were painting entertaining close-up portraits of a person who had a whacky expression on their face. The walls and

Sport is a ‘big thing’ according to one pupil and we agree: there’s a good range on offer and plenty of local fixtures to sate the competitive ones. Rugby popular with close links to Chew Valley rugby club. Rural location means there’s space for six

Pastoral care is good and much of its success is down to the school operating a vertical tutor system rather than dividing the pupils by year group. School feels that it creates a real sense of belonging to that ‘family’ and removes the fear that can

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Pupils from a range of backgrounds: farming community, middle-class professionals and families from less prosperous areas of Bristol. Virtually all are polite and calm with one new teacher noticing, ‘They all say thank you when you hand them a

A traditional, rural comprehensive that works hard and successfully engenders a spirit of community, purpose and respect. Chew Valley guides and supports all pupils to find the right pathway for them, fulfilling the school’s motto to, ‘Learn, grow