Queen Elizabeth's Hospital

Since 2020, Mr Rupert Heathcote BSc PGCE, previously second master at King Edward’s School Birmingham. Brought up in the idyllic setting of Monkton Combe just outside Bath, Mr Heathcote boarded at the school even though his parents lived in the

Academically selective, main entry points being into year 7 and small numbers into year 9. Almost all boys from the junior school move up after an assessment day. They are joined by many more from local (Elmlea, Henleaze, St John’s) and not so local

Around 10 per cent leave after GCSEs. School will discuss with parents and pupil well in advance if this is likely to be the best option. At 18, most progress to leading universities, sometimes after a gap year. Usually a few to Oxbridge (three in

In 2025, 65 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 55 per cent A*/A at A level (78 per cent A*-B).

An unashamedly academic school with expectations to match. From the outset, boys are set in maths, and sciences are taught separately leading to GCSE – no dual science options here. Absolutely stunning new laboratory suite, especially the biology

About 12 per cent of students with SEN, but with needs ‘far milder than the national average’, the school states. Some SpLD such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dysgraphia; dyscalculia would probably self-select out, the SENCo reckons, but support is

School makes much of the virtues of single-sex education; they apply as much to the performing arts as to academic matters, where boys in their younger teens are free to express themselves artistically without fear of ridicule from peers or girls. A

Almost all played at top-notch facilities (all 20 acres of it plus 3G pitches) a minibus ride away across the suspension bridge at Failand, where most of the city’s independent schools have their sports grounds. Rugby (contact or non-contact, as

Widely praised and prioritised from the start, eg the sending of a mindfulness box to every year 7 hopeful to allay anxiety before entrance exams. Teachers and tutors are quick to spot when all is not well with a student and work closely with parents

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

Unusually diverse for an independent day school outside London, with the head’s avowed intent to ‘represent Bristol now’. Students travel from all over the city (and beyond) on public buses, bus services shared with other city centre schools, by car

Fees broadly in line with other Bristol independent day schools; lunches and public exam fees not included. Help for bright boys whose parents would not otherwise be able to afford the fees has always been part of the QEH DNA; these days, it comes

A proud historic Bristol institution forming part of the city’s literal and figurative landscape, whose austere façade belies the warmth of relationships and fun to be found inside. Remaining truer to its founding principles and traditions than many,