Best Schools in Bristol 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 139 schools and nurseries in Bristol — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Bristol is home to 138 primary, secondary and independent schools educating over 62,000 pupils. The city's education landscape is distinctive: there are no grammar schools within Bristol itself (although Gloucestershire's grammars attract some families), and competition for places at the highest-performing state secondaries is intense, with catchment areas tightly drawn and house prices reflecting school quality.
Bristol's school performance picture is mixed. Some schools are among the best in the South West, while the city faces a significant attainment gap linked to deprivation. In 2023/24, 25.05% of Bristol pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, below the national average of 30.84%. The strongest schools, however, achieve results comparable to the best in the country.
Bristol at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Bristol
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summerhill Academy | Bristol, City of | Good | 94% | — | — |
| Westbury Park School | Bristol, City of | Outstanding | 91% | — | — |
| Ss Peter and Paul RC Primary School | Bristol, City of | Good | 86% | — | — |
| Frome Vale Academy | Bristol, City of | Outstanding | 83% | — | — |
| Bishop Road Primary School | Bristol, City of | Outstanding | 81% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Bristol
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redland Green School | Bristol, City of | Good | +0.59 | 87% | 75% |
| Bristol Cathedral Choir School | Bristol, City of | Good | +0.55 | 87% | 32% |
| Bristol Metropolitan Academy | Bristol, City of | Good | +0.54 | 71% | 56% |
| Bristol Free School | Bristol, City of | Good | +0.43 | 84% | 48% |
| St Bede's Catholic College | Bristol, City of | Good | +0.38 | 83% | 26% |
Admissions in Bristol — Key Dates
Bristol City Council coordinates admissions for state schools. For September 2026, the secondary deadline was 31 October 2025 with offers on 1 March 2026. The primary deadline is 15 January 2026 with offers on 16 April 2026. Bristol operates a comprehensive system with no local grammar schools. Popular schools use tight catchment areas, and some faith schools require a Supplementary Information Form. Apply through bristol.gov.uk.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Bristol?
St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School and Redland Green School consistently lead at secondary level. Easton C of E Academy tops primary rankings. However, admission distances for the top secondaries can be very short — sometimes under half a mile — so location is critical.
Are there grammar schools in Bristol?
No. Bristol has no grammar schools. The nearest selective state schools are in neighbouring Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire. All Bristol state secondaries are comprehensive.
How competitive are school admissions in Bristol?
Very competitive for the top-performing schools. Catchment areas for Cotham and Redland Green are among the tightest in the country. Classpot shows historical admission distances to help you assess your chances.
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