Cathedral Primary School

About Cathedral Primary School

Cathedral Primary School in Bristol is a Church of England state primary for children aged 4 to 11, and it is running very close to full capacity with 419 pupils against a school capacity of 420. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 22%, which is notably higher than the national average for primary schools, giving the intake a distinctly mixed socioeconomic profile. Demand is strong: for the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 194 applications for 60 places, making it oversubscribed with a ratio of 3.23 applicants per place. Of those, 71 families put it as their first preference, and 57 first-preference offers were made, indicating that while competition is real, a first-choice application gives a solid chance. The school is led by headteacher Sara Yarnold and was last inspected by Ofsted in October 2024.

Academically, Cathedral Primary performs solidly within the Bristol local authority. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 63% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is above the local authority average of 58%. The school ranks 31st out of 85 primary schools in Bristol, placing it in the top 50% locally and around the national median. Reading is a particular strength: 90% of pupils met the expected standard and 33% achieved the higher standard, with an average scaled score of 108. Maths scores are also above average at 104, though only 7% of pupils reached the higher standard in all three subjects. Ofsted’s most recent inspection graded the school Good overall, with personal development rated Outstanding. Behaviour and attitudes, quality of education, and leadership and management were all judged Good, while early years provision also received a Good rating.

The school offers a strong range of facilities including a sports hall, gymnasium, art studios, music rooms, ICT suite and a chapel, reflecting its Church of England character. Sports on offer include football, netball, cricket, rounders and tennis, while clubs cover drama, coding and gardening. For families with children who have special educational needs, the school lists provisions for dyslexia, speech and language needs, hearing impairment, physical disability, social and emotional mental health needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. Parent View responses from 127 families are overwhelmingly positive: 98% would recommend the school, and 76% strongly agreed that their child is happy there. This is a school that suits families who value a strong community feel, a Church of England ethos, and solid but not exceptional academic outcomes, particularly in reading. It is oversubscribed, so applying as a first preference is advisable.

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