Orchard School Bristol
88%
Capacity
947
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Orchard School Bristol
Orchard School Bristol is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Bristol, City of community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 947 pupils on roll and is well-filled (88% of 1,080 places).
Ofsted has rated Orchard School Bristol "Good", the school is led by headteacher Melanie Sweet, it falls under Bristol, City of local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.31 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 39.6. Additionally, ranked 2268th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 16th out of 20 in Bristol, City of.
Orchard School Bristol is a popular choice with families — it received 320 applications for 177 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 127 were first-preference applications.
Orchard School Bristol parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 88% recommending the school (85 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Orchard School Bristol include Swimming Pool, Art Studios, Sports Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Astro Turf, Library, Dining Hall, ICT Suite, Science Labs, Theatre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Rugby, Athletics, Football and 2 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, Young Enterprise, Drama, Gardening and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 43.6%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bristol, City of, Orchard School Bristol is one of the options available in the South West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Filton Road, Bristol, Bristol, City of, BS7 0XZ |
| Headteacher | Melanie Sweet |
| Local Authority | Bristol, City of |
| Number of Pupils | 947 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 43.6% |
| School Capacity | 947 / 1,080 (88% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Mar 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (19 Mar 2025): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 17 Nov 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.31)
2268th of 3,141
Nationally
241st of 306
In South West
16th of 20
In Bristol, City of
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
Ofsted Parent View
85 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed177
320
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
127 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orchard School Bristol
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Filton Road, Bristol
Bristol, City of, BS7 0XZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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