Sir Bernard Lovell Academy
89%
Capacity
1,261
Pupils
1.9x
Demand
About Sir Bernard Lovell Academy
Sir Bernard Lovell Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the South Gloucestershire community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,261 pupils on roll and is well-filled (89% of 1,409 places).
Ofsted has rated Sir Bernard Lovell Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Robin Bassford, it falls under South Gloucestershire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.08 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 48.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1359th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 16 in South Gloucestershire.
Sir Bernard Lovell Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 443 applications for 240 places, making it 1.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 279 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Sir Bernard Lovell Academy include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Dining Hall, Library, Tennis Courts, Astro Turf, Playing Fields, Gymnasium, ICT Suite, Art Studios, Music Rooms, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Badminton, Football, Cricket, Netball and 2 more, as well as clubs including Model UN, Chess, Debate, Film Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 18.0%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in South Gloucestershire, Sir Bernard Lovell Academy 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | North Street, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS30 8TS |
| Headteacher | Robin Bassford |
| Local Authority | South Gloucestershire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,261 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 18.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,261 / 1,409 (89% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
4 Nov 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 12 Dec 2021. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.08)
1359th of 3,141
Nationally
125th of 306
In South West
6th of 16
In South Gloucestershire
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
29.1
'22/23
28.5
'23/24
29.7
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
14Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed240
443
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
279 families put this school as their 1st choice (63% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sir Bernard Lovell Academy
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
North Street, Bristol
South Gloucestershire, BS30 8TS
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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