Best Private Schools in Bristol UK - June 2026

UK / Bristol / Bristol
Discover the top-rated private schools in Bristol offering academic excellence and holistic development. Explore our curated list of prestigious institutions for your child's future.
1

Clifton College

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.9

A prestigious co-educational independent school offering a rich academic and extracurricular heritage.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1862
  • Employees: 200-500
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +441173157000
  • Email: admissions@cliftoncollege.com

About the Company

Clifton College provides an exceptional academic environment combined with world-class sporting and creative arts facilities. Known for its holistic approach, it fosters personal growth and academic excellence in every student.

Pros

  • Outstanding facilities
  • Strong academic performance

Cons

  • Competitive entry process
  • High tuition fees
2

Bristol Grammar School

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.8

A leading independent day school known for academic rigor and a vibrant city-center community.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1532
  • Employees: 150-300
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +441179736006
  • Email: admissions@bgs.bristol.sch.uk

About the Company

Bristol Grammar School excels in nurturing intellectual curiosity and independent thinking. With a diverse curriculum and dedicated staff, it provides a supportive atmosphere that empowers students to reach their full potential.

Pros

  • Central location
  • Academic excellence

Cons

  • Limited boarding options
  • Busy campus traffic
3

Queen Elizabeth's Hospital

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.7

A historic independent school with a strong reputation for academic achievement and character building.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1590
  • Employees: 100-250
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +441179303040
  • Email: admissions@qehbristol.co.uk

About the Company

QEH offers a challenging academic program alongside a unique sense of community. The school is highly regarded for its focus on developing well-rounded, confident individuals through an extensive array of extra-curricular activities.

Pros

  • Strong heritage
  • Excellent student support

Cons

  • Uniform strictness
  • Smaller campus size
4

Redmaids' High School

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.9

The oldest girls' school in the country, providing an empowering educational experience.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1634
  • Employees: 150-300
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +441179622641
  • Email: admissions@redmaidshigh.co.uk

About the Company

Redmaids' High School focuses on fostering leadership and ambition in young women. With a long history of success, the school provides a modern, forward-thinking education in a traditional setting.

Pros

  • Empowering environment
  • Strong alumnae network

Cons

  • Single-sex focused
  • Requires early application
5

Colston's School

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.6

An all-through co-educational school emphasizing a broad and balanced curriculum.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1710
  • Employees: 100-250
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Phone: +441179655207
  • Email: admissions@colstons.org

About the Company

Colston's School prides itself on its inclusive community and dedication to the 'whole person' education. The school offers impressive sporting facilities and a wide range of creative opportunities for students of all ages.

Pros

  • Wide age range (3-18)
  • Great extracurriculars

Cons

  • Mixed reviews on management
  • Distance from city center
6

Badminton School

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.8

A premier independent girls' school with a global outlook and high academic standards.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1858
  • Employees: 150-300
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Phone: +441179055200
  • Email: admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk

About the Company

Badminton School is renowned for its academic rigour and friendly, international community. It prepares students for top universities globally, balancing rigorous studies with diverse personal development programs.

Pros

  • Global perspective
  • Top-tier academic results

Cons

  • Expensive boarding options
  • Highly selective
7

Torwood House School

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.5

A small, nurturing independent school providing high-quality primary education.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1924
  • Employees: 20-50
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +441179425481
  • Email: info@torwoodhouseschool.co.uk

About the Company

Torwood House offers a warm and intimate environment where every child is known and valued. The focus is on building strong foundational skills through personalized teaching and a broad curriculum.

Pros

  • Very supportive environment
  • Low student-teacher ratio

Cons

  • Small campus
  • Limited secondary facilities
8

St. Ursula's E-ACT Academy

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.5

A school dedicated to high expectations and developing confident, happy learners.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1902
  • Employees: 50-150
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +441179030999
  • Email: reception@stursulas.e-act.org.uk

About the Company

St. Ursula's provides a safe and stimulating environment where pupils are encouraged to aim high. The teaching staff is committed to fostering academic achievement and personal integrity in every student.

Pros

  • Strong community feel
  • Good pastoral care

Cons

  • Large class sizes
  • Competitive enrollment
9

Bambinos Nursery and School

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.6

Early years education experts focused on creative learning and development.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1993
  • Employees: 50-100
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +441752223555
  • Email: info@bambinos.co.uk

About the Company

Bambinos provides an outstanding start for young children, focusing on discovery, play-based learning, and building emotional intelligence in a safe, caring setting.

Pros

  • Excellent childcare
  • Engaging curriculum

Cons

  • Only early years focus
  • Waiting lists apply
10

Fairfield High School

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.5

A vibrant secondary school committed to student success and diversity.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1951
  • Employees: 100-200
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +441179527100
  • Email: info@fairfield.bristol.sch.uk

About the Company

Fairfield High School is known for its inclusive culture and dedication to student progress. It provides an enriched academic environment with a strong emphasis on extracurricular engagement.

Pros

  • Inclusive culture
  • Excellent staff dedication

Cons

  • High demand for places
  • Busy environment
11

Steiner Academy Bristol

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.7

An education model focusing on the developmental stages of children, blending art and academics.

Details

  • Year Founded: 2013
  • Employees: 50-100
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +441179330190
  • Email: info@bristolsteiner.ac.uk

About the Company

Steiner Academy Bristol offers a unique pedagogical approach that emphasizes creativity, nature, and the artistic development of children. It’s a great fit for those looking for a non-traditional educational path.

Pros

  • Unique curriculum
  • Creative approach

Cons

  • Specific educational philosophy
  • Less exam-oriented
12

Cotham School

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.5

An academy school with a strong focus on high-quality teaching and community values.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1931
  • Employees: 100-200
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +441179198000
  • Email: info@cotham.bristol.sch.uk

About the Company

Cotham School is recognized for its academic standards and its commitment to student wellbeing. The school offers a broad range of subjects and excels in preparing students for post-16 opportunities.

Pros

  • Strong academic focus
  • Good extracurricular range

Cons

  • Large school population
  • Competitive admission
13

St. Katherine's School

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.5

A supportive community school focused on individual achievement and growth.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1957
  • Employees: 80-150
  • Price Range: $$
  • Phone: +441275373737
  • Email: school@stkaths.org.uk

About the Company

St. Katherine's emphasizes a personal approach to learning, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed academically and socially within a close-knit environment.

Pros

  • Strong student support
  • Beautiful campus area

Cons

  • Location is semi-rural
  • Limited public transport
14

Henleaze School

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.6

A well-regarded local school with high community involvement and academic focus.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1920
  • Employees: 40-80
  • Price Range: $
  • Phone: +441179038622
  • Email: school@henleaze-jun.bristol.sch.uk

About the Company

Henleaze provides a stable and encouraging learning environment, emphasizing literacy, numeracy, and a strong sense of community citizenship among its pupils.

Pros

  • Great local reputation
  • Solid primary education

Cons

  • Extremely high catchment demand
  • Limited expansion
15

Hotwells Primary School

United Kingdom, Bristol
4.5

A central school focused on holistic child development and creativity.

Details

  • Year Founded: 1878
  • Employees: 30-60
  • Price Range: $
  • Phone: +441179030066
  • Email: hotwellsp@bristol-schools.uk

About the Company

Hotwells Primary offers an engaging, child-centered approach in the heart of Bristol. Known for its creative curriculum, it prepares young learners with confidence and curiosity for their future schooling.

Pros

  • Creative curriculum
  • Central city location

Cons

  • Small facility size
  • Limited parking

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What are the benefits of private schools in Bristol?
Private schools in Bristol offer smaller class sizes, extensive extracurricular activities, and a focus on personalized academic growth.

How do I apply for private schools in Bristol?
Most schools require an application directly through their website, followed by an entrance exam and an interview process.

What is the typical age range for private education in Bristol?
Private education in Bristol covers everything from nursery and reception stages through to Sixth Form studies.

Are there international school options in Bristol?
Yes, several private institutions in Bristol cater to international students and provide diverse curriculum options.

How much are private school fees in Bristol?
Fees vary significantly depending on the institution, the student's age, and whether the school offers day or boarding options.

Do Bristol private schools offer scholarships?
Many independent schools in Bristol provide academic, sports, or music scholarships to gifted students.