Collegiate School is a thriving co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 18 located on a spacious 30-acre site in Stapleton village, north Bristol. It is less than one mile from Junction 2 of the M32 and therefore easily accessible from north Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
There are approximately 800 pupils at Collegiate School – the Prep School (230 pupils), which caters for the 3–11 age range and includes a pre-school, is adjacent to the main site which accommodates the Senior School (570 pupils), where pupils attend from 11–18 (Year 7 to Sixth Form). For details of the Prep School, see entry in IAPS section. A Collegiate education extends far beyond the classroom with opportunities for sport, music, service and co-curricular activities all playing their part in creating the unique experience on offer at the school.
In 2019, the ISI rated Collegiate School as ‘Excellent’ in all areas. In their report they captured the true essence of the school, highlighting its unique culture as well as the less easy-to-measure elements, which combine to make a Collegiate education so special. The statistics have long shown that Collegiate pupils achieve outstanding exam results and make excellent progress. However, it is the strong values pupils develop; their self-confidence, well-developed communications skills and the resilience they show when things get tough, that produce what is known as the Collegiate character.
Curriculum. Collegiate School offers a wide-ranging and engaging curriculum in line with the provisions of the National Curriculum. To support the core subjects, a wide range of optional subjects can also be taken, including art, business studies, computing, drama, design technology, music, physical education and religious studies. There is a wide choice of A level subjects available in the Sixth Form including BTECs and CTECs in business, music and sports and exercise science.
Extracurricular. Collegiate School is fortunate to have all facilities on a 30-acre site, meaning students can seamlessly combine academic studies and sporting pursuits. With over 50 clubs to get involved in each week, the Collegiate experience is designed to allow students to find and develop their passion beyond the classroom, whether through the pride and spirit displayed on the sports field; the exciting array of activities in Combined Cadet Force; or in the first-rate creative spaces including art studios, the music technology classroom, or design technology workshop.
Pastoral. The Collegiate philosophy is quite simple: happy children do well. This makes the provision of pastoral care of great importance in the school. At the very heart of this provision is the house system. Four co-educational houses covering all year groups provide a structure through which the development, wellbeing and happiness of all young people is monitored and supported.
Sport and games. Collegiate School has a shining sporting legacy, perhaps unsurprisingly given the impressive on-site facilities that are unique in Bristol. Sport plays a huge part in the life of pupils and while excellence is pursued for those with talent, everyone is encouraged to get involved, regardless of ability. Opportunities to represent the school are abundant and an impressive number of teams are fielded each week. The main sports for boys are rugby, hockey, cricket and tennis and for girls it is hockey, netball, cricket and tennis.
Future leaders. The Collegiate Future Leaders programme was developed with local universities and companies to help ensure sixth-form pupils are equipped with the right skills and knowledge for a rewarding life beyond school. The programme comprises six areas with pupils benefitting from taught sessions each week run by a specialist team of tutors, senior staff members and instructors from the world of work and academia. The areas include academic excellence, extended project qualification, careers guidance, professional projects, employability skills and UCAS support.
Service and community. Pupils are given many opportunities to contribute to the wider community. Collegiate School’s Combined Cadet Force, one of the most successful in the South-West, allows cadets to regularly take part in expeditions and activities. Pupils also have the opportunity to undertake The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which seeks to develop lifelong skills. Pupils relish the opportunity to get involved in a diverse range of volunteering projects across the city.
Admission. Pupils are admitted at 11+ through the school’s own examinations. Pupils also join the school for the Sixth Form. Academic scholarships are available as well as scholarships for pupils excelling in art, drama, music and sport. Bursaries are also available which are means tested.
Religious denomination. The school’s religious affiliation is to the Church of England, and use is made of neighbouring Stapleton Parish Church for morning assemblies and other services. Pupils of other denominations are also warmly welcomed.
Fees per term (2024-2025). £6,075.
Charitable status. Collegiate School is a Registered Charity, number 1079552. Its aims and objectives are the provision of education.
Governors & Staff:
Governors:
Chair of Governors: Mr N Baker
Mrs B Allpress
Mrs K Bishop, CBE
Mr M Burchfield
Mrs A Burrell (Deputy Chair)
Mrs G Cross
Mrs C Duckworth
Mr R Foley
Mr C Green, CBE
Mr M Hughes
Dr S Patel
Dr M Sooriyabandara
Mrs C Tilley
Mr J Wright
Head: Mr J McCullough, MA Oxon
Deputy Headmaster: Dr P Hill, BSc, PhD
Assistant Head, Academic: Dr J Tovey, BA, PhD
Assistant Head, Co-Curricular: Mr C Coulstring
Assistant Head, Curriculum: Dr Z Bell, PhD
Assistant Head, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Miss C Flay, BA
Assistant Head, Pastoral: Mr D Boyce
Head of Sixth Form: Ms K Porter, MA
Director of Finance: Mrs K Fisher, ACA, BA
Director of Facilities: Mr S Crossman