With a history dating back to 1634, we understand how valuable single-sex education can be in giving girls a great start in life. Supportive, inspirational staff, a progressive mind-set, excellent pastoral care and wide-ranging opportunities, mean we develop inspirational young women, who are fully equipped for whatever path they choose in life.
Our academic record is excellent and our students excel in a diverse range of subjects. But we are so much more than the sum of our exam results. By prioritising development of the whole girl, giving breadth and depth of knowledge and experience, as well as an international mindedness, we aim to equip girls to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Opportunities here extend far beyond the classroom. Girls are given the chance to become exceptional public speakers who excel in local and national competitions; future game-changing scientists, engineers and mathematicians; adventurers, who spend time caving, kayaking and competing in local and national sporting fixtures. We support and encourage them to be whoever they want to be.
We have the experience and expertise that enable our girls to shine whilst helping them understand the importance of curiosity, collaboration and possibility.
Our first-class facilities provide the very best learning environments, allowing girls to excel not only academically but also in sport, drama, art and music. Technology makes a central contribution to the way students work and learn – we use iPad technology in the classroom to create dynamic and independent learning environments. In addition, the international links developed over recent years and the thriving alumnae network are an integral part of the school and a hugely valuable asset for the students.
All this adds up to Redmaids’ High School being one of the finest girls’ schools in the UK for girls aged 7 to 18. The opportunities and facilities – combined with excellent teaching – equip young women with the skills and confidence to truly make their mark in today’s world.
Character. The school provides a positive and purposeful learning environment where everything is focused on the girls; where there is no dilution of attention to their needs as young women; and where they are offered all the opportunities and hold all the responsibilities.
Facilities. The 12-acre site at Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, just beyond the Clifton Downs, provides an inspirational backdrop for learning, with space for girls to relax and enjoy. The campus has a spacious, rural feel, despite being just a few miles from the city centre.
At the centre of the Senior School is Burfield House, built in the 19th century as a private family home. Today it houses classrooms, offices, the Pearson Library, Dining Hall and main school reception.
Redland Hall provides a modern performance space and auditorium, complete with flexible seating, first-class lighting and acoustically engineered sound systems. It also houses new classrooms, additional music practice rooms and an area for serving refreshments at key school events.
The contemporary, self-contained Sixth Form Centre provides a university-style, independent learning space for Years 12 and 13.
Exceptional sports facilities are a hallmark of the school. There is an ethos of ‘sport-for-all’ balanced with elite competition. An additional off-site sports ground, The Lawns at Cribbs Causeway, offers an International Hockey Federation certified pitch, a new multi-purpose area used for both netball and tennis and an extensive cricket, tennis and athletics space. On site at Westbury-on-Trym on our hockey pitch, netball courts and in our sports hall, girls take part in activities such as netball, badminton, dance and trampolining to name but a few. We also have an extensive Outdoor Adventures programme for students to try everything from bouldering to skateboarding and we are the largest provider of DofE training for girls in Bristol.
A detached former stable block is home to the Music Department, and includes teaching and rehearsal space. Students can also access specialist recording equipment and individual workstations with keyboards and Apple computers.
Six fully-equipped, modern laboratories provide everything the Science Department needs, while the Art Department has room to be creative with two large studio spaces, a computer suite and a library.
Extended Day. Senior girls can arrive from 7.30am and stay until 6.00pm, at no extra charge. Breakfast can be bought on an ad-hoc basis and supervised homework and extra-curricular activities take place until 5.30pm. Clubs and societies include: current affairs, choirs, orchestras, Harry Potter club, culture, film production, drama and many sports clubs.
School Life. The School Council and Sixth Form leadership positions encourage students to take responsibility for others. Peer support systems, clubs run by older students and staff, and charitable fundraising demonstrate the pupils’ involvement in their community. Assemblies celebrate students’ all-round achievements, examine topical issues and offer opportunities for thought, reflection and spiritual exploration.
Curriculum. For the first three years, all Redmaids’ High students follow a broad and balanced curriculum. Setting takes place in Mathematics from Year 7 and separate Sciences from Year 9. In Year 7, all girls study two languages chosen from French, German, Latin, Russian and Spanish. In Years 10 and 11, we select the best mix of qualifications from GCSE and IGCSE to prepare the girls for the next steps in their education.
Sixth Form. Redmaids’ High offers Sixth Formers a wide range of A Levels. Students take three or four linear A Levels, with exams at the end of Year 13. Most girls enrich their A Level experience by taking an additional qualification such as an EPQ, Creative Writing course, an AS Level, or a Level 3 Food Science or Sports Leaders award.
Redmaids’ High Sixth Formers enjoy the independence of a modern, purpose-built centre with dedicated teaching, seminar and common rooms, café, quiet study area, ICT facilities and careers library. Students achieve their full academic potential through high-quality teaching and developing habits of independent study and academic rigour. Whilst many students go on to study at university, including Oxbridge, we also assist students to access apprenticeships or plan a gap year. Sixth Formers take on many leadership roles within school and develop a broader understanding of the wider world through a varied community service programme. They also follow the Lighthouse Programme to prepare them for life beyond school and receive individual careers advice.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Years 7 to 13: £6,085, excluding VAT. Curricular school trips are included in this fee. Lunch is compulsory for Years 7 to 11 and is invoiced termly. Other extras are individual music lessons, speech and drama lessons, optional non-academic trips, and any one-to-one tuition for those with individual needs.
Admission to Senior School. All students are admitted on the basis of an entrance examination, interview and headteacher’s report. Key points of entry are at Year 7, 9 and 12. The entrance exam for Years 7 and 9 is held in January for admission the following September. Entry can take place into other years, subject to availability.
Scholarships. Scholarships are available to girls who show true potential, a dedication to learning and ambition for personal development. They are available for entry into Years 7, 9, 10 and 12 for both internal and external candidates. They may also be awarded to exceptional students entering at other stages.
Athena Development Grants. From September 2024, all students in Year 9 will be eligible to apply for a £250 Development Grant to support their personal development in a subject area of their choice. Students can reapply for a second grant in their Sixth Form.
Bursaries. The unique founding origins of Redmaids’ High mean the school can offer a number of fully and partially funded places.
Charitable status. Redmaids’ High School is a Registered Charity, number 1105017. It has existed since 1634 to provide an education for girls.
Governors & Staff:
Governing Body:
Chairman: Mr Andrew Hillman
Vice-Chairman: Mrs Elizabeth Clarson and Mrs Rosemary Heald
Mrs Katie Atkins
Mr Richard Bacon
Mrs Perdita Davidson
Ms Sally Dore
Dr Bisola Ezobi
Dr Abdul Farooq
Mrs Elizabeth Fry
Mr Mike Henry
Mr Richard Page
Senior School:
Head: Mr Paul Dwyer
Senior Deputy Head: Mrs Laura Beynon
Deputy Head - Academic: Ms Anya Peyton
Deputy Head, Staff and Operations: Mr Tom Johnston
Director of Sixth Form: Dr Alice England
Assistant Head Pastoral: Ms Melissa Stimson
Chief Finance Officer: Mr M Marshall
Chief Operating Officer: Ms Alison Byrne
Junior School:
Headteacher: Mrs Lisa Brown
Deputy Head: Mrs Anthea Newton
PA to Head: Mrs Hafwen Randle
PA to Directors of Finance and Operations: Mrs Susannah Wooldridge
Admissions Registrars:
Mrs Naomi Brady (Juniors)
Mrs Sarah Baker-Patch, Mrs Ali Wright & Mrs Antonia Firebrace (Seniors and Sixth Form)