Clifton College
School summary
Founded in 1862, Clifton College is a large, multi-faith independent school in Bristol offering both day and boarding places to around 775 mixed pupils. With a sixth form of 334 and an exceptionally low pupil-to-teacher ratio of about six, the college combines historic foundations with small teaching groups. Boarding is available, and a broad scholarship programme spans academic, art, drama, design and technology, music, sport and organ awards. Roughly a quarter of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting a school used to working with a range of needs.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
58%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
44%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
75%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
Teaching & academics
Results sit well above national benchmarks: 58% of GCSE entries reach grades 9-7 against a national average of 23%, while 44% of A-level grades are A*-A (national average 28%) and 75% reach A*-B. The sciences and mathematics dominate at GCSE, and the sixth form leans towards mathematics, the sciences, economics and the humanities. Beyond GCSE and A-level, pupils can take BTEC qualifications and the EPQ, and Chinese is offered among the languages.
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Head of College · Dr Tim Greene
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 334
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a clear strength, with cricket, rugby, hockey and rowing at the heart of college life. The wide scholarship offer in art, drama, music and design and technology points to an equally serious commitment to the creative arts.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1862
- Religious character
- Multi-faith
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 23.91%
- EHC plans
- 0.08%
Mobile phone policy
Pupils are permitted to bring their mobile phones into school on the understanding that they adhere to the school's outlined procedures. In general, mobile phones may not be used on the school campus during the school day. Pupils in year 9 and 10 are required to hand in their mobile phone at morning call over. They will be stored securely and returned at the end of the academic part of the day. Pupils in years 11-13 may use mobile phones during the school day in restricted circumstances. Pupils can expect to have their phones confiscated by staff if they are being used inappropriately.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £36,645 - £37,275
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £55,605 - £57,840
Schools nearby
Clifton College Preparatory School
Bristol, South West
Clifton High School
South West
Bristol Waldorf School
Bristol, South West
Bristol International College
Bristol, South West
Bristol Grammar School
Bristol, South West
Queen Elizabeth's Hospital
Bristol, South West
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
An academically high-achieving day and boarding school with deep sporting and artistic traditions. Fees run from around £36,645 for day places to nearly £57,840 for boarding, so families should weigh the substantial investment against the results.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
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Clifton College 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.