Clifton College
Clifton College
Bristol, England
Clifton College, located on the attractive outskirts of the university city of Bristol, has everything you expect from a traditional British boarding school: a beautiful Victorian style campus, a cricket pitch right outside the school gates, excellent and inspiring teachers, and strong academic results in A Levels and GCSEs. Alongside outstanding sport, Clifton College is also known for its strong focus on music.
The Details
The Academics
Clifton College consistently delivers strong exam results. In 2024, pupils achieved 54 percent grades 9 to 7 in their GCSE exams and 43 percent A\* to A grades in their A Levels – an excellent performance. Pupils can also earn a BTEC qualification in IT and Team Working. With 34 GCSE subjects on offer, Clifton College has a very broad curriculum. There is also special support for pupils interested in medicine, which has proven successful: in recent years, many pupils have secured places to study medicine at Oxford and Cambridge.
Languages Taught
German, English, French, Ancient Greek, Latin, Spanish and Russian.
The Boarding
Half of all pupils board at the school. Clifton offers seven cosy, though occasionally in need of renovation, boarding houses. Pupils usually share a room with one or two roommates.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Clifton’s location in Bristol is a major advantage. The school has access to the city’s fantastic cultural offerings and makes great use of the surrounding area. Sailing, canoeing and kayaking are especially popular here.
Sport is highly valued across the board. Athletics, hockey – particularly for girls – sailing, cricket and riding are strong points. The wider sports programme is broad, ranging from water polo to fencing. There really is something for everyone.
The music programme is impressive too, with orchestras, jazz, blues and rock bands, choirs and many dedicated music teachers.
The so-called performing arts – theatre and dance – are popular. The school stages up to 40 theatre productions a year! The dance studio offers everything from classical ballet to hip hop.
Weaknesses
During exeat weekends, pupils must leave the school for a short time, which can lead to logistical challenges.
In our view, some of the boarding houses could do with renovation in parts.
Location
Clifton College is located in a very attractive suburb of the vibrant university city of Bristol.
Bristol Airport - 20 mins by car
If you’re looking for a classic British boarding experience, this is the place to be.
The vibrant university city of Bristol is right on the doorstep – a magnet for young people, whose appeal parents should not underestimate.
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