About Collegiate School Bristol
Collegiate School Bristol is a co-educational independent day school in Bristol, educating pupils from Nursery (age 3) through to Year 13 (age 18). Founded in 1710 as Colston's Hospital by the Bristol merchant Edward Colston, the school was long known as Colston's School and was renamed Collegiate School in 2022. It is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC).
Year 7 Admissions — Collegiate School Bristol
As an independent school, Collegiate School Bristol sets its own admissions process. The main entry point to the Senior School is Year 7 (age 11): prospective pupils sit the school's own entrance examination in English, Mathematics and reasoning and attend a taster day, with a reference sought from their current school before places are offered.
How to Apply
- Register your interest with the Admissions team and book an open morning or personal tour.
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee to book a place on a taster day.
- Your child attends a taster day and assessment; the Headmaster then informs you of the outcome.
- Accept the place and complete enrolment for September entry.
Scholarships & Bursaries
Collegiate School Bristol offers scholarships in areas including Sport, Art, Music and Design, with further Sixth Form scholarships available. Means-tested bursaries are assessed by the Board of Governors to widen access. Download the scholarship and bursary application forms from the school's admissions pages.
Dates and exact requirements vary by entry point — always confirm the current process with the Admissions team.
Fees, Results & Inspection
- Fees: termly tuition fees apply (Nursery through Sixth Form); see the school's fees page for current rates. Bursaries and scholarships can reduce the cost for eligible families.
- Results: GCSE and A-Level outcomes are best confirmed directly with the school; it does not feature in the Times Parent Power national rankings.
- Inspection: as an independent school, Collegiate School Bristol is inspected by the relevant independent-schools inspectorate — see the school's latest report for the current judgement.
Location & Catchment
As a non‑selective independent school, Collegiate School Bristol does not operate a fixed catchment area — families apply directly from across Bristol and the wider county.
- ✓Main site: Bell Hill, Stapleton, Bristol — the all‑through school from Reception to Sixth Form, on a new campus opened in January 2025.
- ✓Nursery: Bell Hill, Stapleton, Bristol, for children from 4 months to 4 years.
- ✓Pupils travel in from Bristol and the surrounding Bristolshire towns and villages; contact the school about transport options.
Pastoral Care & Co‑curricular Life
Collegiate School Bristol traces its roots to 1710, when it was founded as Colston's Hospital, and continues a long tradition of individual attention and all-round education. As an all‑through school it offers continuity from Nursery to Sixth Form, with a clear emphasis on personal development, confidence and well‑being.
A nurturing, all‑through community
Small classes and relationship‑led support help pupils feel happy and secure; the school was shortlisted in the Independent Schools of the Year 2025 (co‑ed category) for its caring, life‑enhancing experience.
Beyond the classroom
A broad co‑curricular programme spans sport, art, music and drama, supported by the new Bell Hill, Stapleton facilities and outdoor space, with scholarships available in academic, music, art, drama and sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Collegiate School Bristol co-educational? Yes — it is a fully co-educational independent day school, with boys and girls taught together from Nursery to Sixth Form.
What ages does the school take? Pupils are admitted from age 3 (Nursery) through to age 18 (Sixth Form), across the Nursery and Pre-Prep, Prep School and Senior School.
Is there a competitive 11+ entrance exam? Yes. Entry to Year 7 is by the school's own entrance examination in English, Mathematics and reasoning, set by the school rather than a regional 11+ board.
How do I apply? Register with the Admissions team via the school website, pay the non-refundable registration fee, and your child sits the entrance examination and attends a taster day; a reference is requested from their current school before offers are made.
Are scholarships or bursaries available? Yes — the school offers a range of scholarships (which may include academic, music, art, drama and sport awards) alongside means-tested bursaries to assist with fees.
What are the fees? Termly tuition fees apply and vary by year group; current rates are published on the school's fees page.
Does the school have a sixth form? Yes — pupils continue into the Sixth Form studying A Levels, with leavers progressing to a wide range of universities.
When was the school formed? The school was founded in 1710 as Colston's Hospital by the Bristol merchant Edward Colston; long known as Colston's School, it was renamed Collegiate School in 2022.
Where is the school located? Bell Hill, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1BJ.