A breath of fresh air in more ways than one, this school is set high above the city of Bristol, feeding off its creative and enterprising energy – and, in turn, its golden buildings provide a perfect backdrop. Each area of the extensive campus is within walking distance from the others and the pupils ‘take everything in their stride... exhibiting an understated pride’ in their seat of learning, according to one recent visitor. Head Dr Tim Greene has ‘the utmost respect from the children and parents’ and is known for being ‘present and available’. (Notably, you’ll find him at the school pedestrian crossing every morning, welcoming the whole community.) Small class sizes afford additional ‘stretch’ for students, but Clifton doesn’t want its pupils to get ‘hung up’ on the school’s position in league tables, as it believes that academic results are just one feather in a student’s cap. Even those who aren’t naturally musical love the house singing competitions, and visitors are likely to be struck by the sound of trilling voices as they wander through the grounds, ‘adding to the overall joyful atmosphere’. Popular university destinations include Durham, UCL and Bristol, and with 88 per cent of A-level grades scoring A*–B last year, it’s no surprise that most leavers move on to their first-choice university. Life at Clifton doesn’t end when you leave the college: students can access a network of support forever, with The Old Cliftonian Society being one of the country’s most active societies for alumni.
Location: Guthrie Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3EZ
Website: cliftoncollege.com
Head: Dr Tim Greene, DPhil, since 2016. Previously Deputy Head Academic
Pupils: 762. Day: 234 boys, 165 girls; boarding: 212 boys, 151 girls
Ages: 13–18
Term fees: Day: £9,300; boarding: £14,200
Oxbridge: 5%
Admission: Pre-assessment day, CE or school’s own exams, interview and previous school’s report
Alumni: Actor John Cleese, hockey player Lily Owsley, broadcaster John Inverdale
Prep head: Jim Walton
Prep Pupils: 412 day and boarding: 239 boys, 173 girls
Prep Ages: 3 months–13
Prep Term fees: Day: £6,575; boarding: £10,845
