Bristol Free School
Bristol, BS10 6NJ · Bristol, City of · secondary school
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1st of 22 secondary schools in Bristol, City of we can score, 24 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 691 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.0/10 among them, against 8.7/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 85 | 35% | 2.99 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 69.5 · 90 | 30% | 2.70 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.43 · 81 | 25% | 2.01 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 59.3 · 91 | 10% | 0.91 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bristol Free School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.3% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 56.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 stood at +0.43 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.7 out of 10 among them, against 8.5 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
The school organises a Sports Day.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,304 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,090. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
Since the March 2026 inspection uses a new framework without an overall grade, which specific areas received the highest scores? How does the school support pupils to maintain the +0.43 Progress 8 score across different subject groups?
What Ofsted said about Bristol Free School
Overview
Bristol Free School is described as a "highly ambitious and inclusive school" where pupils "thrive" and feel "safe, known and valued." The report highlights sustained high achievement, excellent attendance, and a strong sense of community, noting that leaders are "tenacious" in supporting all pupils, particularly those with additional needs.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve "highly" with "positive and sustained" outcomes in national tests, including disadvantaged students.
- Attendance is "above the national average" due to a "deep sense of belonging" and effective support for barriers.
- Behaviour is "exceptional," with bullying being "very rare" and a "calm and respectful" atmosphere.
- SEND and disadvantaged pupils receive "precisely tailored" support and full access to the "extensive" wider offer.
- The sixth form is a particular strength, with "consistently effective" teaching and high-quality careers guidance.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure teachers "consistently use identified strategies to support disadvantaged pupils" so they learn as effectively as possible.
- Leaders should "continue to strengthen the reading programme" to ensure all pupils with gaps receive "appropriate support that is precisely matched to their needs."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed," ensuring pupils are "made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 58.0 |
| 2024/25 | 56.3 |
| 2025/26 | 59.3 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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