Take a fresh look at Bristol schools

Secondary schools and academies across Bristol are opening their doors this month to parents and pupils getting ready to apply for a school place.

The deadline for applying for a secondary school place is 31 October 2012. Anyone whose child was born between 1st September 2001 and 31 August 2002 needs to apply.

Bristol has 21 secondary schools, fourteen of which are academies and one a free school. Last year, nine out of ten families were offered a place at one of their preferred choices of secondary school.

Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, said: “It is well worth having a look round a selection of schools before making a choice about which school to apply for. The world of education is changing fast and standards of achievement have risen significantly over the last decade. Bristol is in the lucky situation of having been able to rebuild or significantly refurbish all of its secondary schools, so facilities are second to none.

“The most important thing to consider is how well parents think a particular school will suit their child and the best way to find out is to go and see for yourself before making a decision.”

All children currently in year six at a Bristol primary school will be taking home information with details of how to apply for a new school.

Open days have already begun and a full timetable of open days at secondary schools across the city is available on the council website at www.bristol.gov.uk/schooladmissions

Admissions manager, Mike Wheeler, explains: “With the mix of different types of school in Bristol, from church schools, academies, foundation schools and a free school, the admissions policy could be different for each of the three schools listed as a preference, so it’s really important people check advice carefully. They may have to complete an extra form to give additional information required by the school, as well as the Bristol City Council common application form.

“Each school produces its own prospectus and has its own web site, which are useful sources of information. We recommend you take a look at these, but also visit the schools you are interested in to have a look round and meet teachers and pupils in person.”

To get in touch with the school admissions team with any questions, email school.admissions@bristol.gov.uk or phone 0117 903 7694.