Clifton High School sets out to provide for children whose ability enables them to profit from a demanding, stimulating education of the highest quality.
It is expected that pupils who enter the Senior School will possess sufficient academic ability to allow them to access a wide range of GCSE subjects (the current norm is 9.5). They might then be expected to take A levels (the current norm is 4 subjects at AS and 3 subjects at A2) and to go on to the higher educational establishment of their choice.
The procedures for entry to the various sections of the school are explained below. Please contact our Admissions Registrar, Mrs Melanie Johnson for further details.
Email: admissions@cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk
Telephone: 0117 933 9087
Early Years and Junior School
Nursery Department
Entry to Nursery is not selective. It is expected, however, that children will be able to access the full Early Years Curriculum.
Prepatory Department
Entry to the Preparatory Department (Reception, Years 1 & 2) is determined by informal assessment conducted by a class teacher within the Preparatory department. It is expected that pupils will be capable of accessing the full curriculum and to be sufficiently able to gain entry to the Junior Department in due course.
It is expected that pupils will be capable of progressing towards gaining entry to the senior school of their choice and subsequently to achieve level 4 or above in the National Curriculum Key Stage tests.
Junior School
Entry to the Junior Department (Year 3, 4, 5 & 6) is determined by:
A report from the Preparatory Department for internal candidates.
A report from the Head of their current school for external candidates.
Formal assessment, carried out by Clifton High School staff, of standards in English, mathematics and reading.
Special Educational Needs Policy
Clifton High School is committed to providing support for children who meet its general entrance requirements but who have minor learning difficulties which, with some specialist advice, can be dealt with within the normal classroom. The Head of Learning Support, Lower School Senco and Upper School Senco ensure that the children with such minor needs are given the support they need to make progress in line with their innate ability. A detailed statement explaining our Special Educational Needs policy is available on request.
Senior School
Year 7
Entry to the Senior School in Year 7 by external candidates is by competitive selective examination in mathematics, English and non-verbal reasoning. A report from their primary school is also considered.
Applicants from the CHS Junior School do not sit the entrance exam unless they wish to be considered for a Scholarship.
The Head of School meets all applicants for Year 7 entry on an informal basis.
Candidates considered for scholarship or for School Assisted Places are invited to attend a formal interview with the Head of School after they have sat the examination papers.
Years 8 & 9
Entry in to Years 8 & 9 are also always welcome. The admissions procedure is similar in that there will be a suitable level exam, an interview with the Head of School and the current school report will be considered. Scholarships are also available for entry into Year 9.
Sixth Form Entry
These applications are considered on merit after taking into account the evidence obtained from their current schools in the form of reports and predicted or actual external examination results. Candidates for entry to these years are also interviewed by members of Clifton High School staff and may be asked to sit subject specific school examination papers.
It is also possible to gain a Sixth Form scholarship. Candidates are required to attend for presentation to the Head of School, together with interviews with the Heads of subjects they intend to study at A2 level.