Welcome to Bristol Cathedral Choir School

Gathered together that all may thrive.

We “gather together” as a learning community where all are invited that they may discover and achieve their full potential. As a Church of England Academy, our school is shaped by our Christian vision “that all may thrive” and our community is built on our core values of Kindness, Courage and Hope. These drive and resonate through everything we say and do  shaping everything we do.

The opportunity to educate other people’s children is a rare privilege, bringing with it a huge responsibility to provide the best all-round education possible, as we aim to prepare young people for happiness and success in their adult lives. At Bristol Cathedral Choir School (BCCS) we take this responsibility extremely seriously. We care about the individual and pride ourselves on the warmth of a community in which all our pupils feel valued and are supported.

We are enriched by our music specialism and shared heritage with the Cathedral. A choir has been singing on the site since the Augustinian monastery was founded in 1140 and as Bristol’s oldest school, we are proud of our long traditions; this includes educating the choristers for the Cathedral Choir from Year 7. At BCCS, we seek to build on the past whilst looking to the future. This is, and will remain, a forward-thinking school that enthusiastically embraces innovation and new opportunities.

We have a comprehensive intake and welcome students of all faiths and none. We are part of the Cathedral Schools Trust, a local family of schools with a shared commitment to educational excellence for the people and communities we serve. Here at BCCS there are currently over 1100 students, from all parts of Bristol, in Years 7 to 13. Ofsted commented that “we use this diversity to create an ethos and culture that results in the incredibly harmonious community that is an absolute joy to experience.

The school has a reputation built on outstanding academic progress and outcomes, both at KS4 and KS5. Our Sixth Form attracts a large number of entrants into Year 12 and is now established as a centre of excellence for A Level study. Our students regularly progress to the most selective universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. 

Creativity also flourishes at BCCS. We pride ourselves on a rich co-curricular programme and our music specialism provides an exceptional range of opportunities. Our choirs and ensembles have established a national reputation across a range of genres, from gospel to classical orchestral works.

We are ambitious for all our students irrespective of circumstance and starting points. As such, we are determined that they experience equality of opportunity, both while they are with us and in their future lives. Success is the result of outstanding student engagement, in which every minute of learning time is made to count. As well as the intentional development of leadership, character and service, both inside our classrooms and beyond. BCCS students are open minded and outward looking. They are agents for positive change in their own lives and wider communities. 

BCCS is a special place. Rich in history, but forward looking. Academic, but committed to educating the whole child. Unashamedly values driven, with passionate and enthusiastic staff and governors, united by our mission to be ‘Gathered together, that all may thrive’. A school in the heart of Bristol, for all of Bristol. 

Thank you for your interest in our school. If you would like to find out more please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Joseph Thurston - Head Teacher

 

We hope that our website offers a sense of the vibrancy and diversity within our close community. 

Everyone is expected to get involved beyond the classroom. Whether it is gospel singing, playing chess or running around a rugby field, there will be something for you. Student-led initiatives such as the Equalities Group or Student Parliament allow us to contribute to the important agendas in the school. We mix across the year groups, in a range of opportunities including mentoring, vertical tutor groups, drama, sport and music.

Teachers go the "extra mile" and students work hard to support each other. It is a busy, dynamic and fun place to learn.

Head Students