The origins of the school are in the Grammar School of St Augustine's Abbey founded in 1140. It was re-founded by Henry VIII in 1542 and is Bristol's only royal foundation. It stands in the cathedral precinct and the buildings span 800 years of architectural history. The main classrooms are on the original site of the Abbey School. There have been many modern developments including new art and DT rooms and a studio theatre. Facilities are very good. The school is in the process of becoming co-educational: there have been girls in the sixth form for many years and girls were accepted at age 10 from 2005. A sound, liberal education is provided and examination results are good. Because of the close links with the cathedral (which is the school's chapel), there is considerable emphasis on pastoral care and religious education. The art, drama and music departments are extremely strong and the school is well known for its musical activities. A wide range of sports and games is available and there is a fair variety of extra-curricular activities, clubs, societies, etc. Work experience is undertaken by all members of Year 11 and the school has close links with a wide range of commercial and industrial concerns in and about the city. Full use is made of the city's cultural amenities.

Pupils: Age range 10-18, 353 day pupils (289 boys, 64 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 10, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (including sixth-form subjects).

Approx 15 pa scholarships, including academic, music and sport, value up to 50% fees (most at 11, some at 13 and 16). 5-8 pa choral awards. School assisted places.

Head: A Hugh Monro, appointed 2007. Educated at Rugby and Cambridge University (history and economics). Previously Head of Wellington College, of Clifton College and of Worksop College plus earlier appointments in the UK and USA. Also Governor and Chairman of Governors of several schools; Member of Admiralty Interview Board. Teaching staff: 47 full time, 23 part time.

GCSE: On average, 68 pupils in Year 11: 63% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 53 (52 over 5 years). A-levels: 54 in upper sixth, all gaining passes in 2+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 285.

90% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (25% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. Others typically go on to other schools or colleges or straight into employment.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 GCSE subjects, 20 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies not taken. Key skills mostly integrated into sixth-form courses. Languages: French and German offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Use made of satellite Television, video camera and language assistants. Regular exchanges to France and Germany. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 40 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Most pupils take GCSE short course.

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Up to 10 musical groups including two orchestras, brass group, choir, chamber choir, various ensembles. Orchestra tours (eg Czech Republic, France in 2007). Drama: Drama offered. Majority of pupils involved in school and house/other productions. Recent productions include Skellig. Art and design: On average, 19 take GCSE, 15 A-level.

Sport: Rugby, football or hockey, cricket, netball. Wider range for Year 11 and sixth forms including badminton, weight-training, squash, swimming, tennis, athletics, sailing and aerobics. Recent tours to India, Canada and South Africa. Activities: Community service optional for 2 years at age 15. Up to 15 clubs, eg technology.

Uniform: School uniform worn; dress regulations in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses for sport. All upper sixth are prefects; two head prefects elected by peers. School Council. Religion: Church of England school. No compulsory attendance at religious worship. Social: Occasional concerts, plays etc with other schools. Exchanges with schools in Germany and Uganda; orchestra tours (eg Czech Republic, France). Meals self-service. No alcohol or tobacco allowed.

Programme of assertive discipline in place including a structured detention programme. Any pupil caught smoking cannabis on the premises could expect immediate exclusion, usually permanent depending on the result of investigation.