Founded in 1532, it is close to the university in the cultural and commercial heart of Bristol. Its core consists of handsome Victorian buildings (especially the Great Hall). An on-going development programme has resulted in one of the best-stocked school libraries, a new sports hall, art school, music school, technology centre and language centre. Originally a boys' school, it has been fully co-educational since 1980. It enjoys a high reputation academically and examination results are very good. It has played a major part in the educational life of the city, enjoying flourishing local ties and back-up from the community and from Old Bristolians. An exceptional number of activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme which is well-supported. A very friendly atmosphere throughout and much is done to maintain high standards of pastoral care through the house system and year head/form tutor organisation.

Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 1177 day pupils (771 boys, 406 girls). Senior department 11-18, 983 pupils (625 boys, 358 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used at 11 and 13; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade B. No special skills or religious requirements. 70% of senior intake from state schools (plus 10% to sixth form).

Academic scholarships awarded to entrants at 11, 13 and 16 (and special individual scholars' programme to ensure they reach their full potential and widen their interests). also school assisted places. Parents expected to buy some basic reference books (eg dictionary).

Headmaster: Dr David Mascord, in post since 1999. Educated at the universities of York (chemistry) and Cambridge (PhD and PGCE). Previously Deputy Headmaster at the school, Senior Teacher at Aylesbury Grammar, Head of Chemistry at Wellington, Assistant Master at Richard Huish Sixth Form College, Taunton. Teaching staff: 98 full time, 14 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 38.

GCSE: 144 pupils in Year 11; 97% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 3% in 5-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 65. A-levels: 160 in upper sixth; 10% passed in 4+ subjects, 90% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 370.

95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (47% after a gap year), 12% to Oxbridge. 10% took courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 25% in science and engineering, 5% in law, 40% in humanities and social sciences (including 5% in languages), 5% in art and design, 10% in vocational subjects eg physiotherapy, journalism, business, education, leisure. A few typically go directly into careers.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 26 AS/A-level subjects, including Greek, Russian, design technology, computer science, IT, sports studies, psychology and theatre studies; Foundation Studies offers non-examined courses in eg politics, ethics, health issues, survival, cookery, IT and aesthetics. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (5 if including 2 maths), 3-4 at A-level; some take a further AS-level in upper sixth. General studies taught but not examined. Key skills integrated in sixth-form courses. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, German, Spanish, Russian, Greek and Latin offered at GCSE and A-level. Exchange links with St Petersburg and Darmstadt. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 200 computers for pupil use (7+ hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams, GCSE and A-level can be taken. Many musical groups including 4 orchestras, 3 choirs, jazz band, chamber groups. Drama and dance: Drama and dance offered. Pupils involved in school productions and house/other productions. Recent productions include Guys and Dolls, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Trial. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Pupils regularly proceed to art or design courses.

Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, netball compulsory in early years; increasing choice further up school. Optional: cross-country, golf, squash, badminton, fencing. Pupils regularly compete at county, regional and national level. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (very large scheme). Community service optional. Over 30 clubs, from cookery and chess to climbing and debating.

Uniform: School uniform worn; a dress code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: 6 houses. Prefects, head of school, head of house and house prefects - appointed by the Head in consultation with staff. Religion: Inter-denominational school. No compulsory religious worship. Social: Regular local, area and national debating competitions and joint competitions with neighbouring schools. Language exchanges; trips to France, Russia, Italy and Greece; sports tours (eg New Zealand, Barbados, Australia); overseas expeditions (eg India, Mongolia, Ecuador); links with schools in Russia, Japan and South Africa.à Meals self-service. Second-hand uniform shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework on time receive a card for parents to sign; lunch-hour detentions for minor discipline problems; after school and Saturday detentions for major incidents or repeated minor ones.

is run by Charles Luker, c/o the school.

Lord Franks (Oxford University; Ambassador to USA); Tom Graveney (cricketer); Robert Lacey (author); Brian Barron (BBC); Fred Wedlock (entertainer); Rt Rev Peter Nott (Bishop of Norwich); John Currie (rugby); Canon G A Ffrench-Beytagh (anti-apartheid); G H Heath-Grace (organist); Dave Prowse, Jeremy Northam, Navinder Chaundri (film actors); Sir Richard Sheppard (architect); David Drew (ballet); Professor John Pople (Nobel prize winner, quantum chemistry); Professor Brian Hoskins (Royal Meteorological Society); Jonathan Gould (soccer); Professor Keith Robbins (Vice Chancellor, University of Wales); Rabinder Singh (barrister); Allen Lane (Founder, Penguin Books).