Queen Elizabeth's Hospital
Berkeley Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1JX
Pupils
775
Ages
16 - 18
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Secondary
Head Teacher
Mr Rupert Heathcote
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£3,620 to £5,345
ISC Associations
HMC, IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Christian
Bursaries
Available
About Queen Elizabeth's Hospital
Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital, located in Bristol, is a distinguished academic institution with a rich history and a commitment to providing a high-quality education. The school is academically selective, with main entry points into year 7 and smaller intakes into year 9. The transition from the junior school is seamless, with almost all boys moving up after an assessment day. They are joined by students from various local and not-so-local primary schools. The selection process involves assessments in maths and English, set by the school, and verbal reasoning by GL Assessment. While tutoring is discouraged, familiarisation with verbal reasoning is available. For entry into the co-educational sixth form, candidates need at least six grade 6s at GCSEs, with higher grades required for subjects to be taken at A level.
The school boasts impressive academic results, with a significant percentage of students achieving top grades at both GCSE and A level. In 2023, 65% of students achieved grades 9-7 at GCSE, and 44% achieved A*/A at A level. The school has a strong track record of students progressing to leading universities, including Oxbridge and medical schools. Notable alumni, known as Old Elizabethans, have made significant contributions in various fields, including the arts, sports, and academia.
Teaching and learning at the school are rigorous, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence. From the outset, students are set in maths, and sciences are taught separately, leading to GCSE. The school offers a wide range of subjects, including Latin and Spanish in year 7, with French and German introduced in year 8. Students are expected to take at least one modern language to GCSE, and the school employs native-speaking assistants for each language. The school takes national findings about boys’ performance in English seriously and promotes reading with vigour. The library is a welcoming space, encouraging the reading of historical fiction to provide social context to dates and facts.
The school provides robust learning support, with about 12% of students having special educational needs. The philosophy of the ‘learning enhancement’ department is to increase student independence, offering optional drop-in sessions, TA support in lessons, and small group or one-to-one work. The department also caters to the super-bright, identifying national opportunities and competitions.
The arts and extra-curricular activities are well-supported, with a modern theatre hosting various productions and the school’s own film awards. Music is an integral part of school life, with numerous choirs and ensembles. The school makes use of Bristol’s best venues for performances, and a significant number of students learn an instrument. Art has its own studio, offering a range of media, including digital. The school also offers a variety of clubs and activities, including chess, which is popular among students.
Sport is a highlight, with top-notch facilities and a wide range of activities. Rugby and football are compulsory in the early years, with cricket in the summer. The school has a partnership with Bristol City for football, and students participate in various tournaments. From year 9, the choice of sports widens, and at sixth form, sport is optional but remains popular. Outdoor pursuits are significant, with a strong emphasis on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and other adventurous activities.
The school’s ethos and heritage are deeply rooted in its history, with a commitment to providing opportunities for all students. The school is diverse, with a mix of students from different backgrounds. Pastoral care is prioritised, with a focus on wellbeing and mental health. The school is committed to inclusivity and has initiatives to address gender and racial equity.
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ISI Review
Queen Elizabeth's Hospital, an independent day school located in Bristol, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1590. Originally established to provide education for the poorest children in the city, the school has evolved into a prominent institution that primarily serves male pupils, with female students admitted only in the sixth form. The school operates as a company limited by guarantee and is governed by a board of trustees. The current headteacher, Mr. Rupert Heathcote, has been in position since April 2020. The school comprises three sections: juniors for Years 3 to 6, seniors for Years 7 to 11, and the sixth form.
The school's mission is to foster intellectual and spiritual independence among its pupils while supporting their personal development within a nurturing community. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and service to the local community, alongside a global perspective. The school aims to instill a strong sense of ethics and prepare pupils for the next stages of their lives.
Pupils at Queen Elizabeth's Hospital come from Bristol and its surrounding areas, with their abilities generally above average compared to national standards. The school has identified 124 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including mild dyslexia and other conditions. A portion of these students receives additional support, and the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of the most able pupils.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a focused compliance and educational quality inspection in November and December 2022. The inspection aimed to assess the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and evaluate the quality of education provided. The findings indicated that the school meets all regulatory standards, with no further action required. The quality of education was rated as good, with evidence of effective teaching and good progress among pupils in both junior and senior sections. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans, ensuring a breadth of material that enables pupils to thrive.
In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that help pupils become responsible and tolerant citizens. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard their well-being and promote good behavior. The school has effective measures to prevent bullying and meets health and safety requirements, including fire safety and first aid provisions.
The inspection also assessed the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, confirming that appropriate checks are made to ensure their fitness to work with children. The premises and accommodation are maintained to a high standard, providing suitable facilities for pupils' needs. The school publishes a range of information for parents and stakeholders, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and policies.
Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed in a timely manner. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting the well-being of pupils.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, who consistently perform well in public examinations. The school’s results in GCSE and A-levels are significantly above national averages, with a high percentage of pupils achieving top grades. Pupils display a strong level of subject knowledge and are confident communicators, both orally and in writing. They engage fully in a wide range of extracurricular activities, showcasing their talents in various fields, including music, drama, and sports.
Personal development is also a key focus, with pupils demonstrating resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of responsibility towards others. They work collaboratively and effectively, benefiting from numerous opportunities for teamwork. The school encourages pupils to take risks in their learning, fostering a supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring new ideas.
Pupils exhibit a clear understanding of their responsibilities within the school and the wider community. They actively participate in outreach projects and charity initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to helping others. The school promotes values of democracy, respect, and tolerance, which are reflected in the positive relationships among pupils.
Overall, the inspection findings affirm that Queen Elizabeth's Hospital provides a high-quality education within a supportive and nurturing environment. The school successfully balances academic rigor with personal development, preparing pupils for future challenges while instilling a strong sense of ethics and community responsibility. The commitment to fostering a caring and inclusive atmosphere is evident in the positive experiences shared by pupils, parents, and staff alike.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024