Redland Green School

Built for £36 million on former farmland in 2007, Redland Green School has become one of Bristol's most sought-after comprehensives. With over 750 applications competing for around 220 places each year, the school draws families from across the city's affluent northern suburbs. The December 2023 Ofsted inspection rated the main school Good across all areas, with the sixth form achieving Outstanding. A Progress 8 score of +0.59 places it in the top 10% of schools in England for the progress students make from their starting points.

The modern buildings on Redland Court Road house a diverse community of over 1,670 students. The school's core values of Respect, Ambition, and Responsibility run through every aspect of school life, from the calm corridors between lessons to the structured enrichment programme on Wednesday afternoons.

Ben Houghton has led the school since September 2022, having previously served as Deputy Headteacher at Backwell School. This is not his first stint at Redland Green; he worked here from 2007 to 2013 as Curriculum Leader for Humanities before becoming Assistant Headteacher for Post-16. His return represents both continuity and fresh perspective. A qualified Ofsted inspector who holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship, Houghton brings considerable expertise to the role. He succeeded Louise Blundell, who departed for Gordano School.

The atmosphere is purposeful without being pressured. Teachers have high expectations of the quality of work students produce, and lessons are calm and orderly. Students develop resilience and a willingness to make mistakes, creating an environment where academic risks are encouraged rather than feared. Behaviour is consistently good, with peer support interventions run by trained students who mentor younger year groups.

The school operates within the Excalibur Academies Trust, a multi-academy trust founded in 2012. This partnership brings curriculum consistency while allowing Redland Green to retain its distinctive character. The site also houses the secondary campus of Claremont Special School, providing facilities for approximately 50 students with severe or profound learning difficulties, reinforcing the inclusive ethos.

GCSE Results

The school's GCSE results place it firmly among Bristol's highest performers. An Attainment 8 score of 61.5 significantly exceeds the England average, positioning Redland Green 426th out of over 4,500 secondary schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). Locally, the school ranks 8th among Bristol secondaries, outperforming 90% of schools in England.

The Progress 8 score of +0.59 is particularly noteworthy. This indicates that students make substantially more progress than would be expected based on their Key Stage 2 starting points. In practical terms, students typically achieve over half a grade higher across their subjects than similar students elsewhere.

More than half of students achieve grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate subjects, with 53.8% meeting this threshold. The average EBacc points score of 6.0 exceeds the England average of 4.08, demonstrating strong performance across the core academic disciplines of English, mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities.

A-Level Results

At A-level, 61% of grades achieved were A* to B, exceeding the England average of 47%. With 33% of grades at A* or A and 14% at the highest A* grade, the sixth form delivers results that comfortably surpass what might be expected from a state comprehensive. The school ranks 552nd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 21% of schools with sixth forms, comfortably above the England average.

The December 2023 Ofsted inspection singled out the sixth form as Outstanding, the only area of the school to receive the highest rating. Students in the sixth form benefit from strong teaching, high expectations, and excellent preparation for their next steps.

The curriculum is described by Ofsted as ambitious and inclusive. Teachers possess expert subject knowledge and explain concepts clearly, building on what students already know. Lessons follow structured approaches that ensure students grasp fundamental concepts before moving to more complex material.

In Key Stage 3, students follow a broad curriculum that prepares them for GCSE option choices in Year 9. Setting arrangements allow teachers to pitch lessons appropriately while ensuring no student is limited by early streaming decisions. The school has developed relationships with Bristol-based engineering firms including Rolls Royce, bringing practical applications of science into students' awareness. The partnership with the University of Bristol enables students to attend science workshops in university laboratories, bridging the gap between classroom theory and practical application.

Conservation projects on the school sites involve students in sustainable development work, while the Association for Science Education partnership enriches the science curriculum. For students with special educational needs, the school operates a dedicated Learning Support Space available during break and lunch times. Targeted social clubs run across Key Stage 3, led by staff and trained student mentors, providing calm environments for students who need additional support with social interaction.

The North Bristol Post-16 Centre

The sixth form operates through the North Bristol Post-16 Centre, a collaboration between Redland Green and Cotham School that opened in September 2007. This partnership serves students from both schools plus several feeder schools including Fairfield, Henbury, Monks Park, Portway, and Oasis Academy Brightstowe. The arrangement provides access to a wider range of A-level subjects than either school could offer alone.

Students can choose from over 30 A-level subjects spanning sciences, humanities, languages, creative arts, and vocational qualifications. Options include biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, English literature, history, geography, French, German, Spanish, psychology, sociology, economics, business, fine art, photography, textiles, product design, food technology, dance, drama, music, and religious studies. The Extended Project Qualification allows students to explore areas of personal interest in depth, while Critical Thinking at AS level develops analytical skills valued by universities and employers.

Most students study three A-levels, with four subjects recommended only for exceptional mathematicians or those applying to a small number of medical schools. Entry to the sixth form typically requires five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and mathematics, though subject-specific requirements vary. The collaborative model means students may study at both the Redland Green and Cotham sites depending on their subject choices.

University and Employment Destinations

In the 2023/24 cohort of 223 students, 44% progressed to university. While this percentage may appear modest compared to some selective schools, it reflects the comprehensive intake and the range of pathways students pursue. A further 34% entered employment directly, 4% continued in further education, and 3% began apprenticeships.

The school has Oxbridge applicants each year. Seventeen students applied to Oxford or Cambridge in the most recent data period, with one student securing a place at Cambridge. The school ranks 287th in England for Oxford applications, indicating a culture that encourages ambitious university choices.

The proportion of students progressing to education or training at 16 is very high, while progression at 18, adjusted for attainment, is above average.

Redland Green School operates within Bristol City Council's coordinated admissions scheme. The school converted to academy status in 2012 as part of the Excalibur Academies Trust, but the governing body continues to follow local authority admissions arrangements.

Demand and Competition

Competition for places is intense. In 2024, the school received 836 applications for 222 places, a ratio of nearly 4 applications per place. The planned admission number for 2026 entry is 232, a slight increase that may marginally ease pressure.

The school serves a designated geographical area established by Bristol City Council. When oversubscribed, places are allocated first to children with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, then to looked-after children, followed by siblings, and finally by straight-line distance from home to school using Ordnance Survey data.

Historical data indicates how tight the catchment has become. In 2016, the furthest distance offered to applicants in the priority area was 1.145 kilometres. In 2015, it was just 0.832 kilometres. These figures fluctuate annually based on the distribution of applicants. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Application Process

Applications for Year 7 entry are submitted through Bristol City Council, not directly to the school. The deadline falls on 31 October in the year before entry, with offers released on National Offer Day in early March. Families can view the catchment map through Bristol Council's interactive mapping tool to check their position relative to the school.

For sixth form entry, applications go through the North Bristol Post-16 Centre. Prospective students should attend open events held annually, typically in the autumn term, to explore subject options and meet teaching staff.

The school takes a structured approach to student welfare. Each year group has dedicated pastoral support, with form tutors providing the first point of contact for concerns. The peer mentoring programme pairs trained older students with Year 7 and 8 mentor groups, creating vertical connections across the school community.

Targeted interventions support students who need additional help. Social clubs at lunchtimes provide calm spaces for students to interact in supportive environments. The Learning Support Space offers a refuge for those who find the main school environment overwhelming at break times.

Ofsted inspectors found that personal development is good, with students well prepared for life in modern Britain. The school promotes respect and responsibility through its values framework, embedding these principles in day-to-day interactions rather than treating them as abstract concepts. The co-location with Claremont Special School creates a community where difference is celebrated and inclusion is the norm.

Wednesday Enrichment

The enrichment programme runs every Wednesday afternoon, offering activities that develop skills and interests beyond the academic curriculum. Offerings include cheerleading, non-contact boxing, computer animation, and various creative and sporting pursuits. Activities are explicitly linked to the school's values of respect, ambition, and responsibility, helping students develop initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The DofE programme offers bronze through gold levels. The Bronze award includes four sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition. Students complete a minimum of three months in each of the first three sections, with an additional three months in one chosen area. The programme provides structured personal development outside the classroom, with expeditions building resilience and independence.

Sport

Sports facilities include a main sports hall, a 3G synthetic turf pitch with rubber crumb pile, and a fitness studio. PE clubs run throughout the week, with competitive fixtures in team sports. The PE curriculum aims to inspire students to succeed in physical activity and develop confidence for maintaining healthy active lifestyles. Students experience a broad range of activities through Key Stage 3, with encouragement to join extracurricular clubs and represent the school in competitions.

Music and Performing Arts

Instrumental lessons are available through the Future Brunels Peripatetic Music Tuition programme, allowing students to learn instruments beyond classroom teaching. Music events feature throughout the school year, providing performance opportunities. The creative arts provision includes dedicated facilities and regular showcases.

Trips and Residentials

The Year 7 residential camp provides an early opportunity for new students to bond and develop independence. Educational trips support curriculum learning across subject areas, while international opportunities extend horizons beyond Bristol.

The school is located on Redland Court Road in the Redland ward of Bristol, well served by local bus routes. The postcode BS6 7EH places it in one of Bristol's most desirable residential areas. A car park with 60 spaces provides some parking, though families are encouraged to use sustainable transport where possible. Disabled access is available throughout the site.

For sixth form students, the North Bristol Post-16 Centre operates across two sites. Students may need to travel between Redland Green and the Cotham campus at 30 Cotham Park depending on their subject choices, approximately 1.5 miles apart.

Contact the school at 0117 353 3200 or via the website for information about daily timings. For admissions queries, Bristol City Council's Admissions Department can be reached at 0117 903 7694 or school.admissions@bristol.gov.uk.

Competition for places is fierce. With nearly four applications for every place, families must live very close to the school to have a realistic chance of admission. Historical catchment distances have been as tight as 0.8 kilometres. Those considering moving to secure a place should check current distance data with Bristol City Council before committing. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The sixth form operates across two sites. The North Bristol Post-16 Centre collaboration with Cotham School means students may need to travel between campuses depending on their subject choices. This provides access to a wider curriculum but requires flexibility and organisation.

University progression rates reflect comprehensive intake. At 44%, the proportion of leavers going to university is lower than at selective or independent schools. This is not a weakness but a reflection of the school serving students with diverse aspirations. Those with strong academic ability will find support for ambitious university applications, but the school equally values employment and apprenticeship pathways.

Progress rather than attainment defines success here. The outstanding Progress 8 score shows students achieve more than expected from their starting points. Families seeking a school that maximises potential rather than selecting for it will find this approach appealing.

Redland Green School delivers strong academic outcomes within a genuinely comprehensive framework. The Outstanding sixth form rating from Ofsted, combined with excellent progress scores and above-average A-level results, demonstrates that high-quality education is possible without selective intake. The school's modern facilities, strong values culture, and collaborative sixth form partnership provide breadth that few state schools can match.

Best suited to families within the tight catchment who want their children educated alongside peers from diverse backgrounds. The school excels at adding value, taking students from their starting points and moving them further than expected. For those who secure a place, the combination of strong teaching, structured enrichment, and genuine community makes Redland Green one of Bristol's standout comprehensives. The main challenge is getting through the door.