Ss Peter and Paul RC Primary School Review 2026: High-Achieving Community in the Heart of Redland

Tucked away on a quiet residential street in Redland, Ss Peter and Paul RC Primary School is a hidden gem that consistently punches above its weight. Serving approximately 210 pupils, this one-form entry school offers a tight-knit, community-focused environment where every child is known by name. Despite its modest size, the school is an academic powerhouse. The 2024 KS2 results place it among the top 10% of schools in England (national high), outperforming many larger local alternatives.

The school's leadership has remained stable under Headteacher Mrs. Carol Burns, who has fostered an environment where faith and high academic expectations go hand in hand. The atmosphere is one of calm productivity, where pupils are encouraged to be both ambitious and kind. With its red-brick Victorian exterior and modern internal updates, the school feels like a bridge between Bristol’s educational history and a forward-looking, rigorous curriculum.

The character of Ss Peter and Paul is deeply rooted in its Catholic identity, yet it remains a welcoming space for the wider Redland community. The school's motto, Crescamus in Christo (May we grow in Christ), is central to daily life. However, this is not a school that relies solely on tradition. There is a palpable sense of energy in the classrooms, supported by a staff team that prioritises engagement and curiosity.

Physically, the school manages its urban footprint with impressive efficiency. The main building, dating back to the late 19th century, houses bright, high-ceilinged classrooms that benefit from significant natural light. The playground, while compact, is zoned effectively to allow for both active sport and quiet reflection. Parents often comment on the school's "small but mighty" feel, noting that the single-form entry creates a family-like bond between year groups. Older pupils take their roles as buddies to the Reception children seriously, embodying the school's focus on service and responsibility.

The results at Ss Peter and Paul are exceptional. In 2024, 86% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a figure that dwarfs the England average of 61%. This performance reflects a school that manages to balance a broad curriculum with a laser-like focus on core literacy and numeracy.

According to FindMySchool proprietary rankings, Ss Peter and Paul ranks 630th in England for primary outcomes. Locally, it ranks 5th among all primary schools in Bristol, placing it firmly in the elite tier of the city's educational provision. The depth of achievement is particularly notable at the higher standard. In 2024, 24% of pupils achieved a high score in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of just 8%. This indicates that the school is particularly effective at stretching more able pupils, ensuring they reach their full potential before moving to secondary education.

Teaching is characterised by high subject knowledge and a structured approach to lesson delivery. The curriculum is ambitious, meeting and often exceeding national requirements. Science is a particular strength, with results well above the England average.

In the younger years, there is a heavy emphasis on phonics and early number sense, which provides the foundation for the impressive KS2 results seen later. As pupils move through the school, they are encouraged to take more ownership of their learning. The school uses its local environment in Redland and the wider city of Bristol as an extended classroom, with regular trips to local museums, galleries, and parks. Specialist music and PE coaching ensure that the curriculum remains balanced and that pupils develop skills beyond the core academic subjects.

As a primary school, Ss Peter and Paul takes transition to secondary school seriously. The majority of pupils progress to local Catholic secondaries, such as St Bede’s Catholic College, while others move into the high-performing state secondaries in North Bristol, including Cotham School and Redland Green School.

The school maintains strong links with these providers, ensuring that academic and pastoral records are shared effectively to support a smooth transition. For parents considering the independent sector, a small but consistent number of pupils secure places at Bristol's prestigious independent day schools, often with academic or music scholarships. The school provides support for 11-plus and entrance exam preparation through its high-standard curriculum, though it remains focused on the primary experience first and foremost.

Securing a place at Ss Peter and Paul is a significant challenge. For the most recent intake, the school was heavily oversubscribed, with a subscription proportion of 2.53. This means that for every child offered a place, more than two families were disappointed.

As a voluntary aided Catholic school, the governing body is the admissions authority. Priority is given to baptised Catholic children, particularly those within the parish of Ss Peter and Paul. However, the school does admit children from other faiths and none when space allows, provided they support the school's ethos. Parents should consult the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their proximity to the school, as distance is often a deciding factor for non-parish applicants.

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the school’s success. The latest Ofsted report (February 2023) rated the school Good, with inspectors noting that pupils are polite, welcoming, and feel safe. Because the school is small, no child "slips through the cracks." Teachers and teaching assistants have a deep understanding of each pupil's emotional and social needs.

The school uses a values-led approach to behaviour, where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth and reconciliation. There is a strong emphasis on mental health, with staff described as having high expectations for conduct while showing deep care and attention to individual pupils. Safeguarding is rigorous, and the school works closely with families to provide support through its dedicated pastoral leads.

Despite its size, Ss Peter and Paul offers a vibrant extracurricular life. The school makes excellent use of local facilities, including the nearby Downs for cross-country and sports fixtures. Specific clubs vary by term but typically include music, sustainability initiatives, and various sports.

Music is a particular highlight, led by a specialist teacher. The school choir is well-regarded and performs at parish events and local festivals. There is a strong tradition of performance, with regular opportunities for pupils to develop their musical skills and appreciate links between various curriculum subjects.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:15pm. For working parents, the school offers wraparound care including a Breakfast Club and after-school activities.

Transport to Aberdeen Road is best handled by foot or public transport, as parking in Redland is famously difficult. The school is a short walk from Clifton Down railway station and major bus routes on Whiteladies Road. The school encourages sustainable travel to reduce traffic congestion at the gates.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded voluntary aided school, Ss Peter and Paul RC Primary School does not charge tuition fees. It is open to all residents, with admission criteria prioritising Catholic faith and proximity to the school.

• Oversubscription: With 2.53 applications per place, entry is fiercely competitive. Families outside the parish or without a Catholic baptism certificate may find it difficult to secure a place during the first round of offers.
• Urban Site: The school buildings and playground are compact. While the school manages this space brilliantly, families seeking vast green playing fields on-site may find the urban setting a trade-off.
• Catholic Ethos: The faith identity is genuine and pervasive. Families should be comfortable with the integration of Catholic values and liturgical celebrations across the curriculum.

Ss Peter and Paul RC Primary is an outstanding option for families seeking a small, high-achieving school with a heart. It successfully balances rigorous academic standards with a nurturing, faith-based atmosphere. Best suited to families who value a close-knit community and are prepared for the competitive admissions process. Those who secure a place will find a school that truly prepares children for the challenges of secondary education and beyond.