St Brendan's Sixth Form College

Bristol's largest provider of specialist post-16 education combines Catholic heritage with thoroughly modern provision. Over 1,700 students arrive each year from more than 70 secondary schools, speaking over 70 languages between them. The campus in Brislington, rebuilt almost entirely in 2009, offers university-style independence without the pressures of a traditional school environment. No uniform, no compulsory sport, no bells between lessons. Yet beneath this relaxed surface lies serious academic intent: 70 A-level and BTEC courses, dedicated support for GCSE retakes, and a clear mission to get students where they want to go. Faith matters here, but so does inclusion. Catholic students account for only around 6% of the roll.

The five large buildings, labelled A through E block, cluster around a modern campus that feels more further education college than secondary school. Students move freely between lessons, congregating in the large library with its digital learning resources, or grabbing coffee before heading to their next class. The absence of a dress code reinforces the adult atmosphere. Teachers are addressed by first name. Attendance expectations, however, remain high, with a 90% minimum threshold and an "on contract" system for those falling below.

Marian Curran has led the college since April 2020. An Oxford theology graduate, she taught in Japan before completing a Lancaster master’s in contemporary sociology, politics and modern economics; she joined after deputy-headship at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy and leading North Bristol Post‑16 Centre. Her background shapes the college's emphasis on both academic ambition and social mobility. Under her leadership, the college has achieved national recognition for governance excellence, named runners-up in the 2025 Sixth Form Colleges Association Governance Award.

The college's motto, Faith in Learning, reflects its origins. The Christian Brothers founded what would become St Brendan's in 1890 as a Catholic boys' school. The institution operated from Berkeley Square in central Bristol before purchasing Brislington House and its extensive grounds in the late 1950s, relocating to the current site in 1960. The transition to a co-educational sixth form college came in 1979, following a reorganisation of Catholic secondary education across Bristol and Bath.

The Catholic character remains genuine but not overbearing. A chapel and dedicated prayer room serve students of faith, with the college chaplain offering support across the community. Muslim students have access to designated prayer rooms. RPE (religion, philosophy and ethics) classes run weekly and are compulsory for all, providing space for reflection and discussion across belief systems. The 2023 Ofsted inspection found that diverse student populations, including those from various faiths, with disabilities, and from the LGBTQ+ community, feel welcomed and respected in what inspectors described as an inclusive, non-judgmental environment.

Results at St Brendan's tell a more nuanced story than raw percentages might suggest. At A-level in 2024, 3.4% of grades were A* and 14.7% were A*/A combined, with 37.1% achieving A*-B. These figures place the college below the England averages of 23.6% for A*/A and 47.2% for A*-B. The college ranks 1,820th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the lower 40% of sixth form providers nationally, and 27th among providers in Bristol.

Context matters here. St Brendan's operates with genuinely comprehensive intake, accepting students with grades as low as 3 at GCSE through its Access to Level 3 pathway. Around 5% of the cohort studies at Level 2, working towards GCSE retakes alongside vocational qualifications. The college serves a socially mixed catchment across Bristol, with significant numbers of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and over 70 languages represented in the student body.

The 2023 Ofsted inspection rated quality of education as Good, noting that leaders have developed curricula enabling most students to reach their chosen destinations. Inspectors observed that curriculum managers sequence content effectively; A-level chemistry students, for example, build knowledge of atomic structure and develop mathematical skills before tackling more complicated topics in inorganic chemistry. Teachers were found to provide helpful feedback and high-quality training supports continuous improvement in teaching practice.

Value-added measures offer a more meaningful picture for a college with this intake profile, though specific value-added data is not published in the available dataset.

The curriculum spans 70 different courses at Level 3, combining A-levels with BTECs across 26 career sectors. Average class sizes of 18 students, with a maximum of 24, allow for meaningful discussion and individual attention. Around a quarter of students pursue an Extended Project Qualification alongside their main programme.

For the most academically ambitious, the Aspire programme offers additional challenge and support, targeting students capable of the highest grades and competitive university applications. This structured enrichment includes preparation for Oxbridge and medicine, with dedicated support for applications requiring additional tests or interviews.

Teaching follows clear structures, with high expectations maintained by leadership and consistently applied by staff. Students benefit from a positive classroom atmosphere where instructors value participation. The college emphasises transferable skills, including critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork, alongside subject-specific content.

The Access to Level 3 programme provides an alternative pathway for students who narrowly missed Level 3 entry requirements. This foundation year combines GCSE retakes in English and mathematics with relevant BTEC courses, building skills and confidence before progression to A-level or BTEC Level 3 study. Students who have not achieved grade 4 in maths or English must retake these qualifications.

Learning support provision is substantial. 20% of students are on the SEN register, with the college catering for dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, ADHD and other conditions. Fifteen students currently hold Education, Health and Care Plans, supported by a team of 10 specialist staff. A language cafe supports the significant number of students for whom English is an additional language.

In 2024, 31% of the 876-strong cohort progressed to university, with 5% continuing in further education, 12% starting apprenticeships, and 36% entering employment. These figures reflect the college's vocational strength and the genuine breadth of its student body.

The Oxbridge pipeline, while modest, demonstrates that academically exceptional students can succeed here. Twenty-five students applied to Oxford or Cambridge in the measurement period, receiving four offers and securing one place. The college ranks 347th in England for combined Oxbridge acceptances, a respectable position given its comprehensive intake.

The academic rigour of the Aspire programme supports competitive applications. In recent years, students have secured places at Russell Group universities including Bristol, Bath, Exeter, and Cardiff. Over 400 students who applied through UCAS in one recent results year secured their university courses, with 84% gaining their firm choice offer. 20% of those applying to university progressed to Russell Group institutions.

Apprenticeship pathways prove equally compelling. Degree apprenticeships with prestigious employers including Grant Thornton, Amazon, HSBC, CBRE, and the RAF offer alternatives to traditional university routes. Students have secured accounting apprenticeships at KPMG and Deloitte. The Bristol Scholars Programme has seen students successfully progress to the University of Bristol through widening participation routes.

Medical and veterinary applications receive dedicated support. Six students secured places to study medicine or veterinary science in 2022. The science department includes specific pathways for health-related careers.

Careers guidance runs for 45 minutes weekly alongside personal tutor time. Visiting speakers, careers fairs, and a dedicated careers centre support decision-making. However, the 2023 inspection identified areas for improvement: most students have limited work experience and lack preparation for connecting their developing skills to workplace applications. Students with high needs were found to lack timely careers guidance and adequate preparation for next steps.

Applications for September entry open online through the college portal. The final open evening for 2026 entry takes place on Tuesday 3 February 2026 at 5pm, with tickets available through the website.

Admission is to the college as a whole (not to a single course), which gives students flexibility when building their programme. After GCSE results, students confirm their course mix through interview/discussion, and can still change courses during the first four weeks after enrolling. Taster days run after GCSE results.

For Level 3 programmes (A-levels and BTECs), entry requirements include a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 4-9, including English Language (some subjects accept English Literature as an alternative) and grade 4 in mathematics. BTECs must be at Merit or above, counting as one GCSE equivalent. Individual subjects may have additional requirements detailed on course pages.

The Access to Level 3 pathway requires a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English Language and mathematics. Students who have not achieved grade 4 in maths or English will retake these subjects on the programme.

Enrolment takes place over several days from lunchtime on GCSE Results Day. Students must be available to enrol at the college from this date to secure their place. The admissions policy gives priority to Catholic community members, siblings of former students, those with EHCPs naming the college, and young people in local authority care. Students from other supportive religious backgrounds are also welcomed.

This is a state-funded college with no tuition fees. Bursary support is available for eligible students facing financial barriers.

The personal tutor system provides 45 minutes weekly of dedicated support, covering academic progress, wellbeing, and preparation for next steps. Academic coaches offer additional support for students needing intervention. The student support team includes trained counsellors and mental health practitioners.

Behaviour expectations are clear but enforced with respect rather than punishment. The 2023 inspection found high expectations established by leadership consistently maintained by staff, with students exhibiting positive conduct in lessons and communal areas. Concerns about bullying are addressed sensitively and promptly.

The college maintains strict policies on attendance, drugs, and alcohol. The "on contract" system provides formal intervention for students whose attendance drops below 90% without acceptable reason, though support strategies accompany accountability measures.

An active student union provides voice and representation. Two student representatives sit on the governing board, ensuring student perspectives inform college decisions.

Safeguarding provision was rated Good by Ofsted. However, inspectors noted that students possess limited knowledge of radicalisation and extremism dangers, despite tutorial instruction on these topics. This content is not reinforced sufficiently for strong retention.

Sport & Fitness

The college's position that sport should be optional rather than compulsory distinguishes it from most secondary schools. For students keen to escape the enforced games lessons of their previous schooling, this freedom feels liberating. Yet the facilities stand ready for those who want them.

The county-standard sports hall caters for badminton, basketball, netball, and more. A fully equipped fitness suite, accessible to all students after a short induction, provides space for workouts and stress relief. The dedicated dance studio hosts specialist Performing Arts courses and enrichment clubs including yoga.

In 2023, the college opened a new FA and RFU accredited 3G pitch alongside a multi-use games area (MUGA) offering four floodlit netball courts. Four tennis courts are available by arrangement. The adjacent sports pavilion includes changing rooms, cafe, and social area.

BTEC Sport programmes include special pathways for football and basketball, offering talented athletes structured development alongside academic study. Sports leadership enrichment develops skills in coaching and officiating.

The college's rugby heritage runs deep. Mike Rafter, who won 17 England caps and captained Bristol to cup victory over Leicester in 1983, converted to rugby as a pupil at the then St Brendan's College. Peter Polledri, father of Italy and Gloucester flanker Jake Polledri, played 466 games for Bristol after developing at the school.

Creative Arts

The 2009 rebuild created dedicated facilities for performing arts. A new music and performing arts building, dance studio, and theatre support BTECs and A-levels in musical theatre, dance, drama, film, and production and design engineering. Music classrooms equipped with Macs enable digital composition and production.

The large auditorium hosts productions and events. Drama students have performed at Bristol Old Vic, connecting with the city's professional theatre scene. Open mic sessions provide informal performance opportunities. A gospel choir and jazz club offer ensemble experience.

The art studio caters for photography and textiles as well as graphic and fine art, with space for crafts and installations too. Creative writing club and the college magazine provide outlets for literary expression.

STEM

The biomed group supports aspiring medics, while computing and engineering pathways connect to Bristol's tech sector. The college's location in a city with significant aerospace, technology, and healthcare industries creates natural links to career destinations.

Societies & Enrichment

The enrichment programme runs throughout the timetable, with clubs changing each term. Current offerings include chess, debating, the interfaith group, language club, Pride society, Dungeons and Dragons, and student ambassadors. The Duke of Edinburgh Award runs to Gold level.

Community service opportunities develop social responsibility. The college's emphasis on faith and service creates natural connections to charitable work.

The college day runs on a flexible timetable without traditional bells between lessons. Students manage their own time between commitments. The campus is fully wheelchair accessible throughout.

The main campus sits in Brislington, approximately three miles southeast of Bristol city centre. First Bus operates dedicated college services. The 36 bus route connects to central Bristol and surrounding areas. Car parking is limited; most students travel by public transport or cycle.

The library provides extensive study space with digital learning resources. Food outlets across the campus serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks. The sports pavilion cafe offers additional social space.

Contact: 0117 977 7766 or info@stbrn.ac.uk. Virtual campus tours are available online for those unable to attend open evenings.

Results below England average. A-level outcomes place the college in the lower 40% nationally. Families seeking the highest grades should weigh this carefully, though the comprehensive intake and widening participation mission provide essential context.

Limited work experience integration. The 2023 Ofsted inspection identified that most students have limited work experience and are not taught to connect their developing skills to workplace applications. Career-related activities exist but are not integrated into formal curriculum structures.

High needs careers guidance gaps. Students with Education, Health and Care Plans lack timely careers guidance and adequate preparation for next steps, according to the latest inspection.

Catholic ethos present but not dominant. While weekly RPE classes are compulsory and a chapel and chaplaincy operate, Catholic students represent only 6% of the roll. This is not a school where faith pervades every aspect of daily life, which may disappoint some and relieve others.

Large college environment. With over 1,700 students, this is not a small community where everyone knows everyone. Students must be ready for university-style independence.

St Brendan's offers something increasingly rare: genuine academic opportunity regardless of starting point. The Access to Level 3 pathway means students who stumbled at GCSE can rebuild their prospects. The Aspire programme means the most ambitious can reach Oxbridge. The comprehensive middle ground means the majority can find courses that suit their interests and abilities.

Results may lag England averages, but context matters. This is a college that takes students with grade 3s at GCSE and helps them progress. It serves communities across Bristol, including some of the city's most disadvantaged areas. It welcomes students from over 70 countries, speaking over 70 languages.

Best suited to students ready for independent study in an adult environment. Those who need close supervision or structured days may find the freedom challenging. Those who thrive with responsibility will find a supportive community, excellent facilities, and genuine pathways to university, apprenticeships, or employment. The Catholic heritage provides ethical grounding without imposing narrow expectations.