Scholar Gateway

School profile

Clifton College

Bristol, South West England, United Kingdom · Co-educational · Ages 13–18

← All school & university guides

760

Students

367

Boarders

80%

Boarders who stay at weekends

About the school

Clifton College is a co-educational day and boarding school for 760 pupils aged 13–18 in Bristol, South West England, 367 of them boarders.

It ranked 190th among UK independent schools and 294th= overall in the Sunday Times Parent Power 2026; in 2025, 44% of A level grades were A*/A and 58% of GCSE grades 9–7.

Key facts for parents

Academics

2025: A level 17% A*, 44% A*/A, 75% A*/B; GCSE 58% 9–7 (Sunday Times Parent Power 2026). Pupil–teacher ratio 6:1 (GSG 2026). In 2026, 58% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 47% of A level grades A*/A. Learning support is provided by the Fife Centre (GSG 2026).

Where leavers go

Exeter and Newcastle are popular; the full list is not public (GSG 2026).

Recognition

Sunday Times Parent Power 2026 (2025 results): 190th of UK independent schools and 294th= in the combined state and independent table (A level 44% A*/A, GCSE 58% 9–7; A-level rank 292=, GCSE rank 314=).

For international families

There are 367 boarders (294 full, 73 flexi) in seven boarding houses, and up to 25% of pupils are international. Entry is at 13+ and 16+ by entrance exams (GSG 2026).

Good to know

There are 35 visiting music teachers, and scholarships are offered for academic, arts, music and sport (GSG 2026).

Rankings

  • Sunday Times Parent Power

    #190

    UK independent schools (2026)

  • Sunday Times Parent Power

    #294

    State and independent, combined (2026)

Exam results

GCSE

9–7 (A*–A)

58%

A Level

A*

17%

A*–A

44%

A*–B

75%

Sources

Thinking about Clifton College?

We help families with school choice, entrance preparation, applications and interviews.

Figures compiled by Scholar Gateway from school information. Please check with us before you rely on them.