Bristol Grammar School: Admissions, Fees and Entry Guide
Bristol Grammar School (BGS) is a co-educational independent day school in Bristol, offering education from Reception to Sixth Form. For families considering secondary school options, it is worth understanding how BGS admissions work, what the entrance assessments involve and how much school fees cost.
Unlike state grammar schools, Bristol Grammar School charges tuition fees and manages its own admissions process. However, it offers bursaries and scholarships that may help eligible pupils access its education.
In this guide, we explain the main entry points, entrance assessments, fees and financial assistance available to parents considering Bristol Grammar School.
Page Contents
Is Bristol Grammar School a Grammar School?
Despite its name, Bristol Grammar School is an independent fee-paying school rather than a state-funded grammar school. It is academically selective, with pupils assessed as part of the admissions process.
This distinction matters when comparing school options. State grammar schools generally use a local selective entrance test, often called the 11+, whereas Bristol Grammar School operates its own entrance assessments and charges tuition fees.
Parents comparing different types of schools can also read our guide to grammar schools versus independent schools to understand the differences in admissions, costs and educational options.
Bristol Grammar School Admissions: How to Apply
Bristol Grammar School admits pupils at several stages of their education. The main entry points for the Infant and Junior Schools are Reception, Year 3 and Year 5. For the Senior School, the main entry point is Year 7.
Places may also be available in other year groups, depending on vacancies. Parents should contact the admissions team to confirm availability and the relevant assessment process.
Year 7 Admissions
Most pupils joining the Senior School enter Year 7 in September after completing entrance assessments in January.
For 2027 entry, families should check the school’s official admissions information for the current application requirements, assessment arrangements and deadlines. Applicants normally need to register in advance and pay the required registration fee.
The school assesses candidates academically and also considers a reference or recent report from their current school.
Parents should follow these steps:
- Register an interest: Contact the admissions team or request a school prospectus.
- Submit an application: Complete the relevant application form and pay the registration fee.
- Prepare for assessments: Familiarise your child with the assessment format and build confidence in the relevant skills.
- Attend the entrance assessments: Follow the dates and instructions supplied by the school.
- Review the offer: If offered a place, follow the school’s instructions for acceptance and payment of the deposit.
For the latest requirements, visit the official Bristol Grammar School Senior School admissions page.
Admissions for Years 8–10
Entry into Years 8, 9 and 10 may be possible if places are available. Applicants should contact the admissions team before applying to confirm whether vacancies exist in the required year group.
The school holds entrance assessments for these year groups, and applications depend on available places. If no place is available, the school may hold an application on a waiting list.
Because availability can change, parents should contact Bristol Grammar School directly for the latest information.
Infant and Junior School Admissions
Bristol Grammar School also offers entry into its Infant and Junior Schools, with Reception, Year 3 and Year 5 serving as the main entry points.
The assessment process varies by age and year group. Reception applicants are invited to an informal Stay and Play session, while Year 3 and Year 5 applicants complete age-appropriate assessment activities.
For further information, consult the school’s official Infant and Junior School admissions guidance.
Bristol Grammar School Entrance Exam: What to Expect
Bristol Grammar School uses its own entrance assessments rather than the standardised entrance test used by many state grammar schools.
For Year 7 entry, the published 2026 assessment format included four papers:
| Assessment | Duration |
|---|---|
| Creative writing | 45 minutes |
| Comprehension | 20 minutes |
| Problem-solving | 30 minutes |
| Arithmetic | 20 minutes |
These details relate to the school’s published 2026 entry arrangements. Parents applying for September 2027 should confirm the current assessment format directly with BGS, as requirements may change between entry years.
The school sends applicants sample papers towards the end of the autumn term to help them prepare for the assessments.
How Can Children Prepare for Bristol Grammar School?
Preparation should focus on developing the underlying skills assessed, rather than relying entirely on timed practice papers.
Useful areas to practise include:
- Arithmetic: Accuracy with calculations, number operations and mental maths.
- Problem-solving: Applying mathematical knowledge to unfamiliar questions.
- Comprehension: Understanding passages, identifying evidence and interpreting meaning.
- Creative writing: Planning stories, developing ideas and using varied vocabulary.
A consistent preparation routine can help children become more familiar with the question styles and manage their time more confidently.
Parents can use these 11+ practice questions to support general maths, English and reasoning practice. However, because BGS has its own admissions process, preparation should be aligned with the school’s published sample papers and requirements rather than assuming a standard state grammar school test format.
Bristol Grammar School Fees for 2026–27
School fees are a major consideration for families comparing independent schools. Bristol Grammar School’s published fees, effective from the autumn term 2026, include VAT at 20%.
| Year group | Fee per term | Approximate annual fee |
|---|---|---|
| Reception | £4,290 | £12,870 |
| Years 1–2 | £4,692 | £14,076 |
| Years 3–6 | £5,052 | £15,156 |
| Years 7–11 | £7,422 | £22,266 |
| Sixth Form | £7,422 | £22,266 |
Annual figures are calculated using three school terms and assume the published termly fees remain unchanged throughout the academic year.
What Is Included in the Fees?
For Reception to Year 11, the published fees include lunch, costing £300 per term, which is exempt from VAT. Exercise books, learning resources and textbook loans are also included. From Year 3 upwards, an iPad or tablet loan is included.
Parents should also budget for any applicable additional charges. These can include examination fees, compulsory personal accident insurance, the Head’s Fund contribution and other costs specified by the school.
An acceptance deposit of £300 is payable when accepting a place. The school states that this deposit is refundable, without interest and less any outstanding charges, shortly after the pupil leaves.
A £50 registration fee is also payable when applying.
For the most up-to-date breakdown, visit the official Bristol Grammar School fees page.
Can Parents Pay Bristol Grammar School Fees Monthly?
The school offers different payment arrangements. Parents can pay termly by direct transfer or direct debit, while a monthly payment facility is available through the School Fee Plan, for which a fee applies.
The school also offers an Advance Fee Payment Scheme. Parents should contact the Finance Office directly to understand the current terms and any potential discount before deciding how to pay.
Bristol Grammar School Bursaries and Scholarships
Although Bristol Grammar School charges fees, financial assistance may be available to families who meet the school’s eligibility criteria.
Bursaries
BGS offers means-tested bursary support from Year 3 onwards. The school states that assistance can range from 10% to 100% of fees in the Senior School and Sixth Form, and up to 40% in the Junior School.
Additional support may be available for expenses such as uniform, equipment, travel and school trips.
Bursary applications are considered individually, taking account of family circumstances, academic performance in the entrance assessments and the funding available. Families should apply in advance of the entrance assessments and check the relevant application deadline.
The school reported that 169 pupils across its Junior School and Sixth Form held bursary awards during the 2024–25 academic year.
Read the official Bristol Grammar School bursary guidance for eligibility details and application instructions.
Scholarships
Bristol Grammar School offers scholarships recognising academic ability and strengths in areas such as sport, art, dance, drama, music and design technology.
Scholarships are available at specified entry points, including Year 7 and the Sixth Form, with some opportunities also available for Year 9 entry subject to places and the relevant criteria.
A scholarship does not automatically reduce tuition fees. Pupils who need financial support must apply separately for a means-tested bursary.
Parents should check the school’s official scholarship information for the available awards, assessment requirements and deadlines.
Is Bristol Grammar School a Good Choice for Your Child?
Choosing a school involves more than comparing academic results. Parents should consider whether the school’s teaching approach, wider opportunities, environment and costs suit their child’s needs.
Bristol Grammar School describes its provision as combining a broad curriculum, specialist teaching, pastoral care and extracurricular opportunities. Families should visit the school and review its current prospectus to understand how these features translate into daily school life.
When assessing whether BGS is the right fit, consider the following factors:
- Academic expectations: Does your child enjoy academic challenge and feel comfortable preparing for entrance assessments?
- Curriculum: Are the subjects and learning opportunities suitable for your child’s interests?
- Pastoral support: What support is available for pupils’ wellbeing and transition into a new school?
- Extracurricular activities: Are there suitable opportunities in sport, music, drama, art and other interests?
- Affordability: Can your family manage the fees and additional expenses, or might bursary support be available?
- Travel: Is the daily journey to the school practical for your family?
You can also compare BGS with other schools using our guide to the best grammar schools in the UK. Remember that this guide focuses on state grammar schools, so it should be used as part of a wider comparison rather than as a direct like-for-like ranking of independent schools.
Bristol Grammar School Admissions: Key Takeaways for Parents
Bristol Grammar School is an academically selective independent school offering entry from Reception through to Sixth Form. Its main Senior School entry point is Year 7, with entrance assessments normally held in January before pupils join in September.
For autumn 2026, Senior School and Sixth Form fees are £7,422 per term, equivalent to £22,266 across three terms at the published rate. Bursaries may provide substantial financial assistance to eligible families, while scholarships recognise academic or specialist abilities.
Before applying, parents should:
- Check the school’s official admissions requirements and relevant deadlines.
- Confirm the current entrance assessment format.
- Calculate the total cost of attendance, including additional charges.
- Investigate bursary and scholarship opportunities early.
- Arrange a visit to assess whether the school suits their child.
For families exploring other selective school options, it is worth comparing the admissions requirements, costs and educational environment of different schools before making a final decision.
Explore Think Academy’s learning resources: If your child is preparing for selective school entrance assessments, browse our 11+ practice questions and discover how structured practice can help build confidence in maths, English and problem-solving.
Admissions arrangements, fees and financial assistance can change. Always confirm the latest details with Bristol Grammar School before making an application.
