Nestled in the heart of Clifton Village, a desirable and vibrant Bristol neighbourhood, Clifton High School enjoys an enviable site and combines the character and heritage of handsome Victorian buildings.
Located moments from the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and spectacular Avon Gorge, pupils benefit from easy access to some of Bristol's most beautiful outdoor spaces, including Clifton and Durdham Downs and Ashton Court Estate. The School is also within easy reach of Bristol city centre, providing connections to a wide range of cultural, sporting and educational opportunities.
Bristol itself is renowned for its creativity, diversity and innovation, offering a rich calendar of festivals, exhibitions, performances and events throughout the year. This dynamic setting enhances the educational experience and helps prepare pupils for life beyond the classroom.
Our site incorporates contemporary learning spaces, designed to inspire and support our pupils’ educational journeys while providing modern facilities that enable pupils to learn, create, perform, compete and thrive. From specialist classrooms and science laboratories to dedicated sports facilities, communal spaces and libraries, our School is designed to support a broad and enriching educational experience.
VISITING CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL
Clifton High School is easily accessible by public transport, with regular bus services stopping nearby on College Road, Clifton Park and throughout Clifton Village. Clifton Down Railway Station is approximately a 15-minute walk from the School, providing convenient rail connections across Bristol and beyond.
Due to our historic location, visitor parking is not available on site. However, paid street parking is available in the surrounding area, including designated short-stay spaces.
Location:
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The Main School entrance is located on College Road, Bristol BS8 3JD. In accordance with our safeguarding procedures, all visitors are required to report to Main Reception upon arrival, where they will be signed in and accompanied by a member of staff throughout their visit.
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Access to the Sports Complex, including the School swimming pool, is via Clifton Park Road. Additional entrances and gates across the site are reserved for pupils, parents and staff during drop-off and collection times.
FACILITIES
Communal Spaces
At Clifton High School, communal spaces are an integral part of School life, aiming to enrich the educational experience and support personal development. Pupils benefit from environments designed for collaboration, relaxation and independent learning, with social areas and performance venues encouraging meaningful connections across year groups.
Libraries
At the heart of our School are the Junior and Senior Libraries, which are welcoming spaces for pupils to cultivate curiosity, independent learning and a lifelong love for reading. Staffed by an experienced team of librarians, the libraries provide access to extensive collections of fiction and non-fiction books, digital resources, online journals and audiobooks. This includes the Accessit online library catalogue, enabling them to search the collection, manage loans, reserve books and discover new reading recommendations both at School and at home.
Whether reading for pleasure, conducting research or preparing for examinations and project work, the libraries form an integral part of academic life at Clifton High School.
Walters Sixth Form Centre
The newest and most prominent communal space is the Walters Sixth Form Centre. Opened in 2023, it was designed specifically for students aged 16-18 and includes a spacious common room, independent study areas, an in-house café and a student kitchen. The centre provides places for students to socialise, work collaboratively and relax between lessons while encouraging greater independence and maturity.
Dining and Social Areas
As an all-through School, Clifton High places significant value on creating opportunities for younger and older pupils to interact and learn from one another. All community members benefit from shared dining and social spaces that unite them and help build relationships.
Performance and Event Spaces
Communal life is further enhanced through on-site facilities such as the Rose Theatre and Main Hall, which host performances, assemblies, lectures, celebrations and community events. Off-site, we enjoy The Redgrave Theatre, St. George’s, Bristol Cathedral, Clifton Cathedral and Christ Church Clifton, which allow pupils to showcase their talents and come together with parents, family members and our wider community.
Outdoor and Recreation Areas
Clifton High School’s location within Clifton Village allows pupils to enjoy access to attractive outdoor spaces and recreational facilities, including a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), a gymnasium, Health and Conditioning Suite, Dance Studio and our 25m indoor swimming pool. These areas support physical wellbeing and provide opportunities for social interaction beyond the classroom. Off-site, we have access to the University of Bristol’s sports complex, Coombe Dingle, The Downs School’s grounds through Pembroke Education and other activity centres including Mendip Activity Centre, Belmont Estate and The Climbing Academy at St Werburgh’s.
