Collegiate School Bristol: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Name: Collegiate School, Bristol (formerly Colston's School)
• Founded: 1710
• Location: Stapleton, Bristol
• Type: Independent day school
• Gender: Co-educational
• Head: Jeremy McCullough
• Entry Points: 11+, 13+, Sixth Form
• Assessment: Entrance examinations and interview

About Collegiate School, Bristol

Collegiate School, Bristol represents over three centuries of educational excellence in the heart of the South West. This distinguished independent day school, established in 1710, has undergone a remarkable transformation to become one of Bristol's most progressive co-educational institutions.

The school's commitment to renewal and modernisation was demonstrated in 2022 when it officially changed its name from Colston's School to Collegiate School, reflecting its forward-thinking approach and dedication to creating an inclusive environment for all pupils. Under the leadership of Headmaster Jeremy McCullough since 2014, the school has strengthened its reputation for academic rigour whilst fostering a supportive community atmosphere.

Located in the leafy suburb of Stapleton, the school benefits from extensive grounds and excellent facilities, providing an ideal environment for both academic achievement and personal development. The transition to co-education in 1984 marked a pivotal moment in the school's history, creating a dynamic learning environment that prepares pupils for the modern world.

Collegiate School's curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire, with particular strengths in STEM subjects, humanities, and the creative arts. The school's commitment to small class sizes ensures that each pupil receives individualised attention, enabling them to reach their full potential across all areas of school life.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Collegiate School Bristol publishes day fees of £7,570 (inclusive of 20% VAT) per term for 2026/27, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round closes on Tuesday 1 December 2026 (closing date for Year 7 entrance exam applications). The assessment takes place on Saturday 9 January 2027 (for September 2027 Year 7 entry). English Comprehension, English Composition (descriptive/creative/persuasive writing), Mathematics, and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Collegiate School

Collegiate School's 11+ entrance assessment is carefully designed to identify pupils who will thrive in the school's academically rigorous environment. The assessment process evaluates both academic ability and potential, ensuring that successful candidates are well-suited to the school's challenging curriculum.

Assessment Components

The entrance examination typically comprises four key areas:

• Mathematics: Tests numerical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 pupils
• English: Evaluates reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and creative writing abilities
• Verbal Reasoning: Assesses logical thinking, pattern recognition, and language-based problem solving
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Measures spatial awareness, abstract thinking, and visual pattern recognition

Assessment Format and Timing

The entrance examinations are typically held in January for September entry, with the interview process following shortly after. The school maintains a supportive atmosphere during assessment day, ensuring that candidates can demonstrate their abilities in a comfortable environment.

Interviews at Collegiate School focus on understanding each candidate's interests, motivations, and potential contribution to the school community. The process is designed to be conversational rather than intimidating, allowing pupils to showcase their personality and enthusiasm for learning.

How to Apply

The application process for Collegiate School requires careful planning and attention to deadlines. Parents should begin the process at least a year before their child's intended entry date.

Application Timeline

• September (Year 5): Registration opens for the following year's entry
• October: School open days and individual visits available
• November: Registration deadline (early registration recommended)
• January (Year 6): Entrance assessments and interviews
• February: Offers made to successful candidates
• March: Acceptance deadline and deposit payment

Required Documentation

The application requires several supporting documents:

• Completed application form with registration fee
• Current school reports (typically the last two years)
• Head teacher's reference from current school
• Copy of birth certificate or passport
• Recent school photograph

School Visits

Collegiate School strongly encourages prospective families to visit the school before applying. Regular open mornings are held throughout the autumn term, and individual tours can be arranged for families who cannot attend scheduled events. These visits provide valuable insight into the school's culture and help families determine if Collegiate School aligns with their educational aspirations.

Preparing for the Collegiate School Bristol 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Collegiate School Bristol 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families in Bristol and Bath and further afield work with us online, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.