Best Schools in Bath and North East Somerset

Bath College, located in the heart of Bath at Avon Street, BA1 1UP, boasts a rich history spanning over a century. Originally established in 1892 as the Bath City Science, Art, and Technical Schools, it aimed to foster interest in sciences and technical innovations. Over the years, it evolved through various mergers and expansions, notably merging with Norton Radstock College in 2015. Today, Bath College offers a dynamic environment for students, providing innovative training to develop skills and inspire individuals. The college has had a significant student body, with around 2,000 full-time and more than 6,000 part-time students in past years. It offers a range of courses, including Higher Education programs, catering to diverse educational needs. The merger with Norton Radstock College in 2015 strengthened its position, providing two campuses: the Bath College City Centre and Bath College Somer Valley. The college is committed to enriching the community and encouraging students to achieve and progress. With its strong educational foundation and commitment to community development, Bath College is a notable institution in the region.

King Edward's School in Bath is a leading independent co-educational day school located at North Road, Bath, BA2 6HU. It caters to students aged 3 to 18 years, offering a comprehensive education that emphasizes academic, sporting, and creative excellence. The school is proud of its grammar school roots and continues to nurture a confident yet unpretentious educational environment, welcoming students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Under the leadership of Headmaster Mr. Martin J. Boden, King Edward's School maintains an excellent pastoral program and a vibrant co-curricular scheme, providing a wide array of opportunities for students. The school consistently ranks among the top-performing independent schools in the South West, with strong academic achievements. It has been recognized as Bath's top-performing school, highlighting its success in academic and extracurricular activities. The school offers financial support through a means-tested bursary program, which provided over £1.1 million in support in a recent academic year, with around 20% of Senior School pupils receiving bursaries. With a student body of approximately 1,185 pupils, King Edward's School is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages each student to thrive academically and personally.

Kingswood Preparatory School, located in Bath, Somerset (BA1 5SD), is part of the broader Kingswood School community, an esteemed independent co-educational institution serving children from nine months up to 18 years. The Preparatory School caters specifically to boys and girls aged 1 to 11, offering a nurturing and dynamic environment that fosters a positive, can-do mindset alongside balanced academic and personal development. Situated on an impressive 120-acre site, the school benefits from modern, award-winning facilities including a bespoke Nursery and Reception area, as well as Bath’s first educational STEAM and Innovation Centre, which equips pupils with essential skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics for future challenges. With around 335 pupils, Kingswood Prep emphasizes a holistic curriculum where children engage in a variety of sports such as hockey, rugby, netball, duathlon, orienteering, and golf. Additionally, opportunities in music, drama, and public speaking, including participation in the Mid-Somerset Festival and LAMDA certifications, enrich the pupils' cultural and creative growth. The school is supported by dedicated staff committed to building confidence, kindness, and academic enthusiasm in every child. The school's strengths extend beyond the preparatory phase; the entire Kingswood School is renowned for academic excellence, demonstrated by outstanding A-level results where 50% of grades are A* or A and a 100% pass rate. Kingswood graduates consistently progress to prestigious universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, and LSE, reflecting the school's effective preparation for higher education and future careers. This combination of excellent teaching, world-class facilities, and broad extracurricular offerings positions Kingswood Preparatory School as a leading institution in the Bath area.

Kingswood School, located in Bath, Somerset (postcode BA1 5RG), is a prestigious independent co-educational day and boarding school with a rich heritage dating back to 1748. Founded by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, it stands as the world’s oldest Methodist educational institution. The school serves a broad age range, educating over 1,000 pupils from as young as nine months through to 18 years old. Set on an impressive 120-acre site in Lansdown, Bath, Kingswood combines a historic ethos with modern facilities, including a dedicated Preparatory School and extensive sports and innovation centres. The school’s academic results highlight its strength as a leading institution in the Southwest of England. In 2024, 63% of GCSE students achieved top grades 9-7, while half of the A-Level cohort earned A or A* grades. This consistent academic excellence has seen Kingswood ranked among the Top 10 schools in the region according to the Sunday Times Schools Guide. Beyond academics, Kingswood fosters a nurturing environment focused on wellbeing, individuality, and service, supported by strong pastoral care. Its commitment to a broad curriculum includes opportunities in competitive sports and the arts, underpinned by its Methodist values and a vibrant, inclusive community. The school's motto, "In Via Recta Celeriter" (In The Right Way Quickly), reflects its dedication to guiding students on a purposeful and accelerated path to success.

Monkton Prep School, located in Bath, is part of Monkton Combe School, a leading independent co-educational day and boarding institution in the UK. Founded in 1868, Monkton Combe School has a rich history of maintaining a strong Christian ethos, particularly within the Protestant Evangelical tradition. The school's educational approach emphasizes academic excellence, pastoral care, and fostering a community that values humility and integrity. Monkton Prep School excels in its early years education, having been recognized with the 'Gold Standard' for Early Years care. The school encourages pupils to explore their faith and find their path, promoting a culture of service and self-confidence. Innovation is also a core part of the school's ethos, with staff actively engaging in new educational projects to inspire and motivate students. Recent achievements include strong GCSE results, with over 25% of pupils achieving an average grade of 8 or above. Additionally, Monkton Prep's swimming team has achieved national recognition, underscoring the school's commitment to both academic and extracurricular excellence. The school's strong community spirit, coupled with its focus on individual development, makes it an attractive option for families seeking a well-rounded educational experience.

Monkton Combe School, located in Monkton Combe near Bath, Somerset, is a prestigious co-educational public school that offers both boarding and day programs for students aged 2 to 18. Founded in 1868 by the Revd. Francis Pocock, the school has a robust Christian identity rooted in the Protestant Evangelical tradition. It merged with Clarendon School in 1992, becoming coeducational and expanding its educational offerings. Monkton Combe is known for its strong academic performance, with recent A-level results showing nearly 40% of students achieving A*-A grades and over 70% attaining A*-B grades, alongside a 100% pass rate. The school's commitment to academic excellence is complemented by its focus on pastoral care and fostering values of confidence, integrity, humility, and service. The school's location near the historic city of Bath provides students with access to a rich cultural environment. Monkton Combe School is part of the Rugby Group of independent boarding schools in the UK, emphasizing academic rigor and extracurricular activities. The seamless transition between its Prep and Senior Schools is highly regarded by parents, and the school's alumni network, known as Old Monktonians, reflects its strong community ties. Overall, Monkton Combe School is recognized for its well-rounded education and the high success rate of its students in securing places at top universities.

Newbridge Primary School, located on Charmouth Road in Bath, Somerset (postcode BA1 3LL), is a well-established community primary school serving children aged 4 to 11. Established in 2006 through the amalgamation of former schools, it currently provides education for approximately 411 pupils, close to its capacity of 420. Led by headteacher Ms. Gillian Kennaugh, it operates as a mixed-gender school with a strong commitment to fostering academic and social confidence in its students. The school’s vision emphasizes nurturing pupils to become caring, creative, and healthy individuals prepared to make positive contributions to society. Academically, Newbridge Primary demonstrates strong performance, with 57% of its pupils achieving the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics at Key Stage 2. It ranks impressively in national comparisons, placing in the top 2% for writing, top 11% for mathematics, and top 19% for reading. While progress in some areas such as math and grammar is moderate, the school excels in reading progress, ranked in the top half nationally. The pupil-to-teacher ratio stands at about 22:1 to 24:1, which supports effective teaching and learning. Just 7.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, reflecting a relatively stable socioeconomic context. Newbridge Primary is rated "Good" by Ofsted across key areas such as quality of education, behavior, personal development, leadership, and early years provision. The school prides itself on offering a safe, inclusive environment with high teaching standards and inspiring learning opportunities, supported by a strong school community. This combination of academic achievement, positive school ethos, and effective leadership highlights Newbridge Primary as a strong educational institution in the Bath and North East Somerset area.

Paulton Junior School, located at Plumptre Close, Paulton, Bristol, BS39 7QY, is a state-maintained primary institution serving the Bath and North East Somerset area and catering to children aged 7 to 11. The school has a long-standing tradition in the local community, with roots extending over a century and a move to its current site in 1972. With a pupil roll of around 280 to 312, the school offers a co-educational environment and is recognized for its inclusive ethos and commitment to fostering a supportive learning atmosphere. Among its strengths, Paulton Junior School is noted for solid academic progress, particularly in mathematics, where students have achieved high scores compared to regional and national benchmarks. Data indicates that 34% of pupils attain high scores in math, placing the school among the top quartile for this subject. Additionally, the school maintains a favorable pupil-to-teacher ratio of approximately 18:1, which supports more personalized attention and effective learning experiences. The average staff salary, reported at around £36.1k, reflects a stable working environment and the ability to attract qualified educators. Beyond academics, the school emphasizes community values, student well-being, and a broad curriculum, including extracurricular activities such as the Young Voices choir. Its longstanding presence and adaptability in serving the local population further highlight its role as a cornerstone of the community.

Prior Park College, located in Bath, is a renowned mixed Catholic public school that has been part of the educational landscape since its founding in 1830. Originally intended as a seminary, it has evolved into one of the largest and most respected co-educational independent schools in the UK. The college is situated within a stunning 57-acre site, featuring a Grade I listed Neo-Palladian mansion designed by John Wood, the Elder, and overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath. The school's history is deeply intertwined with significant figures, including Ralph Allen, who built the mansion, and Bishop Augustine Baines, who established the seminary. Prior Park College is known for its academic excellence. In recent years, it has achieved impressive results, with 96% of students passing their GCSE exams, 59.7% receiving high scores of A* to A, and 28% earning the highest A* score. At the A-level, 90% of graduates successfully passed, with 40% earning A* to A grades. The school boasts a success rate of 98% of graduates entering their university of choice, including prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge. This academic success is complemented by a strong commitment to the Catholic tradition and ecumenical spirit, providing students with a well-rounded education.

Royal High School Bath, located in Bath and North East Somerset, is a prestigious girls-only school that resulted from the merger of two historic institutions, the Royal School and Bath High School, in 1998. The school is part of the Girls' Day School Trust, a network of 25 schools across England and Wales, known for its commitment to academic excellence and student well-being. Situated on a striking site overlooking the city, Royal High School offers a nurturing yet challenging environment that fosters personal and academic growth among its students. The school's academic performance is commendable, with recent figures showing that 65% of GCSE results were graded 9-7, and 20.5% of A-Level grades achieved the top A* grade. Additionally, 43% of A-Level results were at grades A*-B. The school also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, with students consistently achieving above the global average. In 2024, students achieved an impressive average score of 38 points in the IB Diploma Programme. Royal High School Bath's strong emphasis on single-sex education, combined with its diverse and inclusive environment, provides students with a supportive community that encourages them to reach their full potential.

Saint Gregory's Catholic College, located at Combe Hay Lane in Bath, is a co-educational Roman Catholic secondary school serving students aged 11 to 18 under the local authority of Bath and North East Somerset. With a current enrolment of around 1,036 pupils, the school operates as a voluntary aided institution and has been established since 1979. It does not offer boarding facilities and caters exclusively to day students. Recognized for its high academic standards and inclusive ethos, Saint Gregory’s has consistently received a “Good” rating in its most recent Ofsted inspection, with “Outstanding” judgements for behaviour, attitudes, and personal development. The school’s latest A level results for 2024 demonstrate strong student outcomes: 19% of all grades were at the prestigious A* and A levels, and 96% of students secured A* to E grades. Notably, students in subjects such as Art, Photography, and PE achieved especially high value-added scores, and several graduates gained places at Oxford and Cambridge universities. The GCSE results are equally impressive, with the Mandarin department recording 71% of grades at 7-9 (equivalent to A*-A under the previous system). The school is led by Mrs Melissa George and is noted for offering a broad curriculum that includes 15 GCSE subjects and 24 A level options. Its welcoming, faith-based environment encourages respect, acceptance, and kindness, making it a popular choice for families seeking both academic excellence and strong pastoral care. The New Sixth section is particularly celebrated for its academic focus and high university progression rates, with students regularly progressing to top universities, prestigious apprenticeships, and exciting career paths.

Somervale Secondary School is a mixed, non-selective academy located in Midsomer Norton, on the outskirts of Bath and Somerset. It caters to students aged 11 to 18 and is part of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership. The school is renowned for its high academic standards and strong pastoral care, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive. Somervale School has a reputation for excellence in specific areas such as English, Music, and Media Arts, contributing to its high achievement in these subjects. It also offers a rich extracurricular program, including sports and arts, which complements its academic offerings. The school's strategic vision emphasizes student-centered learning, encouraging creativity, risk-taking, and personal growth. The school has consistently shown solid academic performance, with a significant proportion of students progressing to university. It houses a diverse student body with around 23.4% eligible for free school meals, indicating a commitment to inclusivity. The school's dedication to maintaining excellent examination outcomes and providing a wide range of high-quality extracurricular activities further enhances its educational experience. Under the leadership of Ms Joanna Postlethwaite, the school continues to evolve and improve, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for their future.

St John's Catholic Primary School is located in Bath, Somerset, with the address Oldfield Lane, Bath, BA2 3NR. It operates as a voluntary aided Roman Catholic school under the Diocese of Clifton. The school provides education for mixed-gender pupils aged 4 to 11, currently hosting 323 students. While the school's Ofsted rating is not publicly displayed as of recent changes, it has been previously recognized for its quality. St John's is committed to inclusivity, offering a range of support services for children, including Thrive sessions, social skills programs, and emotional literacy support. The school recognizes the diversity of its students and provides various interventions to help them reach their full potential. The school's capacity is 315 pupils, but it currently accommodates slightly more students. Only 9% of the pupils are eligible for free school meals, indicating a relatively low level of socio-economic disadvantage compared to other schools. The school's environment is designed to foster a sense of community and academic excellence, with a strong focus on celebrating individual achievements and growth. Despite not having a nursery or sixth form, St John's offers a comprehensive primary education within a rich and engaging curriculum.

St Keyna Primary School, located in Keynsham, Bristol, is a community school that serves an area of mixed housing. It was established through the amalgamation of two schools and is now a thriving educational institution. The school is known for its inclusive environment, where pupils are at the heart of all learning activities. St Keyna Primary School caters to children from ages 3 to 11, with a current enrollment of 250 students. The school operates with a student-teacher ratio of approximately 20:1, which allows for personalized attention. The school has been rated as "Good" by Ofsted, with particular strengths in personal development, behavior, and welfare, where it received an "Outstanding" rating. The early years provision is also noted as "Outstanding." St Keyna Primary School fosters a nurturing climate where pupils are respectful of each other and staff. The school's nursery, known as Little Gems, includes a playground with a wooded area, a treehouse, and a muddy kitchen, providing a stimulating environment for young children. In terms of academic performance, 57% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and maths at Key Stage 2. The school's commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment contributes to its positive reputation in the community. Additionally, 30% of the pupils are eligible for free school meals, highlighting the school's role in supporting a diverse student body.

St Mary's Catholic Primary School is located at Penn Hill Road, Weston, Bath BA1 4EH, within the Bath and North East Somerset local authority. As a state school, it caters to children from ages 4 to 11, with a total enrollment of approximately 189 pupils. The school is deeply rooted in Catholic values, integrating these into its curriculum and activities to provide a comprehensive education. St Mary's focuses on fostering a community where every child feels valued and supported, with an emphasis on British values such as democracy, respect for different faiths, and individual liberty. The school encourages active participation through its school council and leadership roles, ensuring that pupils have a voice in shaping the school's future. Academically, St Mary's has demonstrated strong performance. In the 2019 Key Stage Two assessments, 86.7% of pupils achieved expected or above in reading, 83.3% in writing, and 83.3% in maths. The school also achieved a high percentage in science with 93.3% of pupils reaching expected or above levels. These figures highlight the school's commitment to academic excellence while maintaining a nurturing environment that supports the mental and emotional well-being of its students, as evidenced by their collaborations with mental health charities.

The Paragon School in Bath serves as the junior school for Prior Park College, a renowned educational institution in the UK. Located in the historic city of Bath, The Paragon School is part of the Prior Park Foundation, which also includes Prior Park College and Prior Park School Gibraltar. The Paragon School's rich history dates back to the discovery of a spring in its grounds in 1737, which led to the development of a spa-like facility. Over time, it evolved into a school, eventually becoming part of the Prior Park Schools family in 2006. Prior Park College, the senior school, boasts an impressive academic record. It has consistently achieved high results, with 96% of students passing their GCSE exams and 59.7% receiving high grades. Moreover, 90% of its A-level graduates have successfully passed their exams, with 40% earning A* to A grades. The school's strong academic performance is reflected in its high university acceptance rates, with 98% of graduates entering their first-choice universities. The Paragon School plays a crucial role in preparing students for this success, fostering a seamless transition to Prior Park College. Both schools share a commitment to providing a comprehensive education that emphasizes values such as curiosity, generosity, and courage.

Twerton Infant School, located in Bath and North East Somerset (postcode BA2 1QR), is a mixed community primary school serving children aged 2 to 7, including nursery provision. The school prides itself on being an inclusive, caring, and forward-looking environment where children are encouraged to learn, explore, and develop essential skills. With around 180 pupils enrolled, Twerton Infant School fosters a warm and supportive atmosphere, ensuring each child feels valued and inspired to reach their potential. The school recently received a "Good" rating from Ofsted, highlighting its effective teaching and nurturing ethos. Twerton Infant School is notably vibrant within its local community and features an on-site Forest School, which provides unique outdoor learning opportunities that support children's development in an engaging and holistic way. Academically, Twerton Infant School is part of a broader focus in the Bath and North East Somerset area on narrowing attainment gaps and improving phonics, reading, and maths outcomes at the early stages of education. While specific pupil performance data for Twerton is not detailed, the school's ethos and partnership with local educational initiatives reflect a commitment to improving outcomes and supporting all learners effectively, including those with special educational needs. Overall, Twerton Infant School combines a nurturing environment with strong community ties and progressive educational practices to help young learners build a solid foundation for their future education.