Bristol Cathedral Choir School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 November 2022

The school motto 'gathered together that all may thrive' sits at the heart of the school's moral purpose. The words 'kindness, courage and hope' underpin it. Leaders ensure that every pupil remembers to show 'kindness' and 'courage' in what they do. The school regards itself as a beacon of 'hope' for the diverse pupil population. Staff strive for every pupil to succeed. Leaders are diligent in making sure pupils are safe at the school. This is particularly important because of the school's unique location in the cloisters of Bristol Cathedral and the high proportion of vulnerable pupils. Parents and pupils speak highly of how pupils feel safe despite this. Staff have very high expectations of pupils to which most respond. The school is a calm and orderly place as a result. Disruption to learning is rare. When it occurs, it is caused by a small number of pupils. Bullying is uncommon, but if it happens, staff deal with it swiftly. High-quality music is a central feature in the school. Many leaders and pupils are expert in this field. They appear at cathedral events and also further afield. The music brings something special to parents and the community.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes, teachers and subject leaders do not check pupils' learning thoroughly enough. As a result, some pupils continue to make errors or do not complete work. Subject leaders need to ensure that checks on learning consistently help pupils to learn more and improve the accuracy of their work.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)