St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School
Fossedale Avenue, Whitchurch, Bristol, BS14 9LSOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School is a secondary school in Bristol for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 168 schools in Bristol. It ranks 31st of 44 secondary schools in Bristol. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2018.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 6 November 2018, report published 3 December 2018
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 7 January 2025
Pupils feel welcome and included at this school. They know that they are valued, regardless of their faith, culture or background. Pupils feel safe at school. They also learn how to stay safe in the wider community and online. Pupils have trusted adults at school who they know will help them if they have any worries. Pupils behave well. They strive to meet the high expectations the school has of their conduct. The rewards that pupils receive for good conduct help them to develop positive character attributes. Many wear the badges they are awarded by the school with great pride. The school has high expectations of pupils' achievement. Pupils are expected to contribute in lessons and to the wider life of the school. Most enjoy doing so. The school provides a wealth of opportunities to take part in trips, visits and public speaking competitions. Pupils develop confidence and resilience through taking part in these opportunities. Pupils receive helpful information and guidance about careers and further education. They gain an insight into the world of work through careers events with a particular focus on diverse local employers. Pupils learn about what colleges and universities have to offer them. As a result, pupils are well prepared for their next steps.
What the school should improve
- Too many pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged, do not attend school often enough. These pupils do not have a secure knowledge on which to build their learning, nor do they benefit from the wider personal development that the school provides. The school should prioritise and improve attendance so that more pupils achieve well.
- Sometimes, teaching activities are not well matched to what pupils already know and can do. As a result, some pupils do not learn as well as they could and are not able to extend their knowledge. The school should ensure that teachers are supported to design learning activities that take pupils' starting points into account.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
146 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
753 pupils on roll, with places for 750
Schools near St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oasis Academy John Williams | 0.3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 46.9 |
| Oasis Academy Daventry Road | 0.5 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| Oasis Academy Brislington | 1 mile | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Attainment 8: 44.3 |
| Bridge Learning Campus | 1 mile | Report card: Needs attention to strong standard | Attainment 8: 34.6 |
| Cleve House School | 1 mile | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary aided school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Roman Catholic
- Sixth form
- No
- Headteacher
- Mr Edward Walker
- Phone
- 01173772050
- Address
- Fossedale Avenue, Whitchurch, Bristol, BS14 9LS
- Local authority
- Bristol
- URN
- 109331
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.