Bedminster Down

At Bedminster Down, we believe in the I did look at other local schools online before
importance of education beyond the choosing Bedminster Down. I couldn’t be
school gates. happier with the experience we’ve had as a
family with the school and it will be my rst
At Bedminster Down we o er a wide variety of enrichment choice for my younger child when she
and widening participation events and work with many starts secondary.
partners across the city to help build ambition and new Year 8 parent
experiences.
Bedminster Down improvements are recognised
In a single year students could be taking a 24-hour challenge by Ofsted and demonstrated through academic
on Dartmoor, visiting Austria, Switzerland, France or Spain for achievement and sporting success. We can
curriculum-based trips; helping to build a school in Africa or all be proud of our local school.
taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme or Ten Tors Steve Weeks, Chair of Governors
challenge.
Bedminster Down School Bedminster Down
We will support your journey to further Donald Road, Bristol, BS13 7DQ School
education, apprenticeships or employment. bedminsterdown.net
o [email protected] Belief Determination Success
Every student leaves Bedminster Down with a clear path to 0117 353 2800
further education or an apprenticeship. @bdownschool

We closely track students’ interests and passions from year 7 Leading
so that by years 10 and 11 we are able to e ectively support the way
their career and further learning choices.

In partnership with local businesses, charities and enterprise
groups ‘as part of our careers and guidance programme’ we
can o er a variety of experiences in the world of work and
training.

“Raising aspirations has been a clear theme in recent years.
Pupils are increasingly aware of the range of opportunities that
are available to them in both their personal and social
development and also the options open to them when they
leave school.”
Ofsted 2018

www.wellswaymat.com

Welcome to Bedminster Our broad and balanced curriculum… Support when it’s needed….
Down School
All students at Bedminster Down follow the core subjects of Since September 2019, we have run a year group tutor model
My name is Debbie Gibbs and I am English, maths and science through their school career. which focuses on reading. For twenty minutes of every day,
delighted to be beginning my second They also receive specialist teaching in languages, art, product students will hear their tutor read a book aloud to them; this
year as principal at Bedminster Down. design, photography, food and cookery, textiles, history, means that they will read approximately eight books per year
With excellent teaching, the highest geography, religious education, performing arts, physical during tutor time. Your child’s tutor will remain their rst point of
expectations of behaviour and an education and PSHE. In Year 9 students also all take part in call for any questions and support throughout their school career.
impressive range of additional Challenge 24 – a two-day expedition to Dartmoor – as part of
opportunities, I believe we have created an environment that will their core curriculum. “Having di erent ages in my tutor group does help you to get to know
support and challenge all students to achieve their very best. When students choose their options for nal study we have a more people throughout the school. Younger pupils are more
Partnerships are critical to the success of the school; we work closely choice of seventeen subjects over and above compulsory con dent when they know some older students.”
with local primaries and secondaries to support each other’s English, maths and science. In recent years we’ve expanded this Year 9 student
improvement. We have strong positive relationships with parents to include triple science, dance and Spanish and quali cations
and work tirelessly to maintain these. It is by working together that include both traditional GCSEs and vocational quali cations. We o er additional support for students with speci c learning
we can ensure success. needs at any stage in their school careers.
Our school motto is ‘Belief, Determination, Success’: Outside the classroom….
Belief because we believe in the potential of all our students and Our pastoral teams implement most of these support
we have high aspirations for every one of them. At Bedminster Down there are many opportunities for students packages. For students who are struggling academically and
Determination because we are determined to provide the best to develop con dence, build skills and make new friends. We are emotionally we hold our own inclusion panels to identify them
education and be the number one choice for all parents and very proud of our wide range of clubs, and discuss and implement bespoke action plans.
students in our local areas community activities, challenges and sports.
Success because we have a track record of achievement across all “Your sta often go beyond the expectations of school sta to help
aspects of the educational experience we o er to our students families when they need support.”
You are most welcome to visit the school and see rst-hand what we Ofsted 2018
have to o er.
Debbie Gibbs “I can name dozens of teachers and sta who have gone the extra
Principal mile to help me when I needed it most. They really sorted me out and
I appreciate having adults to talk to and help me with issues.”
Our school governance Year 8 student

Bedminster Down School became an independent academy in
2012. This means that we have been responsible for our own
systems, including the curriculum, nance and recruitment since
then.

We are also part of the Wellsway Multi-Academy Trust to give us
wider administrative support and access to further expertise across
all subject areas. We are held accountable to a local board
of trustees.

For more information about the trust visit
wellswaymat.com

Leading
the way

www.wellswaymat.com