In one of the not so nice parts of Bristol Hareclive Primary School serves as an example to many…read moreschools in the region, proving that you can give first class education as well as providing an equal educational environment for people from all backgrounds. With, on average, two classes per year the teachers are able to spread their time well between each child, giving everyone the best possible educational start. The school is very secure, and is a great place for children to begin their education to provide them with a strong platform on which to build for whatever their succesful futures will hold.

Choosing a Primary School - what a minefield?…read more League tables tell you one aspect. OFSTED reports tell you another. Parents of current pupils can give yet another view!!! We currently have 2 cherubs at this school and whilst we are really pleased with it, we have no other Primary School experiences to base our recommendation on. My wife works for the NHS in quite a few other schools and reckons the only real shortcomings are the relative lack of extra curricula stuff that goes on. We've found it really hard to break into the cliques that seem to dominate the music and sports lessons that are availaible but perhaps that's just us!! My advice would be to visit a few schools and check out the different vibes betwen them - they did all seem to have different atmospheres when we did the rounds a few years back!!! As a footnote we would rate 4 of the 5 class teachers that our children have had as excelent and the other as very poor. We have to assume that every school has its duffers!!!

This is one of the best primary schools in Bristol in terms of results, getting excellent SATs…read moreresults and producing some of the most intelligent 11-year-olds in the city. It is very artistic and the walls are covered in art work. There is no uniform as such as this creates a very bohemian vibe. Situated next to a prison, the inmates have painted colourful figures which adorn the school walls. There are a decent number of male teachers at this school, despite a national shortage (apparently). In fact, at one point around half of the staff were male - and this makes it a really good place for children without a male role model in their lives. Parking can be a bit of an issue for parents dropping off outside this school on a narrow residential road. There are often hundreds of cars parked either side but the children benefit from a lovely old chap who has worked as a lollipop man for many years.

Located high above most of Bristol, and just 10 minutes from Park Street, St Michael on the Mount…read moreis easily accessible for anyone using public transport or walking. The actual school is situated just behind a very attractive church, meaning it is off the main road and is very private. The school is divided into two main buildings - one for Key Stage 1 and the other for Key Stage 2. Classroom size is a little on the small side, especially for KS2's, however there doesn't seem to be a feel of overcrowding. The teachers are all wonderful. There is a clear sense of dedication and it feels that every teacher really cares for each student. Children come from all backgrounds, with many having English as their 2nd language. There is a number of extra support staff who regularly takes small groups off to another room for extra help which is a very positive point. The school also benefits from the Outreach Scheme, which is a government funded organisation which places students from the University of the West of England into schools to aid the teachers. After speaking to a number of staff at St Michaels, it is apparent that they are extremely grateful for the additional help that the Outreach Scheme provides. There are morning and after school clubs offered, and also an option for school dinners or packed lunches. All young children are given milk and fruit for snacks and regularly encouraged to run around outdoors. A word of warning though, if driving, the lane leading into the schools car park is very long and narrow meaning only one car can fit down it resulting in a lot of congestion in the mornings and after school.

When asked where the best primary schools in Bristol are parents will probably immediately punt for…read morethe affluent areas of Redland, Cotham and Bishopston in the Bristol West constituency. They will point to all the SATs results and say that they speak for themselves. But I would argue otherwise. While there clearly are some fab schools in those areas, including the wonderful Bishop Road where actor Cary Grant used to go, there are some real gems to the East of the city, Hanham Primary School being one of them. The school is run by the most enthusiastic male head teacher who really does care for the kids. In recent years it entered the local newspape's Cash for Schools competition to win thousands of pounds to help it build a library. Apparently, government funding just doesn't quite cut it when it comes to getting primary kids a decent stocked library. My husband's a teacher and he is often spending his own money buying books for the kids. Bizarre. Anyway, sadly Hanham School didn't win but it wasn't for lack of trying and the fundraising efforts of the staff, parents and children are second to none.

This is the largest of three parts of this 16-18 college in Cardiff. It is a small campus that…read morecould easily be mistaken for a small secondary school, but people of all ages are able to study. This is where science, maths and practical subjects are taught. Photography, art, mechanics, sports, physics, biology, chemistry, computer science... the list is pretty much, if not literally, endless. I took an Art A-Level here. The space available was good, as was the range of materials for us to use. The teaching methods were quite standard though; I'm unsure if I would have felt inspired by the teachers if I didn't have my own drive to begin with. For obvious reasons I'm unable to comment on other subjects and department. So I won't! But the canteen and public spaces are well maintained and stocked with good food and drink. This is essential, seeing as the campus is so far away from everything else. It takes about 40 minutes to get a bus from the city centre, but they are regular and discounts are available.

I studied for a national diploma in public services (Uniformed) at Coleg Glan Hafren. The…read morefacilities here are one of the best for education. In relation to the course I was doing they have gym facilities, although small it fits its purpose, as well a gym hall & the latest equipment. The tutors at this college are very helpful & supportive making your education their priority.

Generally a good school that has had it's ups and downs. Good resources, especially since it…read moreobtained 'business enterprise school' status and facilities are good, including pool, redgra, tennis courts etc.. The school has many good long standing teachers and the children who want to learn benefit from their expertise. It is a good school serving the local and wider community. I guess it can't be bad if it produces Hollywood superstars such as Simon Pegg!!

The reputation of this institute speaks for itself, and the past Alumni just further emphasise it's…read moregreatness. I once auditioned here before deciding on going to Dartington, I was a fresh faced 18 year old, excited about meeting new people and learning from great teachers, the one thing negative I do have to say about the Old Vic is that they seem to lach onto the nervous excitement and awe that young hopefulls have, they then seem to futher press thier eletism on you during your audition, making you feel a little like it's your privaledge to have travelled 2hours, paid £40 and sweated it out in the waiting room to just have 10 minutes with 2 tutors who will then assess if your worthy to have another audtions. Besides all this you can't deny the schools greatness, and if you did choose this as a point of study then you will not be dissapointed.

Bristol Old Vic Theatre school is first-class and world famous - neither of which are hyberboles…read more Sporting such amazing acting alumni as Jeremy Irons, Pete Postlethwaite and Daniel Day-Lewis, it was opened by Laurence Olivier in 1946. The building, tucked away up near the downs in Clifton is unassuming, like another grand Victorian residence. Inside, studios, glass walls and practice rooms bely its theatrical purpose. Short courses, youth courses as well as degrees and post-grad study. You'll compete with the best to attend and you'll have to have plenty of dosh for the fees, but for those serious about performing, this is right up there with RADA for prestige.