Junior School Admissions in Bristol: How It Works & When to Apply

Starting the Journey

Choosing the right junior school can feel like one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your child. In Bristol, where competition for places is growing and families are increasingly looking for supportive, well-rounded school environments, understanding how the admissions process works is an important first step.

Every child is different, and so is every school. As parents, you want to know not only how to apply, but also when – and what kind of environment your child will be stepping into.

In recent years, some families have been caught off guard by changes in school availability. With rising demand and even the closure of some local schools, places at well-established independent schools have become more sought after than ever. One high-profile example made headlines in 2025, when parents were told their private school would close with just a few months’ notice.

That’s why it’s so important to be informed, to ask the right questions early, and to feel confident that the school you choose has a clear, supportive process – not just for admissions, but for your whole journey ahead.

Understanding the Bristol Junior School Landscape

If you’re exploring junior school admissions in Bristol, you’ll quickly notice that each school takes its own approach. While the end goal is the same – finding the right environment for your child to grow and thrive – the admissions process itself can vary in structure, formality, and feel.

Some schools, such as Bristol Grammar School, base their decisions on performance in written assessments that cover areas like verbal reasoning, maths, and creative writing. Clifton College Preparatory School requires an online CAT4 assessment and may invite boarders for overnight stays, along with informal interviews. Redmaids’ High School follows a multi-stage process for entry into their senior school, including taster days, a one-to-one interview, and a formal entrance exam. Meanwhile, Badminton School Prep offers a more flexible approach, especially in early years, with informal observation visits and age-appropriate assessments depending on the year group.

These examples show just how varied the process can be. Some schools prioritise academic testing, others lean into pastoral observation, and many offer a blend. But for families considering QEH, the focus is always on removing unnecessary pressure while getting to know each child as an individual – academically, socially, and personally.

How Junior School Admissions Work at QEH

At QEH Junior School, we believe that admissions should be a supportive, thoughtful process – one that gives families space to ask questions and gives each child the chance to shine.

Here’s what to expect if you’re considering joining us:

Step 1: Get in touch

Your first step is to speak to our friendly Junior School admissions team. We’ll take the time to learn more about your child, answer any initial questions you may have, and talk through entry points and current availability. Whether you’re planning ahead or exploring options more urgently, we’re here to help guide you.

Step 2: Arrange a visit

We warmly welcome parents and prospective pupils to visit the school – either during one of our Open Mornings or via an individual tour. These visits include a pupil-led tour, the chance to meet Head Ross Wolverson, and time to speak with current pupils about life at QEH. This is often the moment when families feel everything “click into place.”
Visit our Junior School page to explore more about what makes QEH unique.

Step 3: Submit an application

Once you’ve decided that QEH feels like the right fit for your son, the next step is to complete our online application form. A non-refundable registration fee of £75 (inclusive of VAT) is required at this stage, along with a copy of your son’s most recent school report. We’ll confirm next steps and keep in touch throughout.

Step 4: Attend a Quest Day

Upon receiving your application, your son will be invited to join us for a Quest Day – a combined taster and assessment experience that forms the heart of our admissions process. This isn’t just a test day; it’s a full immersion into QEH life. Boys spend time in the classroom, enjoy team-building activities with the Head, tuck into lunch with their peers, and experience sport and play at our Failand grounds.

Academic assessments are conducted in a relaxed, child-friendly way using iPads and include English, mathematics, verbal, and non-verbal reasoning. Regular breaks, familiarisation exercises, and a calm setting help boys feel confident and supported throughout.

Step 5: Receive an offer

If all goes well, an offer of a place will follow. Our team remains available to answer questions and guide you through the final steps.

At every stage, we aim to make the process as smooth and welcoming as possible – helping your child (and you) feel right at home.

To find out more, visit our Junior Admissions page.

When to Apply: Key Deadlines & Entry Points

If you’re planning ahead for your son’s school journey, it’s helpful to understand when to apply – and what the key milestones look like.

At QEH Junior School, the main entry points are Year 3 and Year 5, although boys may join in other year groups if places are available. We recommend getting in touch as early as possible to discuss your preferred timing and to ensure availability.

For families looking at September 2026 entry, assessments are scheduled as follows:

• Years 3 and 4: Week commencing 13 November 2025
• Years 5 and 6: Week commencing 26 November 2025

Exact dates will be confirmed once an application has been submitted. If you’re considering other year groups or mid-year entry, we encourage early conversation with our admissions team.

Many schools in Bristol, including BGS and Redmaids’ High, also hold their entrance assessments during the autumn or early spring term. While deadlines may vary slightly, the competition for places means it’s always wise to act early and plan ahead.

Understanding school application deadlines can make all the difference – especially when places are in high demand. If you’re unsure about timing or need help navigating your options, don’t hesitate to contact us for a chat. We’re here to help your family every step of the way.

What Makes QEH Different?

While many Bristol schools offer excellent academic provision, the admissions experience can sometimes feel formal or narrowly focused. What sets QEH Junior School apart is the way we approach the whole process – with empathy, energy, and a genuine interest in your son as a person, not just a pupil.

Our Quest Day is a prime example. Where some schools rely on short assessments or standardised test formats, we create a full day that combines gentle evaluation with the joy of discovery. Boys aren’t simply assessed; they’re welcomed into a community for the day. They learn in real classrooms, interact with future peers, meet our Head, and explore our 20-acre Failand sports ground.

This gives us a much richer understanding of each boy’s strengths, personality and potential – and gives families a real insight into daily life at QEH. It’s not about academic pressure. It’s about finding the right fit.

We know that families considering junior school admissions in Bristol have several strong options – from Badminton School’s tailored assessments to Clifton College’s boarding-ready approach. But at QEH, the focus stays firmly on warmth, depth and individuality.

QEH Junior is also Bristol’s only independent boys-only junior school – and that’s something we celebrate. These four years, from Year 3 to Year 6, are a crucial stage in a boy’s life. It’s when attitudes, values, and confidence begin to form in lasting ways. We seize that opportunity, offering an outstanding academic education in small classes where no boy is overlooked.

As a deliberately smaller school, we know every boy well. That means we can support each individual not just academically, but personally – helping them grow in character, curiosity and resilience. From a huge breadth of extracurricular activities to specialist teaching and pastoral care, we prepare boys not just for the next stage, but for life.

If you’re wondering whether to move your son from his current primary school, we’d love to invite you to visit and see the difference a QEH education can make.

How to Start the Application Process

If QEH Junior School feels like the right environment for your son, we’d love to hear from you. Starting the process is simple – and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

We recommend reaching out to our admissions team first for an informal conversation. From there, you can arrange a visit, submit an application, and book in for a Quest Day once the date is confirmed.

With school application deadlines approaching quickly – and places in high demand across Bristol – we encourage early action where possible.

Start your journey today by booking a place at our upcoming Open Morning, or visit our Junior Admissions page to learn more.

Supporting Your Next Step

Choosing a junior school is a deeply personal decision – and we understand just how important it is to feel confident and supported at every stage.

Whether you’re at the very beginning of your search or already considering an application, our team is here to help you explore what life at QEH could look like for your son.

We hope this guide has given you a clearer picture of the process and how QEH stands out among junior school admissions in Bristol. When you’re ready, we’d love to meet you – and help your family take the next step in a journey full of possibility.