Learning Support

The School is committed to supporting students with individual needs who might require provision in addition to the School’s normal academic and pastoral systems. Students with exceptionally high all-round ability (the ‘gifted’) may be invited to join the scholars’ programme. Students with high ability in a particular area such as music or sport (the ‘talented’) are supported by the relevant subject teachers, liaising with the Head of Learning Support. Students with physical disabilities, specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia) or other conditions are offered individual support from the learning support department. The department has two members of staff; Mrs Elizabeth Thorne, ethorne@bgs.bristol.sch.uk , Head of Learning Support, and Mrs Jennifer Benn, specialist teacher).

The school currently has students with the following characteristics: dyslexia; dyspraxia and related coordination difficulties; mild autism (Asperger’s syndrome); English is the second language at home; physical impairments (e.g. deafness).

What you should do if you think your child might fall into one of these groups:

1. Tell the School about it before making a formal application. Contact the admissions office.

2. You will be contacted if your child might be eligible for special arrangements (e.g. extra time) in the entrance examinations or tests.

3. Before a formal offer of a place is made, you may need to discuss with the Headmaster what arrangements the School can reasonably make to accommodate your child (provided your child has passed the entrance tests).

4. When your child begins at the School, the learning support department will coordinate appropriate support. Do feel free to contact the Admissions Office or Mrs Thorne to discuss your child.