Bristol Grammar School

Bristol Grammar School was established on March 17, 1532, by brothers Robert and Nicholas Thorne. Originally housed in St Bartholomew's Hospital, it was one of the new schools founded following the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII. The founders, successful Bristol merchants who were well-connected socially, established the school to provide an education for the sons of fellow merchants and tradespeople. The initial curriculum focused on Latin, Greek, Divinity and some Hebrew. In 1767, with the original buildings becoming overcrowded, Headmaster Charles Lee successfully negotiated an exchange of premises with Queen Elizabeth's Hospital. Despite some administrative mismanagement, the school continued until 1844, before being re-established with a new educational scheme in 1848. By 1870, the school was at full capacity with 240 boys. The ageing buildings and its geographical location, distanced from the pupil's homes in Clifton and Redland, created challenges. Eventually, a reorganisation of endowments, which were previously majorly directed towards charity, resulted in funding being secured for the school. In 1877, a new location in Tyndalls Park was approved, and by 1879, the school had moved to new premises. Additional classrooms, a gymnasium, a fives court, and a rifle range were gradually added, some of which have been remodelled to suit the needs of a modern curriculum. In 1900, a Preparatory School was established and had its own premises by 1928. However, this was destroyed during the war in 1940 and was rebuilt under the stewardship of John Garrett. Further expansion followed, with more classrooms, a sports hall, dedicated buildings for certain subjects, and a Design and Technology Centre being established. Following the Education Act 1944, the school became a direct grant grammar school in 1946. When the Labour government ceased these grants between 1974 and 1979, Bristol Grammar School opted for independent status.