Bristol Education Partnership
BEP aims to enrich education and improve outcomes for children and young people in Bristol through collaboration and shared resources.
The Bristol Education Partnership was set up in 2019 with the aim of broadening young people’s experience of education, opening up new opportunities and overcoming disadvantage.
It is a collaborative arrangement involving six state secondary schools, seven independent schools, St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, University of Bristol, University of the West of England and Bristol City Council. Working together we want to enrich education and improve outcomes for children and young people in the city.
Projects, events and activities are organised in partnership with a wide range of organisations from across Bristol, giving young people access to the best that our exciting and vibrant city has to offer. A number of teacher networks have been set up to enable collaboration across partner schools so that best practice can be shared.
Current BEP projects
Oracy Project
To develop students’ speaking and confidence skills – precursors to leading successful and fulfilling lives. The latest project report is here.
Bristol Teacherfest
Annual CPD festival open to all Bristol teachers – to explore and discuss inspiring ideas and practice from across the city and further afield. Find out about this year’s event (2024) here.
Let’s Explore
A series of inspirational talks from national and international experts introducing students to exciting ideas and career pathways.
Key priorities
1. Overcoming Disadvantage
We work to overcome disadvantage by creating cross-school opportunities, supporting higher achievers, and improving outcomes through initiatives like oracy training, debate days, and mentoring programs.
3. Broadening Education
We work to broaden education by offering experiences beyond the standard curriculum, partnering with local organizations and leading initiatives like the BEP Climate Challenge.
2. Raising Aspirations
We work to raise aspirations through career-focused events and expert talks, helping students explore diverse pathways and make informed decisions about their educational and professional futures.
4. Inspiring Staff
We work to inspire staff through collaborative networks, professional development opportunities, and leadership programs, enabling educators to learn from each other and grow professionally.
BEP Members
There are currently 17 members of the Bristol Education Partnership:
Badminton School
Bristol Grammar School
Clifton High School
Fairfield High School
Redmaids’ High School
Bristol Charities
Bridge Learning Campus
Collegiate School Bristol
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
St Brendan’s Sixth Form College
Bristol City Council
Bristol Free School
Clifton College
Cotham School
Orchard School
University of Bristol
University of the West of England
Introducing Bristol Charities
We’re delighted to introduce Bristol Charities as the new hosts of the Bristol Education Partnership, taking over from Bristol City Council.
Since 1395, Bristol Charities has been working to address pressing social challenges in Bristol, and they’re currently embarking on an ambitious new strategy focused on tackling disadvantage through integrated community hubs in areas of high deprivation.
There’s a natural alignment between BC’s work and BEP’s commitment to overcoming disadvantage. Their involvement reflects our long history of supporting education and our recognition of its powerful role in challenging disadvantage and creating progression routes out of poverty. Through community spaces, almshouses, and organisational development work, Bristol Charities is building stronger, more resilient communities across Bristol. They’re excited to work alongside BEP members and partners in this shared mission, and while they’ll provide administrative support through a new manager, they’re committed to maintaining the partnership’s independent, member-led approach.