The Prep School

Forces families

We are proud to have a rich and established heritage with the British Armed Forces and the families that serve within it. For 150 years our welcoming House staff have been supporting children with the Forces lifestyle.

Six children gather around a kitchen table, smiling and baking with ingredients like flour, eggs, and a mixing bowl in a bright kitchen.

An exclusive package

We offer an exclusive package for military families in receipt of CEA, where families receive a heavily discounted boarding fee per term in addition to CEA.

(Based on current fees as published on our website, including VAT. Please note fees are reviewed annually.)

School	Years	Fee per term
Prep School	Years 4-8	£1,275
Upper School	Years 9-11	£1,905
Sixth Form	Years 12-13	£2,525

Why choose Clifton College?

We understand the importance of a consistent and stable education for military families; a Clifton College education offers your children a broad curriculum, outstanding academic and pastoral support, extensive activities outside the classroom and a home away from home, centered around their boarding house.

Our unique House system which provides Houses for both day and boarding pupils, offers a nurturing and supportive atmosphere in which your child is encouraged to seize each opportunity and fulfil their potential. Our House staff have many years’ experience of the challenges faced by Forces families, understanding the 'Emotional Cycle of Deployment' for Children and ensuring your child receives individualised care and guidance.

As Clifton College is both a day and boarding school, our pupils are present throughout much of the term and our houses are vibrant and busy even at the weekend. We have several exeats during the school year, but there is an option for boarders to stay in their houses, so they can always feel at home.

What's included?

The boarding fee includes academic tuition, activities outside of the classroom, breakfast, three-course lunch, three-course supper, laundry, games and prep, textbook loan, pupils’ personal accident insurance, travel and accommodation when representing the school, and internet access.

Extra charges apply to music lessons, 1:1 learning support in the Upper School, Art & DT materials in the 6th Form – unless you are a scholar in these subjects, exam fees and dry cleaning.

Life as a boarder

No two days are ever the same for our boarders, with a wide variety of clubs on offer after school each day, and regular weekend group trips and activities planned.

A large group of people posing on a stage with musical instruments, including a piano and drum set, visible in the foreground.

Two smiling women standing in front of a wall, one wrapped in a red and yellow flag, the other holding a red, black, and green flag.

A group of children wearing festive clothing and hats sing together around a piano in a warmly lit room.

A vibrant stage performance with a large cast in animal costumes, set in a jungle-themed backdrop, applauding and cheering under bright lights.

A boys' basketball team poses in a gym, wearing matching jerseys. A coach stands behind them, and one boy holds a basketball.

Two boys and a man in aprons cooking in a kitchen, with one boy grating cheese and the other mixing ingredients in a bowl.

A large group of people, including children and adults, wearing festive sweaters gather in a room decorated for Christmas, smiling and cheering.

"We run a very successful 'Forces Pupils' support group that helps guide pupils through the stages of deployment as well as instilling a sense of belonging and pride."

Housemaster of Hartnell's boarding House

A message from our Matron

It is really important to understand the needs of a military family looking for a school for their child. One of our matrons has the unique position of being a military wife who chose Clifton College as a school for their child before she became a matron. Nobody is better placed to ensure a smooth journey for military families choosing our school and to give reassurance that they will provide the best support for your child whilst they are here.

Clifton College welcomes HM Forces families

View our informative brochure to find out more about life as a forces family boarder at Clifton College.

Boarding at Clifton College

Hear from two of our pupils about their experience of boarding at Clifton.

Why Bristol?

Clifton College is located in the beautiful residential area of Clifton, Bristol, near the vast green space of The Downs and the city’s famous landmark, the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Bristol is the largest city in the South West of the UK, neatly positioned near the M4/M5 intersection with excellent rail links and an international airport. It is the UK’s 10th largest city and has a population of just fewer than half a million.

Bristol is regularly named as one of the ‘Best Places to Live’ in the Sunday Times newspaper’s annual listing, even topping the list! Bristol is a UNESCO City of Film and former European Green Capital. Bristol has high level sports clubs including football, cricket, rugby, basketball and ice hockey attracting crowds of supporters every week. Bristol has two universities and a large selection of cultural venues and events.

Your next steps

Discover Clifton College and start your journey today by attending one of our Open Events, booking a personal visit or video tour at a time convenient to you.