- First headmaster and founder John Percival, along with other forward-thinking individuals, set up the school in 1877 with the wish that his daughter, Bessie, would gain an education.
- It was an all-girls school until 1887, when boys were admitted to the preparatory class. It became fully co-ed in 2009.
- The school upholds the founding principles of an educational environment free from discrimination and religious dogma.
- It is the only school in the South West to utilise the diamond model of education, which means boys and girls are taught separately across English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics and games in Years 7–9. Classes are small, with just 12 pupils in senior and sixth form groups.
- Rose Day is one of the school’s oldest traditions, held at Bristol Cathedral annually in June to celebrate the achievements of its senior students. Former pupils, staff and governors become Clifton Rosarians.
Results
A-level 2024 rank: 304=

Grade
%
A*
10.9
A
19.7
B
27.3
A*/A
30.6
A*-B
57.9
GCSE 2024 rank: 196

Grade
%
A*/9/8
36.9
A/7
21.1
A*/A/9/8/7
58.1