DR Ray Priest was appointed as principal of the South West’s first Academy school in 2003, having enjoyed 11 years of headship in the city.

He has overseen the development of the school, which is now acclaimed as one of the best performing Academies in England. It is no surprise that the OFSTED report referred to the “outstanding practice at the school” on no less than eight occasions. In 2007 the Academy was named Outstanding Academy of the Year.

City Academy, Bristol has exceptional facilities completed in 2005. These are constantly being improved and the school is already planning to open a new vocational centre.

Virtually all students remain in post-16 education and a large number of students now progress to university education.

The Academy is heavily oversubscribed and this includes some children selected for their sporting aptitude. Parents of students are impressed with the school’s commitment to raising the aspirations of all in a technological environment, but where traditional values of care and respect still underpin all that is achieved.

It is important for children to learn how to communicate and work in teams effectively in an atmosphere that is safe, caring and displays high expectations.

Most of all, the Academy tries to help all young people to achieve the very best that they can.