All 16-year-olds leaving Bedminster Down School will be guaranteed a place in education thanks to an historic deal signed this week.

The Bedminster Down Accord is being signed by all providers of courses in the area.

Head teacher Marius Frank explained that the improved standards and results at the school over the past ten years meant it could support a sixth form of 200 students.

"However, given the economic climate, and the number of existing 16+ places in Bristol, there is little chance of a further new build on the site," he admitted.

"As a consequence, local 16+ providers are signing up to an accord which guarantees places for Bedminster Down students, if they meet the entry requirements and follow the application processes.

"It reads: 'We, the undersigned, on behalf of the 16+ institutions we represent, guarantee places for the students of Bedminster Down on completion of their Key Stage 4 studies. We make this commitment within a framework of mutual partnership and collaboration, raising aspirations and achievement, and improving life chances of the young people of South Bristol."

Mr Frank said: "This is fantastic news for the students of Bedminster Down, present and future. We can concentrate on what we do best, which is helping young people make progress at better than national rates from 11 to 16. Our brightest students do as well as any students in the country. Our weakest students are nurtured and supported to exceed expectations.

"We also give our young people high-quality information, advice and guidance to help them take the next steps in life, and to access a provision that is absolutely right for them. Now, those routes are guaranteed."

Elisabeth Gilpin, head of St Mary Redcliffe and Temple, said: "We are delighted to sign up to this. We have had a very positive experience of Bedminster Down students coming to us each year.

"We have also had Bedminster Down students progress to be senior students, who are a select group of students who represent the sixth form centre and organise activities for fellow students. Students from Bedminster Down respond really well to the mature and friendly atmosphere of the Redcliffe Sixth form centre and fit in and make good friends and achieve highly.

"We are pleased to make this good relationship more formal through this agreement."