Prior Park College is thriving and has the highest school roll ever for September 2008. Prior Park A-level students gained the best results in the college’s history for 2008.

Over one-fifth of the students gained three A grades, with 77 per cent gaining A and B grades at A-level, and a 100 per cent pass rate was achieved by all pupils. At GCSE 61 per cent of all grades were A* and at A-level over 25 per cent gained 10 A* and A grades. The majority of pupils gained 11 GCSE grades.

Exciting changes lie ahead in 2009. A purpose-built two-storey junior house for day pupils in years 7 and 8 will be opened in the spring of next year, and in the autumn the college will see the arrival of a new headmaster, Mr James Murphy-O’Connor.

Prior to his retirement, headmaster, Dr Giles Mercer is leading the school’s transition, as it finalises a new timetable to incorporate school lessons into a five-day week from September 2009.

After much consideration and acknowledging the changes in family life, this move is intended to enhance the weekends for boarding and day pupils, with more time for relaxed, personal study and activities. Saturday sports fixtures and activities, with Mass on Sundays and weekend outings will continue and be further enhanced in the next academic year.

Prior Park College is set in 57 acres of grounds overlooking the World Heritage City of Bath. It is a Catholic Christian community with an open ecumenical spirit. The school has outstanding facilities, including a sixth form, theatre and dance studio, ICT centre, AstroTurf and indoor pool. Academic achievement is a vital foundation, although “success” is defined in the broadest, most inclusive way. The college strives to create conditions where every pupil is engaged, challenged and encouraged.