It was founded with endowments left by the Bristol-born merchant, philanthropist, slave trader and Member of Parliament, Edward Colston (1636–1721), and named after him.

[5] In 1966 it chose to become a selective private school until in September 2008 voluntarily converting to a state-funded Academy specialising in languages.

[8][9] The school mottos are; We cherish our history but look to the future, and Go and do thou likewise taken from the biblical story of the Good Samaritan.

Whilst the diversity and enrichment clubs were commended, the main issues highlighted were surrounding safeguarding of the pupils, with comments made in reference to how the students did not feel safe at the school and as though they did not have an appropriate adult to confide in, as well as bullying issues with inconsistent responses from staff.

In response she outlined a 20-point plan which involves higher focus on phonics and reinforcement of staff being safety support for the pupils.