Instead, he persuaded the Society of Merchant Venturers to manage a school he established for 50 boys on Saint Augustine's Back, where the Bristol Beacon now stands.

Colston was opposed to Dissent and proposed that any boy who attended a service of worship in any place other than an Anglican church should be expelled.

[6] The school moved in 1861 to the old Bishops' Palace at Stapleton,[7] which is a grade II listed building,[8] and ceased to be a charity institution with a limited curriculum.

Points are gained by either the collection of commendations, awarded by teachers for outstanding pieces of work, or through performance in house competitions.

Collegiate’s sporting legacy is supported by a wide range of facilities, dispersed over 30 acres of landscaped grounds - on site; unique to central Bristol schools.

The vast open spaces include areas of woodland, which make it an ideal venue for Collegiate pupils to explore and create a challenging cross country circuit.

Colston modelled his school on Christ's Hospital and the 18th-century uniform reflected this – a long blue coat, knee britches and yellow stockings.

By the middle of the 20th century this was mirrored by the yellow tops of the knee stockings worn by all boys until they graduated to long trousers at the age of 13.

There are a number of shows throughout the year across the age range, including GCSE A-Level and Drama Club productions.

In May 2010 Year 9 students devised and produced their own version of Cinderella which raised just short of £1000 for the charity Barnardo's.

The CCF normally parades every week and carries out activities, including rifle shooting on the school's 15m pipe range, command tasks, climbing, camouflage and concealment, flying, sailing and walking with regular camps.