Bristol News by HANA - Edition 70
Bristol Bites: the school of hard knocks
From our Editor,
Last week, we reported on Bristol’s lamentable school attendance figures. This week, our Data Box reveals that - surprise, surprise - Bristol lags behind the national average for some key education and skills metrics.
These include:
Further education and skills participation
Expected standard for reading, writing and maths at Key Stage 2
And, perhaps most worryingly, GCSEs in English and Maths
Scroll down for fuller details in our Data Box, thanks to numbers from our friends at the Office for National Statistics. But the message is clear. If our school attendance is pretty poor, our education and skills results will pay the price.
Bristol’s kids deserve more than this. A city of such academic excellence should be doing far better than failing to meet the mean for young people. Bristol should be in the upper echelons, not muddling along below the middle. The education authority should prioritise GCSE results in English and Maths as a bare minimum.
The ability to read, write and add up is critical. The three Rs, as they were once known. Bristol has a brilliant reputation for innovation, ingenuity and creativity. From the Clifton Suspension Bridge to Isambard-AI, the UK’s most powerful AI supercomputer. Amazing achievements, spanning the centuries.
Yet the basics of the classroom are vital for individual children and the wider community. The city needs to buck up its ideas when it comes to education.
On a happier note, rugby. Bristol Bears beat Exeter Chiefs away from Ashton Gate. One should not gloat about vanquishing a near and dear rival. The Chiefs are not Bath, after all. But scroll down to Sport for more gloating.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
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Databox
This week, we zone in on education and skills. And the data reveals a curate’s egg.
Further education and skills participation, per 100,000 of the population. Bristol 3,820. Much lower than the national local authority average of 4,842 in 2025.
GCSEs in English and Maths. Bristol 72.6%. Below the national local authority average of 76.5% in 2024.
Level 3 or above qualifications. Bristol 74.0%. Higher than the national local authority average of 67.1% in 2023 (slightly crusty data, though).
Pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at the end of Key Stage 2. Bristol 60%. Narrowly below the national local authority average of 62% in 2025.
I once received a school report which ended with a spidery scrawl. “Could do better”, was the pertinent phrase. A message our education authority might do well to heed.
Source: ONS
Scroll down for best of Instagram, sport, property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Best Articles From Bristol This Week
as chosen by our editors
Russian cargo ship anchors over trans-Atlantic cables in Bristol Channel The Independent - January 29, 2026 The Russian cargo ship Sinegorsk raised alarms as it anchored near crucial undersea telecom cables in the Bristol Channel, prompting monitoring by the Royal Navy and coastguard amid heightened Russian maritime activity. With a reported 30% increase in Russian incursions, UK officials emphasise the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure and maintaining vigilance against potential threats. |
January: Bristol welcomes new scale-up lab space as the UK’s top deep tech city outside Bristol - January 26, 2026 Bristol is set to enhance its deep tech ecosystem with the opening of OMX, a 30,000 sq ft laboratory and scale-up facility in March, designed to support startups in their transition from academic research to commercial success. Backed by £8.5m funding and developed by Science Creates in partnership with the University of Bristol, OMX features 30 high-spec labs and aims to keep high-growth companies local, contributing to the city’s rise as a leading hub for innovation and investment in deep tech. |
German Shepherd dog seized in Bristol after biting three people BBC News - January 28, 2026 A large German Shepherd that bit three people in Staple Hill, near Bristol, has been seized by police after the incident on Clarence Road. The victims received treatment for minor injuries, and the dog is currently in custody as investigations continue. |
Who are the hardest club in England to support? The Athletic - January 27, 2026 Devoted fans of Bristol Rovers, Preston North End, and Darlington FC showcase unwavering loyalty amid struggles, with each club's supporters navigating emotional highs and lows through seasons marked by disappointment and resilience. As Rovers grapple with relegation and PNE faces stagnation in the Championship, Darlington's dedicated fanbase thrives on community spirit, showcasing the unique journey of football fandom across different tiers of English football. Read more at The Athletic (15 mins) (£ paywalled/subscription) |
Bristol: city of art E-flux - In 2027, Bristol will host the British Art Show 10, showcasing its vibrant contemporary arts scene through collaboration between UWE Bristol’s Postgraduate School of Arts and renowned venues like Arnolfini and Spike Island. With a rich cultural history and a dynamic ecosystem that supports both grassroots initiatives and larger institutions, Bristol is an ideal hub for emerging artists to thrive and engage with diverse communities. |
Bristol’s Krooked Tongue announce debut album and high-octane UK tour dates Bristol rock trio Krooked Tongue is gearing up for their debut album, ‘I Know A Place’, set to release on April 24th, with a new single, ‘Blood Shark’, dropping on February 13th. Currently touring intimate UK venues for Independent Venue Week, the band is bringing their electrifying sound to fans across the country. |
'Nightmare' as thousands of people without water for three days BBC News - January 26, 2026 Residents in south Bristol's BS4 and BS14 postcodes faced significant disruptions as water was cut off due to two leaks, affecting around 2,600 people. After a challenging repair process, all water supplies were restored by Monday evening, bringing relief to those like Raymond Perrett and Will Smith who had been struggling without basic amenities. |
Tributes paid to 'deeply loved' South Bristol pub landlady Yahoo News - January 27, 2026 Maxine Holliday, the beloved landlady of The London Inn in Bedminster, passed away after a long battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome, prompting friends and patrons to organize a fundraiser on February 21 at the Rising Sun to support her family with unexpected funeral expenses. The event will include live music, disco, karaoke, and more, celebrating Maxine's legacy and the positive impact she had on the community. |
Bristol snubbed in prestigious list of best gastropubs Yahoo News - January 27, 2026 Bristol has once again been left off the 2026 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list, continuing a trend from 2025, despite nearby regions receiving recognition. The closure of The Clifton, which previously ranked 70th, highlights the challenges faced by local establishments in the hospitality sector. |
January: Bristol graduates unveil toolkit to help students avoid gambling harms UoB - January 27, 2026 University of Bristol students Benjamin Parker and Jordan White have launched the 'From Freshers’ Week to Losing Streak' toolkit, targeting gambling harms among their peers, with nearly half of students participating in gambling activities. Supported by the Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms, this initiative aims to educate, raise awareness, and empower students to reflect on their habits while improving access to support services. |
Man arrested after more than 600 items stolen from museum collection Sky News - January 29, 2026 A 41-year-old man has been arrested for handling stolen goods after over 600 valuable artefacts, including medals and jewellery from the Bristol Museum's British Empire and Commonwealth collection, were stolen in a September 2022 heist. Police are seeking public help to identify the four suspects involved in this significant cultural loss for the city. |
Best Of Instagram
Sport
Bristol Bears
Who’d have thought it? The Bears, famed for their brand of bold, running rugby, managed to grind out a win away to Exeter Chiefs. 3-8: not exactly the sort of scoreline one associates with the men from Ashton Gate.
One try from the increasingly impressive winger Heward and a last-minute penalty kick by Williams were enough to seal the victory. Restricting the Chiefs to just three points at Sandy Park perhaps signals the Bears have tightened up their occasionally leaky defence. The win means Bristol are now third in the Prem table.
The month of February is devoted to Prem Cup fixtures, starting with Gloucester at the Gate this Sunday at 3pm.
Bristol City
Anything other victory against shambolic Sheffield Wednesday would have been a serious embarrassment for The Robins. But they managed to screw out a 2-0 win at the Gate last weekend. The win saw City climb to seventh in the Championship table - a point off the playoff places.
Next up are Derby County, who travel to Bristol for tonight’s 8pm fixture. The Rams are only one point behind The Robins. Let’s hope for another 23,000-plus crowd to help home advantage count.
Bristol Rovers
Misery in Milton Keynes. Rovers fell to a dour 1-0 defeat to MK Dons in League Two on Tuesday night.
The Pirates remain a point above the relegation places but are on an unenviable run of just one win in 17 league matches.
Next up for Rovers are Newport County at The Mem, 12.30pm tomorrow. A win would give The Pirates a bit of breathing space. A defeat would see them swap places with Newport and fall into the dreaded drop zone. Wobbly plank time.
Property News
Plans for former South Bristol pub to become huge HMO rejected Developers are transforming a property into 16 bedsits to provide affordable housing solutions for students, young professionals, and low-income residents in urban areas. This initiative aims to maximise space efficiency while complying with local regulations, addressing the growing demand for budget-friendly accommodations and contributing to the community’s housing availability. |
£74m transformation of harbourside site 'complete by late 2027' Bristol's Canons Wharf is set for a transformative £74 million redevelopment aimed at creating a vibrant cultural hub while preserving its historical charm. The project will modernise facilities, enhance public spaces, and attract visitors, ultimately enriching Bristol's waterfront and supporting local businesses. |
‘UK-first’ citywide property inclusion charter marks milestone Bristol24/7 - January 26, 2026 The Bristol Property Inclusion Charter, founded by commercial property lawyer Karl Brown, has rapidly grown from 16 to 117 signatories, championing diversity and inclusion in Bristol's property sector. Through initiatives such as the Bristol Property Foundation Class and collaborations with industry groups, the charter aims to create accessible career opportunities while fostering innovation and resilience within the industry. |
Recognise Bank provides £231k bridge for Bristol property PropertyWire - January 29, 2026 Recognise Bank has approved a £231,000 commercial bridging loan for a vacant property in Bristol, facilitated by specialist broker Word On The Street. The twelve-month loan, aimed at supporting the borrower’s residential conversion plans, navigated title complications through collaboration among all parties involved. |
Indurent secures 94,000 sq ft pre UK Property Forums - January 28, 2026 Indurent has secured pre-lets with a major UK grocery retailer and Vision Vehicles at its Access 18 industrial development in Avonmouth, Bristol, showcasing strong demand for sustainable industrial space. The development features two grade-A buildings with eco-friendly amenities, including solar panels and EV charging points, highlighting Avonmouth's growing appeal for logistics and hybrid manufacturing. |
Only four houses in Bristol for sale for £200k or under right now Bristol Live - January 24, 2026 Bristol's housing market is increasingly challenging for first-time buyers, with homes priced over £500,000 becoming common and only four properties available for £200,000 or less, two of which are converted garages. The rental landscape is equally tough, with just eight self-contained homes under £900 per month, as new developments prioritise students and rental schemes over affordable home ownership. |
Real estate firm sells Bristol investment to asset manager Hillwood has sold a strategically located warehouse unit in Avonmouth, Bristol, to Swiss Life Asset Managers, underscoring the rising demand for logistics space driven by efficient supply chain needs. This transaction highlights strong institutional investor interest in the UK industrial property market, particularly in well-connected urban locations. |
Reach Bristol’s most discerning property investors - to list your property here contact [email protected]
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Bristol Comedy Festival – Running through to 31 January at multiple venues across the city; final festival shows are on this weekend.
Side Dish (food + comedy pop‑ups) – Ongoing across various restaurants and bars until 8 February; several dates fall this weekend. https://www.yuup.co/side-dish
Bristol Veganuary Fest – Plant‑based food, traders and talks on Saturday 31 January (city‑centre venue, daytime).
All photos are credited to source articles or Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
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