We take pride in welcoming students and supporting them in order for them to grow and thrive.

Merchants’ Academy provides a unique opportunity for students in Bristol to join a school from Reception through to the age of 18. In addition to those who progress into the Secondary from our own Primary, we welcome students every year from many primary schools across the city and whilst students from our primary have an understanding of our vision and ethos, the pastoral team work with all incoming students to ensure that there is a clarity for all with respect to both our expectations and our vision.

Merchants’ Academy welcomes the encouragement, challenge and guidance of our governors and our sponsors. It is an immense privilege to be sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers and the University of Bristol and this support contributes to ensuring that our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Merchants’ Academy has a distinctive and positive ethos which guides our work and the education of our students. Preparation for adult life underpins our Academy aims and the well-developed culture which is established across all aspects and functions of the Academy. We are committed to the success of each of our students whatever stage they are at in their education and this is reflected through the Academy's values and commitment to:

• provide high quality education and a thirst for life-long learning
• enable everyone to enjoy success and achievement
• promote confidence and a strong sense of personal worth
• have high expectations which will be reflected in the targets set for staff and students alike
• harness the energies of children, students, staff and parents to establish a genuine partnership with the Academy for the benefit of all
• establish a business-like ethos by beliefs in values and attitudes such as hard work, honesty, integrity, respect and concern for others
• provide quality opportunities for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our children and young people
• ensure that the effectiveness of all Academy staff is maintained and developed through considerable investment in high quality, continuous professional learning  

This is demonstrated through constant reference to our BRISTOL Values of:

Boldness – Aim high, show courage and hope to push against any barriers

Respect – Be considerate and respect the rights of others

Integrity – If it’s not right, do not do it. If it’s not true, don’t say it

Service – We have a responsibility to the future and each other

Tenacity – Tough times don’t last, strong people do

Optimism – No pessimist discovered the secret of the stars or uncharted land

Learning – A commitment to lifelong development unlocks your full potential

If you're searching for your next teaching post, why not contact us now? You'll be working at a great school and be part of a friendly, helpful team. We're always interested to hear from enthusiastic, committed teachers!

Venturers Trust is a dynamic and focused multi-academy trust based in Bristol, formed in September 2017 through the merger of CGS Trust and Merchants’ Academy Trust. The Trust is responsible for eight academies, 3,500 pupils and 750 staff with a commitment to making a significant and lifelong difference to the lives of young people from some of Bristol’s most disadvantaged communities.

The Trust is sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers and the University of Bristol. The Society of Merchant Venturers is a private entrepreneurial and charitable organisation that actively supports enterprise in Bristol. It has been involved in improving the city’s education for at least 400 years. As a sponsor, the Merchant Venturers are heavily involved in all aspects of the Trust including Governance. They bring first class expertise in governance and a wide range of business acumen to the benefit of our schools.

The University of Bristol ranks as one of the top 10 universities in the United Kingdom. It is committed to encouraging the number of local students seeking a place within Higher Education. The University is actively involved in the development of the Trust’s curriculum and Governance and allows our pupils and students to access its excellent academic facilities. The University has created an extensive programme of opportunities for our pupils which no other schools have. The University also offers support in other areas, such as research and mentoring. Both sponsors seek to ensure that all our young people receive a truly inspiring education. Their support, challenge and expertise are greatly valued.

Currently the Primary phase of Venturers Trust comprises:

• Bannerman Road Community Academy
• Barton Hill Academy
• The Dolphin School
• Fairlawn School
• The Kingfisher School
• Merchants’ Academy, an all-age school, also benefits from collaboration in its Primary Phase with the five Primary schools in the Trust

The Trust has a set of core values which are embedded in all of its schools whilst allowing each learning community to develop a distinctive identity relevant to its local community. The core values across the family of schools are: Respect, Responsibility, Curiosity, and Resilience