Dean Close Airthrie
School summary
A small independent prep in Cheltenham, Dean Close Airthrie educates a mixed intake of just 56 children from ages three to eleven. Its compact size is one of its defining features, allowing close attention to each pupil within a tight community. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school 'good' overall, while singling out pupils' personal development as 'excellent'. Led by Head Mr Jason Dobbie, the school has no religious affiliation and does not offer boarding.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- good
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 13 June 2023
Teaching & academics
The ISI judged the quality of education 'good', a solid endorsement for a school of this scale. Notably, more than half of pupils (around 52%) receive SEN support, an unusually high proportion that points to a strong commitment to individual learning needs. Families seeking a nurturing setting that takes additional needs seriously are likely to find this reassuring.
Head · Mr Jason Dobbie
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 51.79%
- EHC plans
- 1.79%
Schools nearby
Cheltenham Ladies' College
Cheltenham, South West
Dean Close Preparatory School
Cheltenham, South West
Dean Close School
Cheltenham, South West
Cheltenham College
Cheltenham, South West
Cheltenham College Preparatory School
Cheltenham, South West
Berkhampstead School
Cheltenham, South West
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A genuinely small, non-selective prep where personal development was rated excellent and individual support is central to its character.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Dean Close Airthrie 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.