Dean Close Preparatory School
School summary
Set in Cheltenham, Dean Close Preparatory School is an independent, co-educational prep school for children aged 7 to 13, with around 320 pupils. It offers both day and boarding places and holds a Church of England and Evangelical character. Its Independent Schools Inspectorate report awarded the highest grade of 'excellent', a judgement echoed in the assessment of pupils' personal development. As a small school, it offers a close-knit setting for families seeking that scale.
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
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 6 February 2024
Teaching & academics
The ISI's 'excellent' rating across both the quality of education and personal development points to consistently strong provision. Around a fifth of pupils receive some form of SEN support, suggesting the school is geared to identifying and meeting a range of individual learning needs. With 11+ entry available, it is a natural staging post for families looking ahead to senior school.
Head · Mr P J Moss
Beyond the classroom
Boarding is offered alongside day places, giving pupils access to the rhythms and community of life beyond the classroom. A strict mobile-free ethos shapes the day: phones are handed in or left in boarding houses, with boarders regaining access only once lessons end.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- Church of England/Evangelical
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 20.18%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Mobile phone policy
Mobile free zone. Phones should not be brought into school unless permission granted by deputy head. When permitted, phones are handed in at the beginning of the day. Boarders must leave mobile phones in their house during the day but are allowed access once school is over.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £12,000 - £28,155
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £29,010 - £37,170
Schools nearby
Dean Close School
Cheltenham, South West
Dean Close Airthrie
CHELTENHAM, South West
Cheltenham Ladies' College
Cheltenham, South West
Cheltenham College
Cheltenham, South West
Cheltenham College Preparatory School
Cheltenham, South West
St Edward's 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 small, well-regarded prep with day and boarding options and top ISI marks. It suits families who value a focused, screen-light environment and a strong start before senior school.
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 Preparatory School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.