Dean Close School
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, South West · GL51 6HE
Founded in 1886, Dean Close School is a co-educational independent school in Cheltenham with a Church of England, evangelical character at its heart. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded it the top grade of "excellent" for both education and personal development, while compliance standards were fully met. With around 520 pupils, including a sizeable sixth form of 213, it remains a medium-sized school where boarding sits alongside day places. A notably high proportion of pupils, around a quarter, receive some form of SEN support, suggesting a setting attentive to a broad range of learning needs.
520
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£35,100
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 12-19
- Pupils
- 520
- Location
- Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, South West
- Website
- https://www.deanclose.org.uk/
- Telephone
- 01242 258000
Headteacher
Headmistress Ali Harber
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
51%
A-level A*-A
34%
A-level A*-B
66%
Teaching & academics
Results are solid rather than stellar: just over half of GCSE grades reached 9-7, while at A-level a third were graded A*-A and two-thirds A*-B. The sciences are popular at both stages, with Maths, Biology and Chemistry prominent in the sixth form alongside Geography, English Literature and Business Studies. Languages run beyond the usual, offering French, Spanish and Chinese, and the EPQ is available for those wanting to stretch independent study.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 213
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 26.65%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Sport
Main sports
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a clear strength, with hockey, rugby, netball and cricket forming the backbone of school life. Scholarships in sport, art and music point to genuine breadth beyond the classroom, and the boarding community supports a fuller programme of activity.
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 1886
- Religious character
- Church of England/Evangelical
- Boarding
- Yes
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £35,100
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £40,875 - £52,050
Healthy means-tested bursary system, including one for Forces families
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 6 February 2024
The last word
A well-rounded Cheltenham school with a strong Christian ethos, real sporting and creative pull, and a means-tested bursary scheme that includes support for Forces families.
The Passmate verdict
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Dean Close School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Dean Close School located?
Dean Close School is located at Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, Cheltenham, GL51 6HE.
What type of school is Dean Close School?
Dean Close School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South West.
How many pupils attend Dean Close School?
Dean Close School has approximately 520 pupils on roll.
What is Dean Close School's inspection rating?
Dean Close School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 6 February 2024.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.