Dean Close Preparatory School
Dean Close Preparatory School is a co-ed boarding and day school in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, educating pupils aged 7 - 13 and founded in 1886. Boarding fees are £9,670 - £13,735 per term. Our advice on this school is independent and free.
- Type
- Co-ed boarding & day
- Boarders from
- 7 - 13
- Ethos
- Church of England
- Guardian required
- Yes
About Dean Close Preparatory
The story, ethos and character of Dean Close Preparatory.
- Setting
- Town
- Ethos
- Church of England
- Head
- Mr Paddy Moss
Dean Close Preparatory School is a flourishing co-educational school which occupies the same campus as Dean Close School and is, therefore, able to share the outstanding facilities. The School is renowned for its family feel and warm welcoming atmosphere, with both staff and children happily enjoying being part of the School.
There are three elegant Georgian boarding houses, one for girls, one for boys and one mixed junior house for younger children age 7-10. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and to Cheltenham Spa town, there is plenty for boarders to do. An active weekend programme keeps them busy with visits to the zoo, activity centres, picnics, bowling and much more.
Excellent facilities pupils on their educational journey.
In 2013 a brand new £4.5 million building was built at the Preparatory School housing a 330 seat theatre, 12 individual practice rooms, classrooms and IT suite. The main games for boys are rugby, hockey and cricket, and for girls, hockey, netball, cricket and tennis.
Swimming, athletics and cross-country running are also taught and use is made of the School's covered playing area. Golf and horse riding are available nearby. What the school is known for? Dean Close Preparatory School offers the finest all-round education, outstanding pastoral care and excels across all sport disciplines, in particular hockey.
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Academics at Dean Close Preparatory
What pupils study at Dean Close Preparatory — and where it takes them.
This section provides information on: The curriculum, performing and creative arts, English as an additional , and special educational needs (SEN). About the curriculum The children follow a broad based and stimulating curriculum that is delivered by specialist teachers who bring their own love of their subject into the classroom.
The academic curriculum is based upon the National Curriculum in Years 3-6. This is also the case in Years 7 and 8 where the National Curriculum informs the Dean Close '7-9 Curriculum' - created in collaboration between Heads of Department at DCPS and DCS.
Programmes offered
Where our leavers go
95% of pupils leaving the Prep School go on to Dean Close Senior School.
Figures are indicative — contact us for the latest results.
Boarding at Dean Close Preparatory
Day-to-day boarding life and pastoral care at Dean Close Preparatory.
- Boarding houses
- Girls 1, Boys 1, Mixed 1
- Exeat weekends
- Yes
- Guardian required
- Yes
- Saturday lessons
- Yes
Boarding is very popular at Dean Close, with over half the Senior School population living at School and a third of all Prep School children. Children come from a variety of backgrounds including Services families, expats, international pupils and some families from the local area who value the benefits of independence and self-confidence that boarding brings.
A warm, family atmosphere means that every child feels happy and secure and we aim to create an open, trusting environment where each pupil feels able to approach any other member of the community, confident that he or she will be treated as an individual.
A genuine home away from home
Sorry, there is no boarding house information available at this time...
We can arrange trusted UK guardianship for international families.
Dean Close Preparatory admissions
How children join Dean Close Preparatory, and how we make it simple.
Tell us about your child
Share their age, interests and what you're looking for. Our advice is completely free.
We shortlist & introduce
We match you to the right schools and make the introductions to their admissions teams.
Assessment, offer & enrolment
We guide you through entrance assessments and interviews, and handle visas and guardianship if needed.
What you'll typically need
- Recent school reports or transcript
- Passport copy
- English-language evidence (if applicable)
- Completed registration form
- A reference from the current school
Special notes to agents about entry to the school Dean Close Preparatory School is an academically selective school. Exeats in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms are compulsory, as is the first Exeat of the Trinity Term. The second Exeat of the Trinity Term is not compulsory.
Year 7 and 8 have two compulsory lessons on a Saturday morning followed by activities, they finish at 12.00noon. All years below this do not have Saturday school. All years above do. Application procedure and entrance tests English Maths English levels required for entry to the school Dean Close Preparatory School can provide English as an additional tuition for capable overseas pupils.
As your advisors we manage the application end-to-end at no cost.
Dean Close Preparatory fees & funding
What Dean Close Preparatory costs, what's included, and how we help with funding.
What termly boarding fees include
- Tuition
- Boarding accommodation
- All meals
- Pastoral & house care
- Most academic materials
Funding & scholarships
Registration deposits, EAL tuition, uniform and trips are usually charged separately. Many schools offer academic, sport, music and art scholarships plus means-tested bursaries — ask us and we'll send a full, current breakdown for Dean Close Preparatory.
Fees change year to year and by entry point. As your independent advisors we hold up-to-date figures and can compare Dean Close Preparatory against similar schools so you know exactly what to budget.
Figures shown are the latest we hold — we'll confirm current fees on enquiry.
Dean Close Preparatory location & travel
Where Dean Close Preparatory is, and how to get there.
Travel details Address Lansdown Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 6QS, England Travel time to London by train Less than 3 hours Telephone +44 (0)1242 258000 Website https://www. deanclose. org. uk/ Most convenient airports Airport Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1.
Bristol 53 75 2. Birmingham 55 60 3. Cardiff 84 100 Most convenient train stations Station Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. Cheltenham Spa 5 Local accommodation The admissions department is happy to advise on the range of accommodation options available in Cheltenham and the surrounding area.
Dean Close Preparatory — frequently asked questions
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