PrepCo-educationalBoardingOfsted · Not yet inspected

Dean Close Preparatory School

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire · GL51 6QS

Pupils

452

Established

1,899

Day fees

£17k

Inspection

Not yet inspected

Dean Close Preparatory School is a well-established co-educational prep in Cheltenham offering boarding and day places from age 3 to 13. The school combines traditional boarding values with a modern, inclusive approach, serving families across the Cotswolds and beyond. Strong emphasis on pastoral care, outdoor education, and all-round development in a caring community setting.

  • →Flexible boarding options (weekly, flexi, full) appealing to busy professional families
  • →Strong pastoral care and nurturing environment suited to younger boarders
  • →Excellent outdoor education programme and country setting near natural attractions
  • →Successful progression to leading senior schools including Dean Close Senior, Cheltenham College, and top independents

Who thrives here

Pupils who thrive in a traditional, structured boarding environment with emphasis on kindness and all-round development; families seeking flexible boarding for younger children; those valuing outdoor pursuits and country-house atmosphere.

Strengths at a glance

Exam resultsno dataSports30th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeingno data

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typePrep · Boarding
Founded1899
Number of pupils452
Pupils with SEND70
Age range3–13
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£17.4k/yr (inc. lunch)
Boarding fees£27.6k/yr (inc. meals)
AssociationsISC
Settingrural
LocationRural Cheltenham location; good road access via A40; regular coach services to London and major hubs for boarding families.
EthosChristian (Church of England)

Contact & visit

Lansdown Road

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

GL51 6QS

01242258000
Mr P J Moss, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Cheltenham Spa15 min

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Dean Close Preparatory School?

Day fees at Dean Close Preparatory School are approximately £17,400 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.

How do you get into Dean Close Preparatory School?

Dean Close Preparatory School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+. Entry is assessed by Assessment Day, Interview. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

Is Dean Close Preparatory School a boarding school?

Dean Close Preparatory School offers boarding as well as day places.

What parents say

Frequently praised

✓Caring, nurturing pastoral environment with strong staff-pupil relationships

✓Flexible boarding model works well for working families; good settling for young boarders

✓Beautiful country location encouraging outdoor pursuits and independence

✓Good preparation for entry to top senior schools, especially Dean Close Senior and Cheltenham College

Common concerns

!Not yet Ofsted inspected, so quality assurance and safeguarding procedures cannot be independently verified

!Rural location may limit access to specialist services and city-based opportunities

!Limited publicly available information on academic outcomes and SEND support specificity