Gloucestershire is home to some of the most prestigious and historical independent schools in the country, with impressive academic performance and pastoral care, not to mention first-class facilities.
SoGlos’s comprehensive independent schools guide spans some truly exceptional institutions for children aged from two to 18, whether you’re considering a co-educational or single-sex school; day or boarding; pre-preparatory, preparatory, senior or Sixth Form.
What is an independent school?
In the UK, independent school is another term for 'private school' — these schools charge fees to attend, instead of being funded by the government, and do not have to follow the national curriculum.
Cheltenham independent schools
Cheltenham Ladies College
About Cheltenham Ladies' College
The world-renowned Cheltenham Ladies’ College has been educating girls from across the globe for more than 170 years. The boarding and day school welcomes girls from 11 through to 18 to its diverse community of over 830 students.
By creating an educational environment that’s supportive, challenging, innovative and creative, CLC helps pupils achieve success both inside and outside the classroom. Class sizes are small and encourage active participation, while expert teaching and regular feedback help pupils realise their full potential. The curriculum is broad and varied to give students a rounded education beyond their core subjects, enabling pupils from their first year to study areas such as engineering enterprise and technology as well as philosophical enquiry and inter-disciplinary skills.
This approach continues as they progress through school with 24 subjects to choose from at GCSE and A Level — from economics to fine art and Italian to psychology — with a bespoke and flexible response to the requirements of each individual. Pupils are also encouraged to develop a balance of intellectual, sporting and cultural interests, with over 140 co-curricular activities available, from jazz band to ethical hacking and Model UN to rowing.
CLC was also named the South West Independent School of the Decade in 2021 and the Top Independent School in the South West for Academic Performance in the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2024.
Highlights
Cheltenham Ladies’ College students benefit from a state-of-the-art Health and Fitness Centre, complete with two sports halls, a 58-station fitness gym with free weights and spin area, multi-purpose activity and dance studio, squash courts, swimming pool and climbing wall; a 325-seat professional theatre, the Parabola Arts Centre, and separate black box theatre and dance studio; sculpture facilities, printmaking studio and photography darkroom; as well as music technology equipment, high-end instruments and multiple music groups.
The Professional Guidance Centre also works with students throughout their time at the college, providing talks, skills workshops and careers networking events; while the extensive wellbeing and enrichment programme helps support students' mental and emotional health.
Cheltenham Ladies' College results
The independent school consistently achieves outstanding results in GCSE, A-level and International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations. Over the last decade, CLC has seen 72 per cent of pupils
achieving A*/A grades at A Level and 92 per cent of International Baccalaureate pupils awarded 7/6 points (equivalent to A*/A).
How much does Cheltenham Ladies' College cost?
Fees are £16,200 for boarding and £10,500 for day pupils per term; then for new pupils entering sixth form, fees are £18,000 for boarding and £11,900 for day pupils per term.
Which famous people went to Cheltenham Ladies' College?
Actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas; the first female Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, Rachel Lomax; Sweaty Betty founder Tamara Hill-Norton; first female President of the Royal College of Surgeons Dame Clare Marx; scientist and chair of the Science Museum Group, Dame Mary Archer; artist Bridget Riley; author Robin Stevens; and Amber Rudd, former home secretary and secretary of state for work and pensions.
Get in touch
Address: Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, GL50 3EP
Telephone number: (01242) 520691
Email: enquiries@cheltladiescollege.org
Website: cheltladiescollege.org
Social media: facebook.com/CheltLadiesColl or instagram.com/cheltladiescoll
Berkhampstead School and Day Nursery
About Berkhampstead School
Founded in 1945, Berkhampstead School on Pittville Circus Road is a non-selective independent day school, which welcomes children aged three to 11; as well as little ones from as young as three months in its Day Nursery.
The Cheltenham school not only prides itself on providing a warm, happy and encouraging environment, but offers a centre of educational excellence where children can gain strong literacy and reading skills, as well as confidence in handling numbers and the opportunity to achieve high standards in music, creative arts and competitive sports.
From day one, children at Berkhampstead are taught by subject specialist teachers in music, PE and French, benefiting from specialist teaching in all subjects from Year 3 onwards. Class sizes are small, and children are encouraged to explore their passions through Berkhampstead's huge range of lunchtime and after school extracurricular activities, spanning music and sports clubs to a rolling programme of activities that includes gardening club, team building and arts and crafts.
Highlights
The school also has its own eco committee, ‘Berky Gets Greener’, which is made up of student representatives from each class. Together, they campaign for green improvements across the school, having implemented everything from motion-sensor lights to improved recycling methods, and regularly take part in school events — even growing their own plants for the summer fete!
Berkhampstead School results
Berkhampstead's latest ISI inspection in November 2023 was superb, recognising pupils’ confidence, strong self-esteem and considerate and respectful behaviour, while its Day Nursery was rated 'Outstanding' in all areas. It also won the title of Independent School of the Year at the 2022 Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards!
A large percentage of pupils go on to achieve places and scholarships at top grammar and independent secondary schools.
How much does Berkhampstead School cost?
For the 2024/25 academic year, fees start at £ 3,400 per term for reception, with an increase in price per year group — with current fees for Year 6 pupils at £4,890 per term.
Get in touch
Address: Pittville Circus Road, Cheltenham, GL52 2QA
Telephone number: (01242) 523263
Email: admissions@berkhampsteadschool.co.uk
Website: berkhampsteadschool.co.uk
Social media: facebook.com/berkhampstead and instagram.com/berkhampstead_school
Dean Close School
About Dean Close School
Dean Close School is a co-educational day and boarding school, located in the heart of Cheltenham. Situated in 50 acres of picturesque grounds, with a blend of original Victorian buildings and modern purpose-built facilities all on one campus, the school offers fantastic academic and extra-curricular opportunities for pupils aged two to 18.
The school aims to get the best out of pupils academically, while also broadening their horizons through varied clubs and societies and a focus on developing key skills for the future, which are weaved into the curriculum across all ages.
With its strong Christian ethos, Dean Close seeks to provide a supportive environment for learning and self-discovery, encouraging each member of its community to flourish and realise their greatest potential.
Highlights
Dean Close has earned a national reputation for hockey, rugby and equestrianism. Pupils can benefit from the school’s outstanding sports provision — with dedicated directors for each major sport — and facilities including a sports centre with a high-tech fitness suite, a 25-metre indoor pool, a climbing wall and a rifle range.
Meanwhile, the two-storey art school provides specialist studio spaces for creative pupils; music lovers have access to a range of amenities, from a recording studio to a concert hall; and, renowned for its drama, Dean Close is also home to the Bacon Theatre.
The school is home to the world-renowned Carducci Quartet leading the Dean Close Strings Department — and is the choir school for the choristers of Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum, too.
With around 300 preparatory school pupils and 500 senior school pupils, Dean Close is small enough for everyone to enjoy close bonds with peers and get fully involved in school life. At the same time, it’s large enough to have a strong community of boarders and day pupils, as well as first-class sporting and creative arts opportunities.
Saturdays are traditionally for clubs and sports at independent schools, but at Dean Close, pupils in Years 6, 7 and 8 attend Five Time. This initiative focuses on learning five key skills: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, compassion and communication, through a range of extracurricular activities such as quidditch, American football, first aid and gel plate printing, offering something that is distinctly different from the regular academic routine of weekday lessons.
How much does Dean Close School cost?
Per term, full day fees for the 2024-25 academic year range from £3,320 a term for pre-prep pupils starting in Reception; £4,725 a term for preparatory school pupils starting in Year 3; and £10,225 a term for senior school pupils and sixth formers in Years 9 to 13.
Dean Close also offers boarding, flexi boarding and international boarding options.
Which famous people went to Dean Close School?
Paralympian GB pistol shooter Issy Bailey; Gloucester Rugby player Lloyd Evans; and musician and founding member of The Rolling Stones, Brian Jones.
Get in touch
Address: Dean Close Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory Schools are on Lansdown Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6QS; Dean Close Senior School is on Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6HE
Telephone: (01242) 258000
Email: For Dean Close Pre-Preparatory School, email preprepadmissions@deanclose.org.uk; for Dean Close Preparatory School, email dcpsoffice@deanclose.org.uk and for Dean Close Senior School, email registrar@deanclose.org.uk
Website: deanclose.org.uk
Social media: facebook.com/DeanCloseSchool and instagram.com/DeanCloseSchool
The Richard Pate School
About The Richard Pate School
The Richard Pate School is a co-educational independent day school for three to 11 year olds, with approximately 300 pupils across its Nursery, Prep and Junior departments. It teaches all national curriculum foundation subjects, with a strong special educational needs provision.
Set on an idyllic, semi-rural campus in Leckhampton, the school benefits from 11 and a half acres of space and impressive educational facilities, with plenty of opportunities to explore the natural world through its adventure playground, woodland area and dedicated conservation space for environmental studies.
Celebrating each individual student’s strengths and attributes, the school also works closely with parents to help them choose the right onward destination for their child, with a large percentage of pupils progressing to achieve places and scholarships at leading grammar and independent schools.
Highlights
The Richard Pate School has invested in its specialist facilities over the years, which include an art studio, science laboratory, music centre and all-weather, floodlit astro pitch — allowing teachers to offer a broad and varied education to its pupils.
The school also has a diverse programme of extracurricular activities to help children develop their passions. From coding and ukulele to competitive sport, sessions operate during lunch and after school.
While its academic offering appeals to families seeking an enriching education, The Richard Pate School prides itself on its sense of community, above all. There’s a great family atmosphere between pupils, teachers and parents, as children are taught to value and respect themselves and others in a supportive educational environment.
How much does The Richard Pate School cost?
Per term, fees start at £3,444 for reception, with an increase in price per year group. Current fees for Year 6 pupils per term are £4,954. Fees are inclusive of equipment, school lunches and swimming lessons.
Breakfast club and after school care provisions are also available from 7.45am until 5.30pm, with breakfast club costing £5.50 per session and after school care costing £10 per session. Breakfast and a light tea is included for all children.
Children can be dropped off early for playground supervision for no extra charge, from 8.15am for juniors and 8.30am for prep pupils; while a late room operates until 4pm for all children, also at no extra cost to parents.
Which famous people went to The Richard Pate School?
Double Olympic gold medallist and rower Alex Gregory MBE; children’s author Vivian French; Amy Weaver, the youngest female trainer in UK horse racing history; Jon Foster, BAFTA award-winning writer and children’s animation author; and Ben Powell, jazz violinist.
Get in touch
Address: Southern Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, GL53 9RP
Telephone: (01242) 522086
Email: admissions@richardpate.co.uk
Website: richardpate.co.uk
Social media: instagram.com/richardpate_school and facebook.com/richardpateschool
Cotswolds independent schools
Gloucester independent schools
The King's School Gloucester
About The King's School Gloucester
The King’s School Gloucester is an independent day school for girls and boys aged three to 18, which benefits from an impressive location and a special relationship with Gloucester Cathedral, located next door. Founded in 1541 by King Henry VIII as one of only seven cathedral schools, the historic institution now has over 720 pupils across its Pre-school, Junior and Senior Schools and Sixth Form and boasts an inspiring campus which blends historic buildings with state-of-the art facilities.
The school welcomes children of all religious faiths and of none and fosters a pupil-centred environment, where students benefit from small class sizes, excellent pastoral care and a broad range of academic subjects, allowing each pupil to reach their full potential. It instils a lifelong love of learning with stimulating and engaging lessons, while encouraging pupils to pursue their own passions through a wide range of co-curricular activities spanning sports, music, languages and performing arts lessons and clubs.
Highlights
King's scholarships and bursaries recognise and reward pupils who show exceptional talent in academic performance, sporting, musical, dramatic or artistic abilities and provide a significant reduction in school fees. They run annually, offering entry into Years 7, 9 and 12.
This includes its prestigious King's School Choristers experience, where talented singers, aged six, seven or eight, can audition to become members of the Gloucester Cathedral choir and receive a substantial discount on school fees during their time as a chorister, performing at cathedral services throughout the year and taking part in events like the Three Choirs Festival.
The King's School Gloucester results
King's achieves consistently excellent academic results at GCSE, A-level and BTEC level, with 2024 seeing some of its best-ever A-level results. The school was also rated 'Excellent' in its most recent ISI inspection, achieving the highest possible results for both pupil achievement and pupil personal development.
How much does The King's School Gloucester cost?
Per term, fees are from £3,180 for Reception to £8,300 for Years 10, 11, 12 and 13. The King's School Gloucester also offers a sibling discount from five to 25 per cent for children from the same family whilst they are all in attendance at the school.
Which famous people went to The King's School Gloucester?
Actor Simon Pegg; BBC Breakfast presenter, Charlie Stayt; conductor with the English National Opera, Edward Gardner; rugby player, John Brain; and SLG founder Miles Dunkley.
Get in touch
Address: Pitt Street, Gloucester, GL1 2BG
Telephone: (01452) 337337
Email: admissions@thekingsschool.co.uk
Website: thekingsschool.co.uk
Social media: instagram.com/kingsschoolglos or facebook.com/KingsSchoolGlos.
Stroud independent schools
Wycliffe College
About Wycliffe College
Founded in 1882, Wycliffe College in Stonehouse is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged three to 19 years old, offering all the advantages of a contemporary environment in a beautiful rural location just 90 minutes from London. The school boasts a broad curriculum, mixing traditional and modern subjects to help all pupils achieve their full potential and encourages each child to pursue an interest outside of the classroom — whether it’s on stage, in the choir, on the sports field or up a mountain.
Wycliffe College’s facilities include a library that’s a haven for independent learning; chapel; floodlit Astroturf sports surface; swimming pool; high-tech gym; two basketball courts; tennis courts; performing arts centre; and even a boat house for its strong rowing programme. It also has an impressive squash programme with support from renowned coaches. Wycliffe is proud to offer its pupils support from an exceptional pastoral team, too, as well as a house system which promotes a strong sense of community, friendship and healthy competition among pupils.
Highlights
Wycliffe College boasts excellent sports performance alongside an impressive music, drama and art provision. The school places strong emphasis on personal development, pastoral care and pupil performance across the board, with high ratings from the Good Schools Guide.
The diversity of subjects offered at Wycliffe, which includes GCSE Japanese; Fine Art, Music and Psychology A-levels; and BTEC National Diplomas (equivalent to two A-levels) in Business; Digital Production; and Sport. Plus, Wycliffe also provides ACT and SAT preparation, required to gain entry to American universities.
Wycliffe College results
Wycliffe achieves consistently excellent academic results at GCSE, A-level and BTEC level, with 2024 seeing some of its best-ever A-level and GCSE results. The school was also rated 'Excellent' in its most recent ISI inspection, achieving the highest possible results for both pupil achievement and pupil personal development.
How much does Wycliffe College cost?
Wycliffe Preparatory School costs from £3,870 per term for day pupils and from £9,065 per term for boarders; while Wycliffe Senior School is from £9,200 per term for day pupils and from £16,175 per term for boarders.
Which famous people went to Wycliffe College?
Rugby player Charlie Sharples; actor William Moseley; cricketer Alex Gidman; and singer-songwriter Al Stewart.
Get in touch
Address: Bristol Road, Stonehouse, GL10 2AF
Telephone number: (01453) 822432
Email: admissions@wycliffe.co.uk
Website: wycliffe.co.uk
Social media: facebook.com/WycliffeCollege and instagram.com/wycliffecollege
Independent schools beyond the border
Malvern St James Girls' School
About Malvern St James Girls' School
Set at the foot of the beautiful Malvern Hills, Malvern St James is a leading
independent day and boarding school for girls aged three to 18. Advocating for
women’s education since 1893, the school encourages its girls to be ambitious
and confident, to follow their passions, and thrive beyond school.
The prep school is based in the same building as the senior school, meaning MSJ girls of all ages are able to benefit from the specialist educational facilities and resources, from science laboratories to top-class art and sporting amenities.
Its vast enrichment programme helps every girl to discover her passion, offering extra-curricular languages, leadership opportunities, music, photography and clubs for aspiring engineers and scientists — to name a few.
Offering an all-through education, Malvern St James supports its students from pre-prep to Sixth Form, with class sizes kept small at a ratio of one teacher to eight girls. The school engenders a supportive ‘home from home’ environment, with MSJ girls able to build meaningful, long-term relationships with staff both academically and pastorally.
Highlights
Making it a fantastic choice for local families, Malvern St
James operates a minibus service which has routes in
Gloucestershire. Places on the school bus are available on a termly basis
and can be shared between two families if pupils only need to use the route one
way.
Malvern St James Girls' School results
Renowned for its academic prowess, MSJ celebrated
outstanding GCSE results in 2024, with 80 per cent of grades being 9-6 (A*
to B equivalent) — well above the national average of 35.7 per cent.
Its most recent A Level results are similarly impressive with a 100 per cent pass rate — and nearly 75 per cent achieving A* to B grades. An impressive 90 per cent of pupils gained a place at their chosen university, with 57 per cent progressing to study STEM degrees.
How much does Malvern St James Girls' School cost?
For the 2024/25 academic year, day pupil fees range from £3,134 per term in Reception through to £8,089 per term in Sixth Form; while full boarding fees range from £10,035 per term in Year 3 and 4 through to £16,566 per term in Sixth Form.
Malvern St James also offers full, flexi and weekly boarding options to suit individual family needs.
Get in touch
Address: Great Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3BA
Telephone number: (01684) 892288
Email: msjadmissions@malvernstjames.co.uk
Website: malvernstjames.co.uk
Social media:
facebook/MalvernStJames, instagram.com/malvernstjames and tiktok.com/malvern-st-james.
