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What it's like

Founded in 1886 and named after Francis Close, Dean of Carlisle. The school is on a beautiful 50-acre site, just five minutes from the centre of Cheltenham, and is a mixture of late-Victorian and modern school architecture. These include a purpose-built theatre, art and design centre and music school. It is an evangelical C of E foundation (though members of other denominations are welcome) and the principles and aims of the founders are still regarded as fundamental. Originally a boys' school, it has been fully co-educational since 1972 and has almost an even number of girls and boys. The staff:pupil ratio is about 1:8 and there is a large part-time staff. Academic standards and examination results are consistently very good. Music is very strong: there is a variety of orchestras, ensembles and bands, and a fine chapel choir. There is much dramatic activity, some in its outdoor theatre. Ample playing fields, astroturfs, a 25m indoor pool and new sports hall provide first-class facilities for sport and games. There are many county, regional and national representatives, particularly in hockey which is a particular strength. There is a very large number of clubs and societies and a thriving CCF (army, navy and airforce sections). A substantial commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and to community services - local, national and international.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 13-18, 476 pupils; 170 day (104 boys, 66 girls), 306 boarding (166 boys, 140 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own entrance exam used. For sixth-form entry, entrance exam, school reference and at least 6 GCSEs (4 of which must be in sixth-form subjects at grade B or higher). Intake a mixture from prep schools, state schools and own prep (enquiries to Dean Close Preparatory School, Lansdown Road, Cheltenham, Glos GL51 6QS; tel 01242 512217).

Scholarships & bursaries

Scholarships at 13 and 16 for academic, sport, art, music, drama, all-rounder - value up to 50% fees, (plus bursaries, where financial need demonstrated). Parents not required to buy textbooks (except bible, atlas and dictionary).

Parents

Significant numbers from the armed services, professional families and the church. Over 45% live within 20 miles, 10% ex-pat British, 15% overseas.

Head & staff

Headmaster: The Revd Timothy M Hastie-Smith, in post from 1998. Educated at Cranleigh and at universities of Cambridge (history) and Oxford (theology). Previously Senior Chaplain, Admissions Tutor and Head of Theology at Stowe, Curate at St Ebbe's Church, Oxford and Lay Chaplain at Radley and Felsted. Former President of Cambridge University Light Entertainment Society (and founder of one at Oxford University). Teaching staff: 54 full time, 29 part time. Annual turnover 6%. Average age 33.

Exam results

GCSE: 102 pupils in fifth: 92% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 7% in 6-7 subjects. Average GCSE score 64 (67 over 5 years). A-levels: 101 in upper sixth: 23% passed in 4+ subjects; 70% in 3; 6% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 380.

University & college entrance

96% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (37% after a gap year), 12% to Oxbridge. 5% took courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 21% in science and engineering, 15% in humanities and social sciences, 4% in art and design, 10% in vocational subjects eg accountancy, agriculture, journalism, 11% in business, marketing, 34% in other subjects eg drama, languages. Others typically go on to training or employment.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels offered. 24+ AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 40% take science A-levels; 50% arts/humanities; 10% both. Key skills not incorporated. Special provision: Learning support unit for bright children and for EFL. Languages: French (compulsory), German and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level; Chinese and Japanese occasionally. Regular exchanges to France and Germany for pupils age 14-18. European pupils accepted for a term/year. ICT: Taught across the curriculum. Voluntary scheme of laptops for all. School networked for internet access.

The arts

Music: About 50% pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups, including orchestra, chamber orchestra, chamber ensembles, choirs, wind band, jazz band. Regular organ and choral scholarships to Oxbridge; several musicians participate in junior RAM and RCM;à recent choir and orchestra trip to eg New York; choir sings annually at St Paul's Cathedral. Drama and dance: Drama and dance offered; pupils may take A-level drama, LAMDA, RAD and Guildhall exams. Some pupils involved in school productions, majority in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, photography and printmaking also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, hockey, cross-country, cricket compulsory for boys; netball, hockey, tennis for girls. Optional: athletics, swimming, golf, volleyball, basketball, squash, badminton, archery, soccer, shooting (including clay-pigeon shooting) and riding. A-level PE offered. Recent national U14 boys hockey champions, U18 girls finalists; many county hockey players; national schools, county and regional representatives in athletics; county school boys cricket. Regular overseas tours. Activities: Pupils can take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF compulsory for 3 years at 13 (but conscientious objectors' clause), optional thereafter; community service optional for 2 years at 16+. Over 100 clubs and societies, including photography, natural history, electronics, chess, archery, drama technicals, dancing and astronomy.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn; a dress code in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy/girl, school and house prefects and heads of houses, appointed by Head after consulting housemasters. Religion: Church of England school. Chapel attendance compulsory. Social: Sixth form social centre. Cultural/educational visits to France, Morocco, Greece, Uganda; also sports and music tours. Pupils may bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service; whole school eats together in central dining hall. School shop. No tobacco allowed; alcohol in authorised circumstances.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce prep/homework once might expect extra work/mild reprimand; clear school drugs policy (in line with HMC guidelines).

Alumni association

is run by R C Padfield c/o the school.