Tiptop · PREP SCHOOL PROFILE
Dean Close Preparatory School
Girls’ · Boys’ · Co-educational | Tiptop editorial rankings
School facts [1] [2] [3] [5]
- Location
- Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 6HE
- Ages
- 7–13
- Intake
- Co-educational
- Day / boarding
- Day and boarding from Year 3
The prep school is co-educational for ages 7–13, with day places and boarding from Year 3, usually age seven.
- French, art, music, drama and sport are taught by specialists, with more specialist teaching as pupils move up the school
- The Years 7–8 curriculum is aligned with Common Entrance in preparation for education beyond 13
- Houses and tutors support pupils across the prep years, with dedicated wellbeing days in Years 7–8
About the school [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
Dean Close Prep in Cheltenham educates girls and boys aged 7–13 as day pupils and boarders. Academic study is combined with music, drama, art and sport, and pupils join houses spanning the prep years from Year 3. At the end of prep school, families can follow the school’s transfer arrangements to Dean Close School.
Progression to senior school [4] [6]
Dean Close Prep has arrangements for transfer to Dean Close School at 13. Families wishing to continue complete a Moving up form to register for the senior school, and Houseparents share information to support the transition. Before major stage changes, the school reviews whether it can meet each pupil’s educational needs and advises families on alternatives where appropriate.
- Reporting period
- 2026 admissions and transfer arrangements
Registration for the senior school is not an unconditional offer. Transfer takes account of curriculum suitability and the pupil’s educational needs.
About this ranking
Tiptop’s editorial order considers senior-school destinations and internal progression. It is not calculated from a standardised admissions rate.
Read our methodology ↗