Dean Close School

Dean Close School is a co-educational day and boarding school which provides continuity of education from age 2+ to 18. The School was established in 1886, and is set in 50 acres of parkland in the centre of Cheltenham.
Dean Close is renowned for focusing on individual development, helping to nurture each person's strengths and talents. The small classes and excellent learning facilities ensure good, above average academic results. A strong tradition of music, art, sport and drama and a wide spectrum of extra curricular activities make it possible for every child to achieve success and confidence.
The School also offers academic, sports, music, drama, art and all-rounder scholarships. 

Ethos 

In his speech at this year's Commemoration, the Headmaster stated that: 

".... I do not believe that examination results are fundamentally what Dean Close is about or what makes us an outstanding school. It is the formation of character and the acquisition of a value system that will enable young people to live life to the full. These values centre on service to the community and on character traits such as integrity, fortitude, courage, endeavour, loyalty, willingness to take appropriate risks, kindness and love. If schools do not attempt to lay down the bedrock of a value system for young people, society has no hope for the future." 

Making a difference is central to the Dean Close ethos. Carpe Diem is more than just a motto. We do not believe that happiness and well-being can simply be taught through timetabled lessons, the unique value of each individual needs to be modelled, lived and enshrined in the School's value system. Dean Close is a Christian school and community. The Christian faith is seen as life-enhancing and dynamic and therefore a positive force in the School even to the many who do not share this faith. 

The School's Christian foundation and tradition is very evident in everyday life through the mutual respect and openness of relationships between pupils and between staff and pupils as well as through the emphasis on spiritual as well as academic and personal development. Visitors to Dean Close regularly comment on the friendly welcome they receive, the confidence and maturity of the pupils they meet and the warmth of the community. Dean Close is a place where every individual's talents are seen as important and where every day is seen as an opportunity to do something exciting. 

Community, love and relationship lie at the heart of the School.