The Dean Close Foundation
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The Dean Close Foundation is a growing educational charity and group of co-educational independent schools and nurseries located across Gloucestershire, Monmouthshire, and Oxfordshire. Rooted in the Christian values established at its founding in 1886, the Foundation is dedicated to providing an exceptional, well-rounded education that allows every pupil to flourish. By unifying multiple distinct schools under one collaborative umbrella, the organisation benefits from shared resources, robust strategic leadership, and the exchange of best educational practices. Each school retains its unique character whilst sharing a commitment to nurturing individual talents, academic excellence, and outstanding pastoral care.
Associated Schools(4)
Dean Close School is a co-educational independent day and boarding senior school located on a 50-acre site in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Catering for pupils aged 13 to 18, the school combines traditional Victorian architecture with modern facilities, including a professional theatre, an indoor swimming pool, and dedicated art and music schools. Grounded in a Christian ethos, it balances rigorous academic studies with a strong emphasis on character development, sport, and the creative arts, fostering well-rounded individuals through a vibrant house system.
Dean Close Preparatory School and Dean Close Pre-Preparatory School form a co-educational day and boarding school catering for pupils aged 2 to 13. Located on a 50-acre parkland campus in the centre of Cheltenham, the school provides a nurturing environment with a strong pastoral focus and community feel. Pupils benefit from extensive facilities supporting a broad curriculum spanning academics, sport, and the creative arts. The school equips children with the skills and confidence for their transition to senior education.
Dean Close Kingham Hill School is a vibrant, co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 11–18, situated near the village of Kingham in Oxfordshire. Set within a stunning 105-acre estate in the heart of the Cotswold countryside, the school maintains a deliberately small, close-knit environment. Rooted in a strong Christian ethos, it focuses on providing a well-rounded education that nurtures individual character and confidence. Notable facilities include an operational school farm housing various livestock, a modern sports complex, a science centre, and a dedicated theatre.
Dean Close Airthrie is a co-educational day preparatory school in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, catering to pupils aged 3 to 11. Part of the Dean Close Foundation, the school was originally established in 1940 to accommodate children evacuated from Margate during the Second World War. Operating from its site on Christchurch Road, it delivers early years and primary education. The school maintains a dedicated archive to preserve its unique history and focuses on preparing young learners for their transition to senior education.