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 Church of England 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. 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 the 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, notably 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: Age range 13-18, 487 pupils; 196 day (116 boys, 80 girls), 291 boarding (153 boys, 138 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 at 13 and 16 for academic, sport, art and music, and at 13 for drama and all-rounder; value up to 40% fees (which can be augmented by a bursary, where financial need is demonstrated). Parents not required to buy textbooks, except bible, atlas and dictionary.
Significant numbers from the armed services, professional families and the church. Over 45% live within 20 miles, 10% ex-pat British, 15% overseas.
Headmaster: Jonathon Lancashire, in post from 2008. Educated at Malvern College and Cambridge University (maths). Previously Bursar at the school and Housemaster and Head of Mathematics at Radley College. Teaching staff: 54 full time, 29 part time. Annual turnover 6%. Average age 33.
GCSE: 89 pupils in fifth: 83% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 14% in 6-7 subjects. A-levels: 108 in upper sixth: 29% passed in 4+ subjects; 61% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 335.
94% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (39% after a gap year). 6% took courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 17% in science and engineering, 14% in humanities and social sciences, 4% in art and design, 17% in vocational subjects eg accountancy, agriculture, journalism, 14% in business, marketing, 25% in other subjects eg drama, languages. Others typically go on to training or employment.
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. Special provision: Learning support unit and for EFL. Languages: French (compulsory) and Spanish both 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. Most pupils have a laptop. School networked for internet access.
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. Recent choir and orchestra trip to New York and Salzburg; 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.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cross-country, cricket compulsory for boys; netball, hockey, tennis for girls. Optional: athletics, swimming, golf, volleyball, basketball, squash, badminton, soccer, shooting (including clay-pigeon shooting), polo and riding. GCSE and A-level PE offered. Many county hockey players; national schools, county and regional representatives in athletics and county school boys cricket; national U18 boys hockey champions. Regular overseas tours eg hockey to South Africa (2010). Activities: Pupils can take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF compulsory for 2 years at 14 (but conscientious objectors' clause), optional thereafter; community service optional for 2 years at 16+. Some 100 clubs and societies, including photography, natural history, electronics, chess, archery, drama technicals, dancing.
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, Italy, 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. Alcohol allowed only in authorised circumstances.
Pupils failing to produce prep/homework once might expect extra work/mild reprimand; clear school drugs policy (in line with HMC guidelines).
15% have own study bedroom; 25% share with 1-3 others. 30% in dormitories of 6+. Single-sex houses of 30-60, same as competitive houses. Resident qualified nurse; doctor visits daily. 2 exeats each term: half term plus 1 weekend. Visits allowed to local town.
is run by I Bassett-Smith, c/o the school.
Francis Bacon (artist); Brian Jones (founding member of the Rolling Stones); Ben Marsden (England hockey player); John Metcalf (composer) Geoffrey Page (fighter pilot and war hero); Mpumelelo Mbangwa (cricketer and commentator).
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