Cheltenham College Preparatory School

Cheltenham Prep School is the largest prep school in Cheltenham and is often referred to as ‘the country prep school in a town’ as the campus is surrounded by their own sport fields and a lake! Cheltenham Prep is part of Cheltenham College, which allows for a seamless educational journey from early years through to sixth form, ensuring continuity and a high standard of education.

Founded in 1908, Cheltenham Prep has built a strong reputation for delivering a well-rounded education that balances academic excellence with a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school is committed to nurturing the intellectual, emotional and social development of its pupils. The academic curriculum at Cheltenham Prep is designed to challenge and inspire, encouraging pupils to step outside their comfort zones in a supportive environment. This approach fosters creativity, resilience and a willingness to embrace challenges – skills that are essential for lifelong success.

Cheltenham Prep is structured into distinct sections: pre-prep (nursery to year 2), lower school (years 3-4), middle school (years 5-6), and upper school (years 7-8). This organisation allows for a tailored educational programme at each stage of a child’s development, from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Key Stage 3 (KS3). As pupils advance to year 5, they begin to take more responsibility for their learning, exploring different classrooms and areas within the school, which fosters independence and confidence. The school maintains small class sizes to ensure personalised attention, allowing teachers to nurture each child’s strengths while providing support where needed.

The school is divided into six houses, comprising children from years 3 to 8. This house system promotes a strong sense of community and collaboration, with older pupils mentoring younger ones through various competitive house events and team building activities. This structure not only reinforces the school’s values but also creates lasting bonds among pupils across different year groups.

Cheltenham Prep also offers a rich co-curricular programme, with activities running four days a week after school. Pupils can choose from approximately 30 clubs, including samba drumming, archery, yoga and fencing. The school’s inclusive approach ensures that all pupils have the opportunity to participate in sports fixtures and drama productions, regardless of their skill level. This focus on participation and experience helps to build confidence and fosters a love of learning in areas that pupils may not have previously considered their strengths.

For boarders, Cheltenham Prep offers a warm and welcoming environment in Cade House, with 40 full time boarders located in the centre of campus. Boarding is an integral part of school life, and during weekends there is a full programme of activities - from themed cooking nights and outdoor cinema experiences to exploring the beautiful Cotswold countryside, boarders enjoy a balanced routine that includes academic work, extracurricular activities and relaxation. The school’s facilities – including the swimming pool, sports centre, music rooms and sports fields – are all available to boarders.