Dean Close School

Since 2015, Bradley Salisbury, previously deputy head since 2009. The son of a vicar, he was educated at Monkton Combe School. Theology degree from Leeds, PGCE and MEd from Bristol. RS teacher at Gordano School, then head of RS, and of years 10 and

Seventy per cent of the year 9 places are taken up by those coming up from the prep – they provide almost the entire day community and half the boarding. The rest (around 30) come mainly from local preps and overseas. They sit English and maths

Loses nearly a quarter of pupils post-GCSE to FE colleges and apprenticeships. Nearly half of sixth formers to Russell Group. Exeter, Cardiff, Durham, Loughborough, UCL, Bath, Reading and Oxford Brookes all popular. Sometimes one or two to Oxbridge.

In 2024, 51 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 34 per cent A*/A at A level (66 per cent A*-B).

Recent broadening of the curriculum has led to three new A levels – sociology, media studies and photography – being added to the other less trad options of art and theatre studies, though school stops short of BTECs ‘because there’s no real demand

School reports an increase in neurodiversity, with the 20 per cent on the SEN register receiving mainly in-class support (‘My son’s teacher was the one who identified his slow processing and really helps him in subtle but effective ways’), with some

Families like that, true to the head’s promise, sporting, musical or dramatic successes ‘get equal pats on the back’. Pupils told us of key rugby players singing in concerts – ‘You’re not defined by one single thing, like in some schools.’ But be

Known for hockey, but rugby hot on its heels since school partnered with Gloucester Rugby Club – around 10 recent pupils play professionally on the back of this programme. Touch options for those not keen on contact. Netball and cricket growing.

Nearly half the pupils are full boarders, with 10 per cent flexi-boarding two to four nights a week. Lots of military families – means no mass exodus at weekends. The international cohort is a smaller but broader mix since Covid – from eg China, Hong

Parents speak of a ‘continuity of care’, ‘where every teacher knows every child and talks to each other and looks out for them’. Staff are known too for supporting peers’ extracurricular activities too – hockey, music etc. Not a ‘We make cupcakes on

Head talks of school having four ‘tribes’: day pupils, who make up just under half the school population and live within about half-an-hour’s drive; flexi boarders who live up to 50 minutes away; UK boarders, including military families; and an

Scholarships at 13+ and 16 in academic, sport, art and music, worth 20 per cent of fees. Healthy means-tested bursary system (which can also be used on top), including one for Forces families. Some foundation scholars. Discount for third siblings.

A busy, energetic and forward-looking school that strikes an excellent balance between academics and extracurricular, and with kindness and strong moral and social values at the core. Smaller than some of its competitors, parents also feel it’s ‘less