Cheltenham's Best Schools: A Guide to Top Education

Cheltenham has been voted the ‘Best place to raise a family’ by the Telegraph and ‘Best place to live in the south-west’ by the Sunday Times due to its highly ranked schools, safety and picturesque town centre. We prioritise location when selecting our apartments, taking proximity to parks, schools and playgroups. Moving to a new town can be particularly daunting with children, so we’re here to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision about schools, areas and more.

Independent schools

Cheltenham Ladies College

This independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18 is known for its academic excellence, with students often going on to top universities like Oxford and Cambridge. The prestige of the school attracts students from across the world and is reflected in its classic Victorian buildings and beautifully landscaped grounds.

The arts facilities are an asset not just to the college itself but to the vibrant art scene of Cheltenham as a town. The school’s ‘Parabola Arts Centre’ serves as a key venue for the Cheltenham Festivals and provides students with a space of professional standard to develop as artists alongside the Fauconberg Wing. The school also boasts excellent sports facilities, including a fitness centre with modern equipment, an indoor swimming pool and outdoor tennis courts, as well as pitches for hockey, rugby, and football.

Cheltenham College

Cheltenham College is a co-educational, day and boarding independent in the heart of Cheltenham. The school includes the preparatory school, catering to students 3-13, and the College, for students 13-18.  As winner of the Independent Boarding School of the Year award for 2023-24, Cheltenham College has a strong reputation for its academic excellence, outstanding facilities and pastoral care.

“Despite its traditional exterior, the school prides itself on being innovative and forward-thinking.”

–  The Good Schools Guide

The campus includes state-of-the-art amenities for academics, sports, the arts, and boarding life, providing a comprehensive environment for student development.

Dean Close

Dean Close School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school set on a picturesque 50-acre campus near Cheltenham’s town centre. Comprised of Pre-preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, and Sixth-form, the school, provides education for students aged 2 to 18. Dean Close School is ranked in the top five best schools in Cheltenham on SchoolGuide, with its values outlined:

• Courage
• Contribuation
• Floushing
• Love

The school is ranked outstanding on Ofsted, making it an ideal choice for education.

Non-Independent Schools

Pate’s Grammar School

At Pate’s, students “thrive academically and personally. This is underpinned by pupils’ sense of responsibility to the school and community. Pupils… leave Pate’s as ambitious, compassionate and well-rounded individuals”. 

– Ofsted 2024

Balcarras Secondary School

Balcarras State School is located in scenic Charlton Kings. It is one of the top five best schools in Cheltenham and serves children aged 11 to 18. Ofsted rates it ‘outstanding’ and is known for its focus on pastoral care.

‘The dedicated approach to all things pastoral is akin to a warm hug around the school. It’s in the DNA of the school, say parents. ‘Teachers know the pupils’ names and they are supportive and caring – you hear it in the way they talk to the pupils.’     

– The Good Schools Guide

All of the schools discussed here are within walking or driving distance of all of our properties, making them ideal choices for children’s education. They are all located within the safe and picturesque districts of Cheltenham and are all ranked as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. You can browse our accommodation via our website.