Dean Close School: Exploring Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Dean Close School, where we delve into reviews, rankings, fees, and more. Nestled within these pages, you’ll find a wealth of information to help you navigate the educational landscape and make informed decisions about your academic future. Join us as we uncover what makes Dean Close School a standout choice for students seeking excellence in education.
Table of Contents
Dean Close School Overview
- Local authority: Gloucestershire
- Pupils: 520; sixth formers: 213
- Religion: Church of England/Christian
- Fees: Day £28,785; Boarding £42,750 – £46,500 pa
- Open days: October
Dean Close School Results
2023 Results:
- GCSE: 54% achieved grades 9-7.
- A Level: 37% attained grades A* or A, with 63% achieving grades A* to B.
2019 Results (pre-pandemic):
- GCSE: 60% scored grades 9-7.
- A Level: 28% secured grades A* or A, with 70% achieving grades A* to B.
Boarding Experience in Dean Close School
Community:
- Large Boarding Community: Nearly half the students are full-time boarders, creating a strong sense of community.
- Flexi-boarders: 10% of boarders opt for 2-4 nights a week, providing flexibility for families.
- Diverse International Students: While the international cohort is smaller post-Covid, it still offers a broad mix of nationalities.
- Military Families: A significant portion of boarders come from military families, meaning the school population remains stable even on weekends.
Accommodation:
- Variations:
- Shelburne (Girls): Considered the “flagship” accommodation, offering a more modern and comfortable environment.
- Boys’ Houses: Described as “cosy old youth hostels” with shared dorms (biggest being for 6) that become smaller with higher year groups. Sixth formers have single rooms, some with en-suite facilities.
- Shared Facilities: Meals are taken together in the dining hall, promoting interaction and community spirit.
Weekend Activities:
- Structured Schedule: Saturdays involve morning lessons followed by afternoon sports matches and evening activities or relaxation time.
- Diverse Activities: Sundays offer brunch and optional activities, ranging from cultural experiences like Bollywood dancing to social events like house cinema nights.
Overall Experience:
- Emphasis on Bonding: House Shout (singing competition) and inter-house socials (movie nights) are highlighted as positive experiences that foster a sense of belonging.
- Supportive Staff: Housemasters play a crucial role in the boarding experience, with some parents expressing varying experiences with the level of support provided.
Extracurricular Activities in Dean Close School
- Strong Foundation: Emphasis on music from the preparatory level feeds into a thriving music programme in the senior school.
- Focus Areas: Choral singing (including a large chapel choir) and strings (with a quartet in residence providing instruction and performance opportunities).
- High Standards: Regular concerts and scholarships offered highlight the department’s achievements.
Drama:
- Productions: Annual whole-school, junior, and drama scholar productions are staged.
- Technical Aspects: Opportunities for students interested in backstage work like props, sound, and lighting.
- LAMDA Exams: Support provided for students pursuing LAMDA qualifications in musical theatre.
Clubs and Societies:
- Diverse Range: Clubs catering to various interests, including academic pursuits, creative outlets, and outdoor activities.
- Adventure Activities: Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, overseen by a dedicated staff member, with options for climbing and mountain biking.
- Combined Cadet Force (CCF): Optional programme for military training and activities.
- Volunteering: Opportunities for students to engage in community service.
Sports:
- Strong Hockey Program: Renowned for its hockey tradition.
- Focus on Rugby: Growing emphasis on rugby due to a partnership with Gloucester Rugby Club.
- Other Sports: Netball, cricket, and various non-contact options are also available.
- Qualified Coaching: Staff with professional experience providing high-level coaching.
- Equestrian Activities: Lessons offered at nearby stables with opportunities for showjumping, eventing, and dressage.
Admissions Process: Entering Dean Close School
Year 9:
- Priority: 70% of places are reserved for students from the school’s preparatory department (prep school).
- Remaining Spots (30): Offered primarily to:
- Students from local preparatory schools.
- International students (overseas).
- Selection Process:
- Testing: Written tests in English and Maths.
- Interview: Mandatory for all applicants.
- References: Required.
- School’s Focus: They prioritise finding students who will thrive in their environment, not just those with top academic achievements.
Sixth Form:
- Number of Openings: Around 30 students.
- Academic Requirements:
- A minimum of seven GCSEs with a grade of 5 or higher.
- Specific subjects may require higher grades (6s for intended A-Level subjects, 7s for some subjects like Math).
- Additional Requirement: A verbal reasoning test.
Overall:
- The school prioritises a holistic approach to admissions, considering not just academic performance but also a student’s potential fit with the school community.
- While there are academic requirements, particularly for the sixth form, the admissions process goes beyond just top grades.
SEN Support in Dean Close School
With regards to special educational needs, Dean Close School is equipped to support pupils with the following needs:
- Aspergers
- Dyscalculia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
Do contact the school to enquire about specific needs.
Dean Close School Testimonials and Reviews
I love this school. Is very big and food is very good
Cool
Frequently Asked Questions about Dean Close School
Small classes, excellent learning facilities plus a 550-seater professional theatre, amphitheatre, 2 floodlit astroturfs, 25m indoor pool, climbing wall, indoor rifle range, dance studio and fully equipped gymnasium all help to nurture each child’s curiosities.
Bradley Salisbury
With 900 pupils shared between three schools, from ages 2-18, Dean Close is small enough to allow pupils to get to know one another and to feel valued, yet big enough to have vibrant and exciting creative arts, impressive academic results, great sports and an extremely strong day and boarding community.
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