Cheltenham Grammar Schools: How to Compare Local Options
Choosing between Cheltenham grammar schools and nearby selective schools requires parents to look beyond academic results. Entrance test requirements, school location, admissions criteria, teaching environment and the suitability of each school for your child all matter.
Cheltenham has one state grammar school: Pate’s Grammar School, a co-educational school for pupils aged 11–18. Families considering a wider range of options can also explore grammar schools in Gloucester and Stroud, although these are outside Cheltenham itself. Gloucestershire County Council’s official grammar school directory lists the selective schools across the county.
If you’re comparing schools beyond Cheltenham, explore our guide to the best grammar schools in the UK for a wider overview of grammar schools and how to compare your options.
This guide explains which grammar schools to consider, how their admissions processes work and what parents should compare before applying.
Page Contents
Which Grammar Schools Are in Cheltenham?
When searching for grammar schools in Cheltenham, it is important to distinguish between schools located in the town and selective schools elsewhere in Gloucestershire.
Pate’s Grammar School
Pate’s Grammar School is the main state grammar school in Cheltenham. It admits boys and girls from Year 7 and has a sixth form for older students.
Located on Princess Elizabeth Way, Pate’s provides a selective academic education alongside extracurricular activities, sports and wider opportunities. The school describes its educational approach and facilities on its official website.
Parents considering Pate’s should investigate:
- The current 11+ entrance test and qualifying requirements.
- How the school determines eligibility for admission.
- Its published admissions policy and oversubscription criteria.
- Travel arrangements from home to school.
- The school’s curriculum, extracurricular activities and sixth-form provision.
Pate’s is a state-funded grammar school, so it does not charge standard school tuition fees. Admission is selective, however, and meeting the entrance requirements does not automatically guarantee an offer.
Are There Other Grammar Schools Near Cheltenham?
Yes. Parents willing to consider schools outside Cheltenham can explore other state grammar schools across Gloucestershire.
| Grammar school | Location | Entry type |
|---|---|---|
| Pate’s Grammar School | Cheltenham | Mixed |
| Denmark Road High School | Gloucester | Girls |
| Ribston Hall High School | Gloucester | Girls |
| Sir Thomas Rich’s School | Gloucester | Boys |
| The Crypt School | Gloucester | Mixed |
| Marling School | Stroud | Boys |
| Stroud High School | Stroud | Girls |
These schools are in different towns and have their own admissions arrangements. Check the Gloucestershire County Council grammar schools directory and each school’s official website for current details.
Do not assume that a school in Gloucester or Stroud will be practical simply because it is within the same county. Travel time, transport availability and daily routines can make a significant difference to your child’s experience.
How to Compare Cheltenham Grammar Schools
The best school for your child depends on more than its position in a league table. Use the following criteria to compare Pate’s with nearby grammar schools.
For a broader comparison, our guide to the best grammar schools in the UK provides a useful starting point before you narrow your shortlist to schools in Gloucestershire.
1. Academic Performance
Academic results can help you understand how pupils perform at GCSE and A-level. However, results should be considered alongside the school’s curriculum, support systems and wider educational experience.
When comparing results:
- Check the most recent published GCSE and A-level outcomes.
- Look at the proportion of pupils achieving strong grades.
- Consider sixth-form subject choices and progression to further education.
- Use comparable years and measures wherever possible.
- Check whether the school offers the subjects and qualifications your child may want to study.
Avoid relying on a single ranking. A school’s results in one year may not represent its long-term performance or how well it will suit an individual pupil.
2. The 11+ Entrance Test
State grammar schools in Gloucestershire use a selective entrance test. Parents need to understand the current testing arrangements before choosing which schools to apply to.
For the September 2027 intake, Gloucestershire County Council states that entrance test registration ran from 18 May to 26 June 2026, with the test planned for 12 September 2026. These dates are specific to that intake; future applicants should check the latest official timetable.
Parents should establish:
- How and when to register.
- Which schools will receive their child’s test result.
- The qualifying requirements for each school.
- Whether any school has additional admission criteria.
- How test results relate to the later secondary school application.
A qualifying score is not the same as a guaranteed offer. Read the current admissions policy for every school you are considering.
3. Admissions Criteria and Competition
Each grammar school publishes its own admission arrangements. These explain how eligible applicants are ranked when more children qualify than there are available places.
Some schools may place substantial emphasis on entrance test performance, while others also apply additional priority criteria. These arrangements can differ between schools and admission years.
Before applying, check:
- Whether the school has a defined qualifying score or ranking system.
- How places are allocated when applications exceed capacity.
- Whether any priority categories apply.
- Whether your home address affects admission priority.
- How waiting lists and appeals work.
Do not assume that living closest to a grammar school guarantees a place. Read the published policy rather than relying on general advice about catchment areas.
4. Location and Daily Travel
A school may look attractive academically but still be difficult to reach every day.
Compare realistic journey times from your home, including the morning school run and the return journey. If you are considering schools in Gloucester or Stroud, investigate public transport, school transport options and the cost of commuting.
Ask yourself:
- Can your child travel independently when appropriate?
- How long will the journey take during school hours?
- Will travel affect homework, clubs or family commitments?
- Are there reliable alternatives if transport arrangements change?
A manageable journey can help children maintain a healthier balance between lessons, revision, extracurricular activities and rest.
5. School Environment and Extracurricular Activities
Academic outcomes are important, but your child will spend much of their week at school. Consider the learning environment and the opportunities available beyond lessons.
Look at each school’s:
- Curriculum and subject choices.
- Sports, music, drama and clubs.
- Pastoral support and wellbeing provision.
- Homework and revision expectations.
- Sixth-form opportunities.
- Approach to helping pupils settle into Year 7.
Open events, school prospectuses and conversations with admissions teams can help you understand whether a school feels like a good fit for your child.
Grammar School vs Private School in Cheltenham
Parents researching Cheltenham grammar schools may also come across independent schools such as Cheltenham Ladies’ College. These are different types of schools and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Pate’s Grammar School is a state-funded selective school. Cheltenham Ladies’ College is an independent school with its own admissions process and fees.
| Factor | State grammar school | Independent school |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees | No standard tuition fees | Fees normally apply |
| Admission | Selective entrance requirements and published criteria | School-specific admissions process |
| School costs | Families may still pay for uniform, trips and other items | Tuition and additional costs may apply |
| Entry arrangements | Often centred on the 11+ or another selection test | Varies by school and entry year |
| Financial assistance | Check school-specific support where available | Scholarships or bursaries may be available, subject to criteria |
Parents should compare the actual costs, admissions requirements and educational environment of individual schools rather than assuming that one category is automatically better than another.
For a wider explanation, see our Grammar School vs Independent School: UK Guide.
How to Apply to Cheltenham Grammar Schools
Applying for a grammar school place involves two important stages: the entrance test process and the secondary school application.
Step 1: Register for the Entrance Test
Check the official admissions information for the relevant school and register within the specified window. Confirm which schools will receive your child’s result, as this can affect which schools can consider the score.
Step 2: Check Your Child’s Result
Follow the school’s instructions for receiving results and determining whether your child meets its requirements. A qualifying result makes your child eligible for consideration but does not guarantee a place.
Step 3: Complete Your Secondary School Application
For state secondary school places in England, parents normally apply through their home local authority. List the grammar schools you genuinely prefer, in the correct order, and check whether any additional school-specific forms are required.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
For September 2027 entry, the standard secondary school application deadline in England is 31 October 2026. Confirm the deadline and instructions with your home local authority.
Official guidance is available from Gloucestershire County Council and GOV.UK’s school application guide.
How to Prepare for the 11+ in Cheltenham
Children preparing for a Gloucestershire grammar school entrance test should focus on the skills and question types specified by the relevant schools. Preparation should be structured, consistent and appropriate for the child’s current ability.
Useful preparation steps include:
- Identify areas for improvement: Use practice questions to understand which topics need more attention.
- Build core skills: Strengthen relevant maths, English and reasoning skills according to the current test format.
- Practise under timed conditions: Introduce timed exercises gradually to build familiarity with exam pacing.
- Review mistakes: Encourage your child to understand why an answer was incorrect rather than simply completing more questions.
- Keep a realistic routine: Balance preparation with schoolwork, hobbies and rest.
The format of entrance tests can change, so make sure resources match the entry year your child is preparing for.
Explore our 11+ practice questions for additional practice and our Think Academy UK 11+ course for further preparation support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheltenham Grammar Schools
How Many Grammar Schools Are in Cheltenham?
Pate’s Grammar School is the state grammar school located in Cheltenham. Other state grammar schools are located in Gloucester and Stroud, which parents may also consider if travel is practical.
Is Pate’s Grammar School Mixed?
Yes. Pate’s Grammar School is a co-educational state grammar school for pupils aged 11–18.
Do You Have to Pass the 11+ to Get Into Pate’s Grammar School?
Admission is selective and involves the school’s entrance test and published admission arrangements. Check the latest official policy for the qualifying requirements and how places are allocated.
Are There Grammar Schools Near Cheltenham?
Yes. In addition to Pate’s Grammar School, Gloucestershire has grammar schools in Gloucester and Stroud, including Denmark Road High School, Ribston Hall High School, Sir Thomas Rich’s School, The Crypt School, Marling School and Stroud High School.
Are Cheltenham Grammar Schools Free?
Pate’s Grammar School is state-funded and does not charge standard tuition fees. Families may still need to budget for items such as uniform, travel, trips and other school-related expenses.
When Should My Child Start Preparing for the 11+?
The right preparation timeline depends on your child’s current skills and the test date. Start by checking the school’s official test information, then use a manageable routine that builds the relevant skills over time.
Does Passing the 11+ Guarantee a Place?
No. A qualifying result does not automatically guarantee admission. Schools allocate places according to their published admission arrangements and the number of available places.
Choosing the Right Grammar School in Cheltenham
For families looking for Cheltenham grammar schools, Pate’s Grammar School is the main local state grammar school to investigate. Parents who can consider a wider travel area should also compare selective schools in Gloucester and Stroud.
Once you’ve reviewed the local options, use our UK grammar school rankings and comparison guide to put Cheltenham’s options into a wider national context.
The strongest choice is one that combines suitable academic opportunities, realistic admissions prospects, manageable travel and an environment in which your child can thrive.
Check each school’s current admissions policy, compare the entrance requirements carefully and make sure your secondary school application is submitted on time.
