The School is part of the Pate's Grammar School Foundation which dates from 1574.
It is a non-denominational Christian school which in its present form began in 1946. The aim of the school is to provide a high academic standard and continuity of education up to the age of 11 years. The curriculum is broadly based with a strong emphasis being attached to music, art, drama and sport, which are seen as vital if a child's full potential is to be realised.
The School is divided into three sections: The Nursery - 3.5 to 4.5 years, The Preparatory Department 4.5 to 7.5 and Junior 7.5 to 11.
Entrance is dependent upon the availability of places but most pupils join the school at the commencement of the Nursery, Preparatory or Junior Departments.
No entry tests are taken by younger pupils but interviews and selective tests are used for assessing pupils aged 6 years and upwards.
Children in the upper part of the school follow the normal preparatory school curriculum leading to Common Entrance and Scholarship at 11+. Pupils leave at age 11 for a variety of independent and grammar schools.
The Headmaster is assisted by a Deputy Head and 16 fully qualified staff including specialists in Latin, French, Mathematics, Science and Music. The school provides extra tuition in music, gymnastics, dance, speech and drama with children prepared for participation in a variety of competitions, including the Cheltenham Competitive Festival.
In recent years a new music school, computers' suite, science laboratory and kitchen area have been developed. Furthermore an all-weather pitch with floodlights was completed in Oct '95.
