Cheltenham primary schools

[MADfamilee]

Hello everyone -

I’ve decided to send my daughter to an independent school for primary, and have narrowed it down to Berkhampstead and Richard Pate in Cheltenham. Having real trouble deciding between them. I like Berkhampstead’s slightly more play-led ethos, plus they have specialist teachers throughout. But Richard Pate also seems excellent and their facilities are certainly better. They just seem a bit more academic and so perhaps a shade more intense than I might like for my child. Both schools get great results in terms of the children getting into grammars etc.

Wondering if anyone out there has any opinions or insights into these schools to help me make up my mind! I have already looked at and discounted the others in the area (St Edwards, Airthrie, Dean Close, Cheltenham College).

Many thanks for anyone’s views/experiences!-

[FlissMumsnet]

Hi There MADfamilee,

Thanks for posting - we're not able to help with your question but we wanted to hop on and give this a bump for you.

We hope you'll find some helpful advice shortly from our users.

[MummyMouse2208]

MADFamilee,
What did you decide in the end???
(Faced with the same choices in 2022!)

[Pricklyhedgehogg]

Just noticed this thread and was wondering how you got on? We’re currently facing the same decision.

[Wills2024]

Hello @MummyMouse2208 and @Pricklyhedgehogg , what did you decide? We are facing the same decision! Any info would be hugely appreciated :) Thanks so much

[MummyMouse2208]

Hello! Well, what a journey it has been since I wrote that! 😊
My DS is now 10 years old and in Year 5 at The Richard Pate School. And, I have to say, for us it has been the best decision EVER.
The School is caring, supportive, engaging, creative, vibrant and full of life. Children are valued for who they are, and their individual potential. The Head is the one dearest, kindest, most thoughtful people I have ever met. My son's form teacher knows him and, more importantly, gets him. I couldn't ask for better. It is not a "pretty" school, no Hogwarts lookalike. But -- having spent oodles of money propping up beautiful old buildings, I am very thankful for the solid foundation and fabulous education my child is receiving.
Hope this helps!

[Pricklyhedgehogg]

@MummyMouse2208

Hello! Well, what a journey it has been since I wrote that! 😊
My DS is now 10 years old and in Year 5 at The Richard Pate School. And, I have to say, for us it has been the best decision EVER.
The School is caring, supportive, engaging, creative, vibrant and full of life. Children are valued for who they are, and their individual potential. The Head is the one dearest, kindest, most thoughtful people I have ever met. My son's form teacher knows him and, more importantly, gets him. I couldn't ask for better. It is not a "pretty" school, no Hogwarts lookalike. But -- having spent oodles of money propping up beautiful old buildings, I am very thankful for the solid foundation and fabulous education my child is receiving.
Hope this helps!

Edited

This is so helpful thank you for taking the time to write it! We’re still making final decisions so real life experiences are a massive help!

[Pricklyhedgehogg]

@Wills2024

Hello @MummyMouse2208 and @Pricklyhedgehogg , what did you decide? We are facing the same decision! Any info would be hugely appreciated :) Thanks so much

We’re leaning towards Richard Pates after having a meeting with the head & really resonating with a lot of what he said. The less central location & outdoor space is also a huge draw for us.

[Wills2024]

Thanks so much both. Really great to hear you’ve had such a good experience @MummyMouse2208 . Both schools seem great, just slightly different positives to both. Thanks again, hugely appreciate the quick responses.