7+ Entry to Cheltenham Private Schools

[mumsfrazzled]

We have been thinking about moving to the Cheltenham area for a little while now and
have been thinking about sending our DS to either Richard Pate or St Edwards for year 3 entry. Can anyone tell me if they have had experience of this. Are these schools quite selective. Would we need to tuition for 7+ . Any other opionions on the schools will be gratefully appreciated.

I think a little perspective here is needed, I attended RPS, PGS and SEJS and know people from all of the schools in cheltenham, including many of the people who were involved in the suicides and bullying incidents.

Firstly, the spate of suicides were confined to the senior schools, and were not limited to SES, but occurred in schools across Cheltenham, that, tragically is how these things happen. SES did have a separate bullying problem that the previous headmaster failed to deal with appropriately, but many lessons have been learned since then

St Ed's has had problems in the past, certainly up until a few years ago, but a new headmistress, a serious attitude shift in terms of pastoral care and academic focus have given it a new lease of life.

Additionally SES and SEJS have gorgeous grounds, and fantastic facilities, (admittedly so do DC and CC, but these are located in the town centre, or next to main roads). SES is a great school, and I'd advise anyone to go and take a look before pre-judging.

Hello - visited Richard Pate School with a view to my 3 year old starting in their Nursery next year, but thought the whole school was fabulous. Not many comments in this thread about Richard Pate - wondered if anyone had views or experience of this school?

Let's hopefully put this discussion on St. Edward's to bed. ISI report from 2015. isischools.devprocess.com/DownloadReport.aspx?t=c&r=GRT6959_20151124.pdf&s=6959
Excellent in all categories. I am a parent of two children at the school and some of the previous postings on this forum bear absolutely no resemblance whatsoever to what I - and I'm sure hundreds of other parents - find regarding this school. My children and their peers are caring, intelligent and well rounded children thanks to the school ethos. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the school to anyone.

I moved my child to st eds and all started fantastically, both myself and my dd couldn't believe it and just thought it was too good to be true, well... Unfortunately it is too good to be true, don't go there, I have friends with children at dean close, ladies college and chelt college and they are so happy and no major complaints, I so wish I had thought of looking around more, we moved for convenience.... Big mistake and I'm now stuck with no way out unless we pay and the upheaval could mean even more disaster

Just seeing this forum! I have 3 children at both the Prep and Senior School. I can assure you the comments made about the Senior School are completely alien to my experience. It is a lovely friendly School, the teachers have a beautiful relationship with the students. The students themselves are such lovely people. It produces amazing results with small classes and offers breadth. I have been at the Schools for 6 years and my children are very happy there. Best thing is to go and visit the Schools - don't be put off by unfortunate comments that are really unfair and not accurate in the slightest. As a parent you always know a School when you visit it. The other thing I like is its inclusive atmosphere. We are not church goers, but the values the Schools focus on is just perfect - well rounded lovely people in a family type environment.

Hi Mumsfrazzled best thing to do is just go and see St Ed's - you're a Mother you will know that what is being said about the School is simply not true. Cheltenham is a very competitive town for schools and it's amazing what people will do to talk down competitor schools. All schools in Chelt are great schools and like all schools they have issues that need dealing with - children are there! But put trust in your gut feeling and when you meet the staff and pupils (and other parents) you will then know that what is being said about St Eds it quite simply rubbish.

Yes, send your kids to a shite school when there are far better alternatives available, parents/pupils experiencing problems with the school are simply lying & talking rubbish