Dean Close School – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
1. History of the School
Dean Close School is a prestigious independent co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 2-18, located in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. It is renowned for its academic excellence, strong sporting tradition, and outstanding pastoral care.
- Founded in 1886, Dean Close School was established as a Christian foundation in memory of Francis Close, a respected clergyman and Dean of Carlisle.
- The school maintains Christian values while welcoming students from all faiths and backgrounds.
- Over the years, Dean Close has built a reputation for academic achievement, performing arts, and competitive sports.
- The school offers both day and boarding options, with a diverse student body from the UK and overseas.
2. Pupil Numbers
- Dean Close School educates approximately 1,000 students, ensuring a close-knit and supportive school community.
- The school is structured into:
- Dean Close Pre-Prep (ages 2-7, Nursery to Year 2).
- Dean Close Prep School (ages 7-13, Years 3-8).
- Dean Close Senior School (ages 13-18, Years 9-13, leading to GCSEs and A-Levels).
- Around 40% of students are boarders, with pupils from over 20 different nationalities.
- Small class sizes allow for individualised learning and strong teacher-student relationships.
3. Academic Achievements and Awards
Dean Close School is academically strong, offering a broad and balanced curriculum that caters to a range of learning styles and ambitions.
📌 Outstanding GCSE & A-Level Performance
- A high percentage of students achieve grades 9-7 at GCSE and A-B at A-Level*.
- Many students gain places at Russell Group universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and other leading global institutions.
📌 Flexible Curriculum
- Offers A-Levels, BTECs, and EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) to give students academic flexibility.
- Strong focus on STEM subjects, humanities, performing arts, and sports science.
📌 National Recognition
- Rated “Excellent” by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) for both academic achievement and personal development.
- Recognised for outstanding pastoral care and leadership development.
🏫 Dean Close School – Contact Information
School Name: Dean Close School
Type: Independent Co-educational Day and Boarding School (Ages 2–18)
📍 Senior School Address (Ages 11–18):
Dean Close School
Shelburne Road
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL51 6HE
United Kingdom
📍 Prep School Address (Ages 2–13):
Dean Close Preparatory School
Lansdown Road
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL51 6QS
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
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Senior School: +44 (0)1242 258000
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Prep School: +44 (0)1242 258080
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
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Instagram: @deancloseschool
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Facebook: Dean Close School
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Twitter/X: @DeanCloseSchool
📝 Exam Board: Cat4 exam
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for Dean Close School, in the 11+ Entrance Exam
Dean Close School uses Cat4 test for admission to Year 7. To secure a place, students must perform well in the exam. The CAT4 aims to assess developed abilities via modules testing Verbal, Non-Verbal, Spatial and Quantitative Reasoning.
Why Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations?
✔ Designed for Independent School Entrance Exams – Covers question types that may appear in the Dean Close School entrance test.
✔ Video Explanations for Every Question – Helps students understand mistakes and improve problem-solving skills.
✔ Identifies Strengths & Weaknesses – Tailored practice to improve weaker areas.
✔ Boosts Confidence & Exam Performance – Familiarisation with exam-style questions reduces anxiety.
How to Use ExamTutor for Dean Close School 11+ Exam Preparation
1. Understand the Exam Format
📌Dean Close School 11+ entrance test typically includes:
- Reasoning (Verbal & Non-Verbal) – Logical thinking, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness.
✔ Start by introducing your child to each section and understanding what is tested.
2. Create a Structured Study Plan
✔ Allocate dedicated study time for each subject every week.
✔ Use ExamTutor practice papers to track progress.
✔ Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
4. Develop Exam Strategies & Time Management
✔ Teach skimming and scanning techniques for comprehension questions.
✔ Use mental maths tricks to speed up calculations.
✔ Practice logical reasoning techniques to improve accuracy in reasoning questions.
5. Take Practice Exams & Review Performance
✔ Schedule practice exams close to the real test date.
✔ Analyse results and focus on weak areas.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s tutor-led video explanations for targeted revision.
6. Boost Confidence & Reduce Exam Stress
✔ Maintain a positive and encouraging learning environment.
✔ Encourage regular breaks and revision balance.
✔ Use mindfulness techniques to stay calm before the exam.
Final Tips for Success
✔ Start preparation early – At least 6-12 months before the exam.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s practice tests regularly – Build confidence with real exam-style questions.
✔ Practice writing skills – Creative writing is often a key component in independent school exams.
✔ Stay consistent – Small daily practice sessions are more effective than last-minute cramming.
✔ Attend an open day or taster session at Dean Close School – Familiarity with the school environment can boost confidence.
By using ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations, your child will gain strong exam skills, improve accuracy, and build confidence—increasing their chances of success in the Dean Close School 11+ Entrance Exam.
📌 Start practicing today to help your child achieve a top score and secure a place at Dean Close School! 🚀
Dean Close School – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Dean Close School is a prestigious independent co-educational day and boarding school in Cheltenham, known for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school provides a supportive and inspiring learning environment, fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, and leadership skills.
Admission to Year 7 (11+ entry) is competitive, requiring students to perform well in the entrance assessment, interview, and school reference evaluation.
This guide outlines the Year 7 admissions criteria and explains how to apply.
Year 7 Admissions Criteria
To gain admission to Dean Close School for Year 7, students must meet the following criteria:
1. Entrance Assessment
All applicants must take part in an entrance assessment, which typically includes:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and creative writing.
📌 Mathematics – Arithmetic, problem-solving, algebra, and numerical reasoning.
📌 Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT4) – Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Spatial Reasoning.
The entrance assessment is designed to evaluate both academic ability and potential.
2. Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview with senior staff, which assesses:
✔ Communication skills and confidence
✔ Enthusiasm for learning and academic curiosity
✔ Problem-solving abilities
✔ Personal interests and extracurricular involvement
The interview is informal and designed to assess the student’s suitability for Dean Close’s academic and extracurricular environment.
3. School Reference
Dean Close School will request a confidential reference from the candidate’s current school, covering:
✅ Academic performance and ability
✅ Behaviour, attitude, and work ethic
✅ Participation in extracurricular activities
4. Scholarships & Bursaries
- Academic Scholarships are awarded based on strong entrance assessment and interview performance.
- Music, Drama, Sport, and Art Scholarships are available for students with exceptional ability in these areas.
- Means-tested bursaries are offered to families who require financial assistance.
How to Apply for Year 7 Admission
The application process follows a structured timeline, so it’s important to apply on time and prepare in advance.
Step 1: Register Your Child
📅 Deadline: Typically in October or November of the year before entry.
- Complete the online registration form on the Dean Close School website.
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee.
Step 2: Attend an Open Event (Optional but Recommended)
- Dean Close School holds Open Mornings and Taster Days for prospective students and parents.
- These events provide an opportunity to explore the school, meet teachers, and understand the curriculum and extracurricular activities.
Step 3: Entrance Assessment
📅 Assessment Date: Typically in January.
- Candidates take tests in English, Mathematics, and Cognitive Ability (CAT4).
- Preparation using past papers and timed exercises is highly recommended.
Step 4: Interview & School Reference
📅 January – February
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with senior staff.
- The school will request a reference from the candidate’s current school.
Step 5: Offer Letters Sent
📅 February
- Successful applicants receive an offer letter.
- Parents must accept the offer by the deadline and pay a deposit to secure the place.
Step 6: Transition & Induction
📅 Summer Term (before joining in September)
- The school provides orientation and transition events for new students.
- These sessions help students adjust to the school environment and meet their future classmates.
Key Dates to Remember
📌 Registration Deadline: October/November (Year before entry)
📌 Entrance Assessment: January
📌 Interviews & School References: January – February
📌 Offer Letters Sent: February
📌 Acceptance Deadline: March
(Exact dates may vary, so always check the Dean Close School admissions page for the latest updates.)
Final Tips for a Successful Application
✔ Prepare for the entrance assessment early – Use practice papers and reasoning exercises to improve performance.
✔ Encourage reading and writing practice – Strong literacy skills are essential for the English and reasoning sections.
✔ Practice interview skills – Confidence, enthusiasm, and clear communication are key.
✔ Highlight extracurricular activities – The school looks for well-rounded students.
✔ Attend open events – Gain insights into the school environment and ethos.
Admission to Dean Close School Year 7 is competitive, but with early preparation, strong academic performance, and a well-rounded application, your child can maximize their chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information and to apply, visit the official Dean Close School website.
