About Dean Close
Dean Close is a co-educational independent day school in Gloucestershire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Dean Close is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. GCSE 9-7: 40%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Dean Close
Dean Close Admissions Criteria
Dean Close is a co-educational independent day school in Gloucestershire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Dean Close to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Dean Close. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — ISEB Common Pre-Test: Your child will sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test online — the standardised, adaptive assessment used by Dean Close and over 90 other UK independent senior schools. The test covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes in total. It is age-standardised to allow fair comparison across applicants.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about their interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether them child has been offered a place at Dean Close.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Dean Close. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Dean Close Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Dean Close.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Dean Close 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Dean Close
Step 1 — Visit Dean Close School at an Open Event
Visit Dean Close School at an Open Event — explore the 50-acre Cheltenham campus and meet pupils and staff
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 5 — Your child sits the 11+ entrance examination
Your child sits the 11+ entrance examination — Dean Close uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test as part of its admissions process
Step 6 — Sit further written assessments
Sit further written assessments and attend an interview at Dean Close
Step 7 — Each application is reviewed individually
Each application is reviewed individually — the school focuses on the whole child including academic ability, talents, interests and character
Step 8 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated — on acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Independent Subjects Tested at Dean Close
Scholarships & Bursaries at Dean Close
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships at 11+. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced following assessment
Additional notes: Dean Close School is a vibrant and inclusive all-through co-educational independent school for pupils aged 2-18, set on a beautiful 50-acre site in the heart of Cheltenham. Over 950 pupils across day and boarding. Underlying Christian ethos. Uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test.
Independent Practice Papers for Dean Close
Dean Close uses ISEB Common Pre-Test format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Dean Close 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Dean Close School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Dean Close achieves strong results from a broad-ability intake, prioritising character alongside academic achievement, with most sixth formers progressing to leading universities.
- GCSE: a challenging but balanced curriculum that stretches the most able while supporting a range of abilities.
- A-Level: strong results, with nearly half of leavers progressing to Russell Group universities.
- Progression: strong progression to a wide range of universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Dean Close School
Dean Close School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Around half of pupils board and half are day — drawn from across Gloucestershire and, for boarders, the UK and overseas — with entry by assessment rather than where a family lives.
The 50-acre parkland campus sits on the edge of Cheltenham; boarding is offered from Year 3, the school is popular with military families (with a military discount), and entry points run from Pre-Prep through to the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1886 in memory of Dean Francis Close and part of the Dean Close Foundation, Dean Close School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school (ages 2–18, across Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior schools) on a 50-acre parkland site in Cheltenham, with the motto ‘Verbum Dei Lucerna’ (God’s word, a guiding light). A Church of England foundation with a genuine but non-oppressive Christian ethos that welcomes all faiths, it is known for a warm, family atmosphere, a strong house system and excellent pastoral care.
Outstanding facilities — including a 550-seat theatre, a 25-metre pool and floodlit astroturfs — support strong sport (notably hockey), creative arts and a wide co-curricular programme. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dean Close School
How do I get into Dean Close?
To gain entry to Dean Close Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
Does Dean Close use the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
Yes. Dean Close uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test as part of its 11+ admissions process. The ISEB Common Pre-Test is an online, adaptive assessment commissioned by ISEB and developed by GL Assessment, used by over 90 leading UK independent senior schools. It covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes to complete. Results are age-standardised and shared with all senior schools the candidate has registered with.
What is the 11+ exam at Dean Close?
Dean Close uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at Dean Close?
Yes. Dean Close offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to Dean Close?
Most independent schools including Dean Close accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for Dean Close?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at Dean Close. No registration required.
When is the Dean Close 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Dean Close is See school website for current deadlines. The registration fee is Payable with registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Dean Close 11+ results announced?
At Dean Close, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.