Pate's Grammar School Review 2026: Elite Results, Exceptional Community

When Richard Pate endowed his school four and a half centuries ago with a vision of free education for Cheltenham's young people, few could have imagined the institution that would emerge. Today, sitting in the Hesters Way area surrounded by housing estates rather than manicured grounds, Pate's Grammar School achieves something remarkable: examination results that rank among the highest anywhere in England, combined with a genuine culture of kindness and belonging that permeates every corridor.

The school occupies a distinctive campus shaped by its architectural history. The 1965 building designed by Chamberlin, Powell & Bon, with its copper-clad library dome, was eventually replaced by modern facilities that opened from 1994 onwards. The George and Eve Tatam Block and the contemporary sixth form centre, opened in 2019, showcase substantial investment in infrastructure. With nearly 1,300 students aged 11 to 18 and a vibrant sixth form of 500, Pate's balances breadth with excellence.

Most strikingly, this selective state grammar school achieves elite-tier examination results that rival independent institutions, whilst maintaining genuine inclusivity, extensive bursary support, and a house system that builds genuine community. The March 2024 Ofsted inspection awarded Outstanding across all seven measured areas. Results speak for themselves: 92% of GCSE entries at grades 9-7; 92% of A-level entries at grades A*-B; and 40 students securing Oxbridge places in the most recent cohort.

The defining quality parents and inspectors consistently identify at Pate's is kindness. This is not the kind of grammar school defined by competitive intensity or academic pressure alone. Walk the corridors and students greet staff by name. The relationships here are built on mutual respect rather than authority. Teachers know their students well; they know who needs pushing and who needs support.

The house system anchors this culture. Organised into distinct houses with designated staff leaders, the system creates smaller communities within the larger school. Sixth formers aspire to become house officials, leading younger students and organising inter-house competitions. These are genuinely inclusive events that celebrate success but also teach resilience in defeat. The 2024 Ofsted report observed that "pupils flourish in this nurturing environment."

Diversity is woven into daily life. The student population is 60% from ethnic minority backgrounds, serving a genuinely multicultural catchment. The school's stated commitment to inclusion is not window-dressing; Ofsted inspectors noted that "in this school everyone is accepted and cultural differences are celebrated." Students demonstrate high levels of independence, showing resilience when challenged. The mobile phone policy (phones must be off and stored after 8:15am) has reportedly freed lunchtime for genuine social connection and outdoor activity.

Leadership under Dr James Richardson, who arrived in September 2023, emphasises both academic excellence and joy. Richardson has introduced a "four Pate's Ps" framework around smartphone use: privacy, protection, parameters (good habits), and presence. The result, according to recent school reporting, has been markedly increased participation in lunchtime activities and societies, with students "rediscovering their passions and talents." Staff report feeling valued; Ofsted found that the school invests in professional development and that "staff feel valued and are highly committed to their roles."

GCSE Performance

Pate's Grammar School ranks 29th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the elite tier of the top 2%. This places the school 1st among the 87 secondaries in Cheltenham. The numbers are striking.

In 2024, 79% of all GCSE entries achieved grades 9-8 (A*), and 92% achieved grades 9-7 (A*-A). These figures place Pate's among the highest-performing state schools anywhere. The average Attainment 8 score of 83.7 reflects pupil achievement across eight subjects; this compares favourably to the England average of 45.9. In English Baccalaureate entries, 73% achieved grades 5 and above, again well above the England average of 41%.

The school achieves this not through narrow academic focus but through deliberately broad curriculum design. Most pupils study two or more modern foreign languages, extending beyond mechanical language learning to develop deep cultural appreciation. Inspectors observed that "the school ensures pupils follow a broad range of subjects which are rich in quality," with mathematics and sciences taught with comparable rigour to humanities.

Progress 8 scores of +1.01 indicate that pupils progress significantly more than expected from their starting points, a valuable metric for selective schools that must demonstrate they add value beyond their intake. Subject leaders meticulously plan learning sequences, building deliberately on prior knowledge. Teachers employ the "Pate's Learning Framework" to question pupils and model expert thinking. Assessment is skilfully used to check understanding and inform future teaching.

A-Level Performance

Sixth form results are equally impressive. Pate's ranks 50th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), also placing it in the elite tier at top 2%. This ranks 2nd among Cheltenham's sixth forms.

In 2024, 35% of A-level grades achieved A*, and 72% achieved A*-A. At the broader scale, 92% of entries achieved grades A*-B. Sixth form students are highly motivated and articulate. Inspectors noted that they "make strong use of key terminology" and "articulate their understanding with a very high degree of confidence and expertise."

The sixth form offers 26 A-level subjects, including less commonly offered options like Classical Greek, Russian, and History of Art. The majority of leavers progress to Russell Group universities, with destination schools including Imperial College, Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Bristol, Warwick, and Edinburgh. In 2024, 40 students secured Oxbridge places, demonstrating the strength of the academic pipeline. Eight students gained medical school places.

Entry to the sixth form requires a minimum of 57 points across best eight GCSEs and grade 5 in both Mathematics and English, with a predicted grade 7 minimum in subjects to be studied at A-level. This filtering maintains cohort strength while opening doors to external sixth form entrants who meet the criteria.

The school's educational approach is underpinned by the "Pate's Learning Framework," a structured approach to questioning, modelling, and assessment that ensures consistency across subjects. Ofsted inspectors observed that "subject leaders have meticulously planned the knowledge they want pupils to learn" and that "the sequence of this learning is thoughtful and successfully builds on pupils' prior knowledge."

Teachers demonstrate expert subject knowledge. Rather than treating subjects as isolated domains, the curriculum is carefully structured so that learning builds progressively. For example, the personal development curriculum explicitly revisits topics like financial budgeting, introduced in Year 7 and revisited in Year 8 to deepen understanding of how lifestyle choices impact long-term planning. This spiral approach ensures cumulative mastery rather than one-off coverage.

Assessment practices are particularly strong. Teachers use assessment skilfully to check what pupils know and remember, with this information directly informing future teaching. Sixth form teaching emphasises independent thinking and use of precise terminology, preparing students for university-level study. For students with SEND, teaching is tailored to their specific needs; as staff know pupils so well, they provide the right level of challenge and support to ensure every student makes excellent progress.

University Destinations

The 2024 leaver cohort of 241 students demonstrates the breadth of progression pathways. 65% progressed to university, with the majority choosing Russell Group institutions. Forty students secured places at Oxford or Cambridge, reflecting the school's academic strength and the quality of university preparation.

At Pate's Grammar School, beyond Oxbridge, leavers regularly secure places at Imperial College, UCL, Edinburgh, Durham, Bristol, and Warwick. Medical school was particularly strong, with eight students in medicine places. Another 4% entered apprenticeships (primarily degree apprenticeships with major employers), while 21% entered employment directly. Only 1% pursued further education colleges.

The university preparation begins early. The sixth form provides dedicated careers education, with a dedicated coordinator supporting applications from Year 11 onwards. The "Your Higher Education Journey" programme guides students through UCAS applications, interview techniques, and subject-specific preparation. The Shaping Futures initiative works with 18 local primary schools to widen access for disadvantaged pupils, part of a broader commitment to social mobility.

The co-curricular provision at Pate's is genuinely exceptional, and this is where the school's commitment to well-rounded education becomes tangible. During lunchtimes and after school, the campus buzzes with activity. So committed is the school to breadth that on Tuesday afternoons, regular lessons are suspended entirely to allow all students access to the "exceptional range" of enrichment activities that Ofsted specifically highlighted.

Music: A Vibrant Programme

Music is woven throughout school life. The Music at Pate's guide lists ensembles including the Chapel Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Swing Band, and Jazz Ensemble. The school's notable history with music is reflected in its strong current provision. Students progress from ensemble membership to leadership roles. Annual highlights include concerts throughout the year, with the chapel providing a historic and acoustically rich performance venue. Major productions involve orchestral accompaniment, requiring significant commitment from student musicians. Instrumental tuition is available across most orchestral instruments, and many students take examination-board qualifications from beginner to advanced levels.

Drama and Performance Arts

The school produces multiple dramatic works throughout the year across three dedicated performance spaces. Recent productions have been ambitious, full-cast pieces with orchestra or band accompaniment. Student-led theatre clubs include Musical Theatre Club, allowing younger students to develop performance confidence. Acting and technical roles give students genuine responsibility; younger drama enthusiasts work alongside experienced performers to learn stagecraft, lighting design, and production management. The Expressive Arts programme (Tuesday afternoon enrichment) includes drama, dance, and music modules rotating through the school.

STEM and Innovation

STEM is genuinely strong without dominating other areas. Named clubs include the Maths Society and 3D Printing Club, both explicitly mentioned in the Ofsted report. The mathematics society creates space for problem-solving beyond the curriculum, with students exploring competition mathematics and puzzles. The 3D printing club engages students with emerging design and manufacture technology. Physics has a long tradition of strength, evidenced by consistent top grades and student progression into engineering and physics degrees. Computing is growing, with coding and robotics gaining traction among younger students.

Combined Cadet Force

The CCF (Combined Cadet Force) represents a significant enrichment strand for interested students, offering military training, leadership development, and outdoor education. Participation is optional but popular; students can progress through ranks and earn qualifications. The CCF contingent is led by trained staff and student officers.

Sports Provision

Sport at Pate's is deliberately inclusive rather than exclusively elite, though competitive teams achieve well. The school facilities include acres of playing fields and courts. Traditional sports (rugby, hockey, cricket, football, netball, tennis) form the core, with students encouraged to find a sport that suits them. There is no expectation that all students excel at sport, but there is clear expectation that all engage. Senior teams compete against other schools; the rugby programme has produced unbeaten seasons in recent years. Inter-house sports provide opportunities for all students to represent their house, with competition fierce but inclusive.

Outdoor education includes the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, which operates through Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. The school runs trips and expeditions, often during Activities Fortnight in summer, when Years 7-10 access diverse opportunities from bushcraft and climbing to gardening and mindfulness training.

Clubs and Societies

The list of clubs is genuinely extensive. Mentioned explicitly by name in the Ofsted report are the British Sign Language Club, Climbing Club, and Maths Society. Beyond these, the school runs Chess, Young Enterprise, Economics Society, Philosophy Society, Coding Club, Running Club, Shooting Club, Amnesda Society, History Club, and many others. In the sixth form, students run 30+ student-led societies, often inviting external speakers such as local MPs and professionals. The sixth form society structure is student-initiated and student-led, with the Sixth Form Development & Alumni Committee overseeing this portfolio.

Tuesday Afternoon Enrichment (TPM)

This deserves specific mention because it is genuinely distinctive. Every week for Year 7, and fortnightly for Years 8-9, the final period on Tuesday is dedicated to enrichment activities that are carefully sequenced to build practical and cultural capital. Activities rotate and include: gardening, climbing, mindfulness, journalism, cooking, life skills (washing, ironing, budgeting), Spanish language, gender equality training, anti-racism workshops, finance education, and leadership development. This is not filler; it is deliberately planned, developmentally sequenced personal development.

The House System is consciously reinforced through TPM, with events like House Music bringing all houses together in friendly competition. Sixth formers use TPM as a leadership and volunteering opportunity, often facilitating sessions for younger students or volunteering within the school or community.

The Shaping Futures Initiative

Beyond traditional enrichment, the school runs Shaping Futures, a social mobility programme targeting disadvantaged pupils aged 7-14 from the five miles around the school. Around 80 Year 4 and 5 pupils from low-income backgrounds attend fortnightly after-school sessions including team-building, co-curricular enrichment, mathematics and English support, and familiarisation with secondary education. This is genuinely pro-active widening of access.

Community Engagement

The school takes community responsibility seriously. Sixth Form Community Committee organises regular initiatives including food collections for the West Cheltenham Community Pantry, Christmas card delivery to local care homes, Valentine's Day projects for elderly residents, community gardening, public concerts, and litter-picking drives. This service-learning approach develops student citizenship.

Pate's Grammar School is a selective state school with academy status, governed by a board of trustees. Entry at Year 7 is through competitive examination.

The 11-Plus Process

The school participates in Gloucestershire's grammar school consortium examination. Entry at Year 7 requires success in the entrance test, which comprises two papers assessing verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Each paper lasts one hour, with 15 minutes for instructions. The test produces a rank order of candidates; places are offered based on rank, with distance from school used as a tiebreaker when multiple candidates achieve identical scores. The school receives approximately 2,500 applications for 150 Year 7 places annually; this is fiercely competitive, with roughly 17 candidates per place.

Proximity is measured as a straight line from the school to a candidate's home, not walking distance or post-code area. There is no formal catchment, but in practice, nearly half of the cohort comes from Cheltenham itself, with the remainder travelling from surrounding areas and beyond (Bristol, Swindon, Wales, Birmingham).

Tutoring Culture

Parents should be aware that tutoring for the entrance test is nearly universal. The school itself does not recommend or encourage tutoring, and the entrance test has been redesigned to reduce tutoring advantage. However, the stakes are high enough that most families seek external preparation. This is worth understanding before applying.

Distance to School

In 2024, with 2,500+ applicants for 150 places, the oversubscription ratio is extremely tight. Distance from the school will likely influence outcomes in a tie-break situation, but proximity does not guarantee a place.

Sixth Form Entry

Entry to sixth form is open to external candidates as well as internal progression. A minimum of 57 points across best eight GCSEs is required, with grade 5 in both Mathematics and English. A grade 7 or above must be predicted in any subject to be studied at A-level. The sixth form does open entry to girls from other secondary schools, broadening the gender balance from the predominantly boys' lower school intake.

Pastoral care at Pate's is systematically planned and deeply embedded. The house system is fundamental to pastoral structures. Each student is assigned to a house with a designated pastoral leader (Housemaster/Housemistress) who knows them well. Tutor groups are small, typically 6-8 students, creating opportunities for regular one-on-one check-ins.

The school employs a full-time counsellor and has access to school nurse services for health support, including mental health needs. The Ofsted report confirmed that "pupils flourish in this nurturing environment" and noted that there are "only very rare examples of derogatory language which are addressed immediately."

The school's behaviour policy is grounded in the school's values and the house system. Importantly, the report notes that "pupils behave well because they know it is the right thing to do," rather than from fear of punishment. Attendance and punctuality are consistently high because students want to be in school.

For students with SEND, the school operates a dedicated Student Support Centre staffed by specialist SEND teachers. Students with SEND access the full curriculum with tailored support. The school adopts a Graduated Pathway approach, with early interventions identified and supported. Training in inclusive teaching is central to staff development; as the school notes, "at Pate's, everyone is a teacher of students with SEND." Approximately 13% of students are identified as having SEND, broadly in line with national averages.

A Pupil Premium fund supports disadvantaged pupils with trips, enrichment, and other extras. The school explicitly states discretionary funds are directed to families struggling to make ends meet, not solely those who are formally eligible.

School Hours

Registration begins at 8:40am; school ends at 3:40pm Monday to Friday.

Travel and Transport

The school does not operate a dedicated bus service but provides a list of approved transport providers. Many students cycle or walk. The campus is near several bus routes serving Cheltenham and surrounding areas. Parking for school arrival can be tight given the suburban location; many families cycle or use public transport.

Refectory

A £1.75 million refectory opened in 2012, providing a modern dining facility. The canteen operates on a cashless system.

Facilities

The campus spans multiple modern buildings including science blocks, language suites, arts facilities, the George and Eve Tatam Block (opened 2013), and a dedicated sixth form centre (opened 2019). Sports facilities include multiple courts and fields across the expansive site.

Entrance Competition: With 17 applicants per place, securing entry is difficult. Families should understand that the entrance test is highly competitive and that tutoring is nearly universal, despite the school's formal discouragement. For families without significant tutoring investment, success is possible but not guaranteed.

Distance and Commute: The school has no formal catchment, but proximity influences tie-breaking. For families living more than a mile away, the daily commute will involve significant travel time or reliance on buses or cycling. This should be weighed carefully, particularly for primary-age transition shock.

Grammar School Transition: Students arriving at an 11+ entry point join a selective cohort. This is positive academically but means all peers were "top at primary school." Some students experience a genuine confidence dip in Year 7 as they adjust to being one of many high-achievers. The school is sensitive to this and provides good pastoral transition support.

Academic Pace: The curriculum moves at a deliberate, thoughtful pace, but expectations are high. Students who struggle with the core subjects or find rapid progression challenging may find the environment pressured. The school is inclusive, but it is not an environment for students who are significantly behind.

Pate's Grammar School is genuinely exceptional. It achieves elite-tier examination results that rival independent schools, yet operates as a state school with no tuition fees. The culture combines high academic expectations with authentic kindness and inclusivity. The house system creates genuine community. The enrichment programme is genuinely broad and accessible. The coaching of vulnerable learners is sophisticated. Leadership under Dr Richardson is forward-thinking without abandoning tradition.

This school works best for academically able students who thrive on challenge, who are motivated by peers working at similar levels, and who benefit from structured, ambitious teaching. It works less well for students who need a much gentler pace or who find highly selective peer groups isolating. For families within reach who can navigate the competitive entrance process, and whose children are genuinely ready for the intellectual pace, Pate's Grammar School offers something rare: elite education rooted in public service and genuine community.

Best suited to academically ambitious families seeking selective state education without fees, and whose children are independently motivated and capable of thriving in a high-achieving cohort. The entrance hurdle is significant; the education that follows is exceptional.