Pittville School Review 2026: A Thriving Community Secondary

Located in the north of Cheltenham, Pittville School has carved out a distinct identity as a growing, successful 11-16 comprehensive. With the regency splendour of Pittville Park nearby, the school serves a diverse catchment and has seen a significant surge in popularity over the last decade. It holds a Good rating from Ofsted, reaffirmed in 2025, and is characterised by a positive Progress 8 score, indicating that students here achieve better outcomes than they might at an average school in England.

The atmosphere at Pittville is one of purposeful energy. The site is a mix of original blocks and newer additions, including a dedicated performing arts centre and refurbished science labs. The school benefits significantly from the dual-use agreement with the adjacent leisure centre, giving students access to sporting facilities that would be the envy of many private schools, including a swimming pool and extensive courts.

Mr Richard Gilpin is a long-serving Headteacher, having led the school since 2011. His tenure has provided stability and a clear trajectory of improvement. Under his leadership, the school has shifted from a quiet local option to a first-choice destination for many families.

The school ethos is built around four core values: Ambition, Respect, Honesty, and Kindness. These are not abstract concepts but are visible in the corridors; students wear the uniform smartly and there is a noticeable absence of the low-level disruption that plagues less organised schools. The House system—with Houses named Abbott, Aston, and Stokes after local figures—fosters a strong sense of belonging and friendly competition.

In 2024, Pittville School demonstrated solid academic performance. The Attainment 8 score of 47.4 is a respectable figure. More telling is the Progress 8 score of +0.25, which suggests that students make above-average progress from their primary school starting points.

Ranked 2,083rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 11th in Cheltenham, the school sits in the 'national typical' band. This places it comfortably in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

The most recent Ofsted inspection in early 2025 confirmed that the school continues to be Good. Inspectors noted that the school has "unashamedly high expectations" and that "pupils are happy and feel safe."

The curriculum is broad and balanced, maintaining a three-year Key Stage 3 to ensure depth of learning before GCSE choices are made. Teaching is structured and consistent. The school places a heavy emphasis on core subjects but has protected the arts; Drama and Music remain vibrant parts of the weekly timetable rather than being sidelined.

Teachers manage classes with clear expectations. The learning environment supports focus, and the relationships between staff and students appear genuine and respectful. Support for SEND students is coordinated through 'The Hub', a dedicated space that offers both academic and emotional support.

As an 11-16 school, Pittville does not have a Sixth Form. This is a structural feature that families should view as an opportunity rather than a deficit. At the end of Year 11, students are not funnelled into a default internal option but are guided to choose the right specialist provision for their next step.

Leavers progress to a wide range of local providers. Many move on to A-level courses at Pate's Grammar School, Balcarras, or Cleeve School, while others pursue vocational and technical pathways at Gloucestershire College or Hartpury College. The school employs a dedicated careers advisor to manage this transition, ensuring every student has a secured destination.

Admission to Pittville School is coordinated by Gloucestershire County Council. Demand for places has risen sharply. In the most recent intake, the school was oversubscribed, receiving 454 applications for just 169 places. This results in a subscription ratio of approximately 2.7 applications per place.

Entry is non-selective. When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, siblings, and then those living closest to the school by straight-line distance. Families living outside the immediate catchment area should verify recent allocation distances, as the circle of admission has tightened in recent years.

Pastoral care is organised through the House system, which provides a vertical community within the larger school population. Form tutors are the first point of contact and stay with their group as they move up the school, providing continuity for parents and students alike.

The school is inclusive and supports students with a range of needs. The 'Hub' provides a sanctuary for vulnerable students or those needing a quiet space during break times.

Extracurricular life is a clear strength. The standout feature is the sporting provision, bolstered by the on-site leisure centre. Students compete locally and regionally in football, netball, rugby, and athletics.

The arts are equally well served. School productions are major calendar events, often involving over 100 students in cast and crew roles. Music tuition is available for a variety of instruments, and there are regular concerts. Trips are frequent, ranging from geography field trips to international ski trips and history tours to Berlin.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. The school is situated on Albert Road, making it easily accessible from Cheltenham town centre. While there is no dedicated school bus service run by the school itself, public transport links are excellent, and many students walk or cycle from the surrounding residential areas.

No Sixth Form: Students must move institution at 16. While this offers a fresh start and wider choice, it does mean another transition period when friends may disperse to different colleges.

Oversubscription: With nearly three applicants for every place, securing a spot is becoming harder. Living in the immediate vicinity is the only way to be confident of a place on distance criteria.

Facilities Mix: While the sports facilities are exceptional due to the leisure centre link, some of the older school buildings are typical of the era and less modern than brand new academies.

Pittville is a confident, growing school that serves its community with distinction. It offers a strong alternative to the grammar school system, delivering positive progress scores and excellent pastoral care. Best suited to students who want a broad, supportive secondary education with great sporting opportunities, and who are happy to move on to a fresh environment for Sixth Form. The main challenge is securing a place in an increasingly competitive catchment.