Dean Close St John’s, situated within the picturesque setting of Chepstow, is a co-educational independent school catering for boys and girls aged three to 13. With a Church of England and interdenominational ethos, the school offers a nurturing environment for its pupils. The school is strategically placed in the area of Tutshill, Gloucestershire, overlooking the charming market town of Chepstow. It became part of the Dean Close Foundation in 2015, which has allowed it to benefit from shared resources and joint events with other schools in the foundation.
The school operates as a day, weekly/flexible boarding, and full boarding institution. Under the leadership of Tom Rainer since September 2024, who brings a wealth of experience from his background in music and educational leadership, the school has continued to thrive. Rainer’s vision for the school is evident in its commitment to providing a well-rounded education that balances academic rigour with personal development.
Entrance to the school is often through one of the Little Trees nurseries, particularly the on-site Tutshill branch. The school offers kindergarten in pre-prep, providing a structured environment for pre-schoolers. From Year 3 onwards, entrance is based on taster days and progress tests. This approach ensures that children are well-prepared for their educational journey at Dean Close St John’s.
The school’s exit strategy sees a quarter of its pupils progressing to Dean Close Senior School, with others moving on to prestigious institutions such as King’s Gloucester, Clifton College, and Rougemont. The school’s emphasis on continuous assessment through the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) allows pupils to develop essential skills like independence, collaboration, and leadership without the stress of traditional exams.
The main school building is an attractive white-fronted structure set in 25 acres of grounds with stunning views. Originally built as a country house in 1812, it became a school in 1923. The centenary celebrations in 2023 highlighted its rich history and commitment to education. While some areas require maintenance, recent investments have focused on essential infrastructure improvements and the renovation of classrooms and boarding facilities.
The curriculum at Dean Close St John’s is diverse and engaging. Specialist teaching in subjects such as French, Music, Art, and Physical Education begins early, with learning often taking place outdoors in purpose-built facilities like the forest school. The new art/DT block is a hub of creativity, where students are encouraged to explore their artistic talents independently.
Music plays a significant role in the school’s culture. With an orchestra, senior and junior choirs, and pre-prep Little Voices, pupils have ample opportunities to develop their musical abilities. Recent workshops have included singing, drumming, and brass instruments. The annual house music festival and joint concert with Dean Close at Tewkesbury Abbey provide pupils with memorable experiences.
Sport is an integral part of life at Dean Close St John’s. The focus is on participation rather than ability, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to engage in physical activities. Collaboration with other Dean Close Foundation schools enhances the sports programme, offering pupils access to facilities beyond those available on-site.
Pastoral care is a priority at Dean Close St John’s. A dedicated chill-out area provides a space for relaxation and mindfulness activities like Mindful Mondays for Year 8 pupils. Counselling services are available across the foundation at no cost to parents. The school’s approach to discipline could be stronger according to some parents but overall receives high praise for nurturing kind and compassionate individuals.
Boarding at Dean Close St John’s offers a home-away-from-home experience under the care of new houseparents. With space for more boarders in the recently renovated boarding house, there are plans to expand flexible boarding options. Pupils enjoy a range of weekend activities that foster camaraderie and independence.
Financial support is available through scholarships and bursaries for eligible families. Generous schemes exist for Forces families, reflecting the school’s commitment to supporting diverse backgrounds.
Now fully embedded within the Dean Close Foundation, St John’s exudes confidence in its educational offering. Pupils are charming and welcoming, embodying the school’s ethos of kindness and compassion.
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