Rendcomb College, situated within the picturesque Cotswold estate between Cheltenham and Cirencester, offers a unique educational experience that combines strong academic performance with a wide array of extra-curricular activities. The college is co-educational, welcoming both boys and girls aged from three to 18, and follows a Church of England ethos. With a commitment to developing thoughtful, adventurous, and academically ambitious young people, the school aims to prepare its students for the ever-changing world beyond its gates.
The college operates in the vicinity of Cirencester and boasts an impressive 230-acre campus that includes a deer park, golf course, and wilderness area. This natural environment provides an ideal backdrop for outdoor education, which is integrated into the curriculum across all age groups. Younger children benefit from large forest school facilities and woodland classrooms, promoting team building and leadership skills from an early age.
Academically, Rendcomb College has achieved commendable results. In 2024, 39% of GCSE students attained grades 9-7, while 33% of A-level students achieved A*/A grades. The school is ranked 304 in the Times 2024 Parent Power Rankings, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. The curriculum is broad and varied, with 25 subjects offered at the senior school level. While some subjects like Economics and Business Studies are available only at A-level, others such as General Science are taught in the initial years. The college also offers BTECs in Sport, Business Studies, Travel/Tourism, and Hospitality.
Rendcomb College places a strong emphasis on the arts. The Griffin Theatre, a £3.3 million performing arts centre opened in 2017, provides industry-standard facilities for drama and music students. The theatre hosts five major productions annually, offering opportunities for students to engage in acting as well as backstage roles like lighting and sound design. Music is equally important at the college, with numerous ensembles and choirs available for students to join.
The college’s sports programme is diverse and caters to a range of interests. While rugby remains popular among boys, lacrosse is the sport of choice for many girls. Tennis and cricket are played by all students, with mixed tennis sessions taking place on the school’s AstroTurf pitches. The school also hosts small schools’ tournaments in various sports.
Boarding at Rendcomb College is structured across four houses grouped by age and gender for years 10 and 11. Sixth formers reside in Park House but also have the opportunity to experience independent living during their week-long stay at Garden House. This initiative encourages students to develop life skills such as budgeting and cooking while maintaining their academic commitments.
Pastoral care at Rendcomb College is highly rated by parents and students alike. The school’s inclusive environment ensures that all students feel welcome and supported. The Head prioritises student wellbeing and strives to enhance their overall experience at the college.
The Head of Learning Support leads an exceptional team dedicated to assisting students with special educational needs (SEN). The learning support centre provides a calm space designed to minimise sensory stress, allowing students to focus on their studies. Co-curricular activities are tailored to suit individual needs, ensuring that every student can participate in activities they enjoy.
Rendcomb College’s ethos is rooted in its founding principles of providing an accessible education for boys from rural Gloucestershire primary schools. Today, this ethos persists with a focus on character education and accountability among staff members.
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