St Edward's School
Cirencester Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, GL53 8EY
Pupils
305
Ages
11 - 18
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Secondary
Head Teacher
Mr Matthew Burke
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£5,325 to £6,305
ISC Associations
The Society of Heads, ISA, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Roman Catholic
Bursaries
Available
About St Edward's School
Located in the picturesque town of Cheltenham, St Edward’s School is a Roman Catholic co-educational secondary school that caters to students aged 11 to 18. The school is known for its commitment to providing a balanced education that nurtures both academic and personal growth. With a focus on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, the school welcomes students of all faiths, encouraging a diverse and harmonious community.
The school offers a broad curriculum that includes a wide range of subjects such as Mathematics, English, Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts. This variety ensures that students have the opportunity to explore their interests and develop a well-rounded skill set. The emphasis on academic excellence is complemented by a strong pastoral care system, which prioritises the wellbeing of each student. The dedicated staff work closely with students to ensure they receive the support they need to thrive both academically and personally.
One of the standout features of the school is its commitment to extra-curricular activities. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of clubs and societies, ranging from sports teams to music ensembles and drama productions. These activities provide students with the chance to develop new skills, build friendships, and gain confidence outside the classroom. The school’s sports facilities are well-maintained, offering students the opportunity to engage in a variety of physical activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.
The school’s Roman Catholic ethos is evident in its values and approach to education. While maintaining a strong religious foundation, the school is inclusive and respectful of all faiths, fostering an environment where students can learn from one another and develop a sense of mutual respect and understanding. This approach helps to create a cohesive community where students feel valued and supported.
The teaching staff at the school are highly qualified and dedicated to providing a high standard of education. They employ a range of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles, ensuring that each student can achieve their full potential. The school also places a strong emphasis on professional development for its staff, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of educational best practices.
Parents and students alike appreciate the school’s focus on preparing students for life beyond the classroom. The school offers comprehensive career guidance and support, helping students to make informed decisions about their future paths. This includes advice on university applications, apprenticeships, and other post-secondary options. The school’s alumni network is also a valuable resource, providing current students with insights and connections in various fields.
The school’s leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, regularly reviewing and updating policies and practices to ensure they meet the needs of the school community. This proactive approach helps to maintain a dynamic and forward-thinking educational environment.
In summary, St Edward’s School in Cheltenham offers a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive academically and personally. With a strong focus on academic excellence, pastoral care, and extra-curricular opportunities, the school provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for future success. The school’s commitment to fostering a diverse and harmonious community, along with its dedication to continuous improvement, makes it a commendable choice for families seeking a quality education for their children.
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ISI Review
St Edward's School, established in 1987 through the merger of two Catholic grammar schools, is a co-educational day school located on the outskirts of Cheltenham, England. The school serves students aged 11 to 18 and embraces pupils from diverse faiths and backgrounds, promoting an education rooted in traditional Catholic values. Governed by a charitable trust with representation from the Carmelite order, the school aims to provide a continuous educational experience from early childhood through to the end of secondary education.
The school’s mission is to encourage students to reach their full potential, fostering lifelong learning and thoughtful contributions to society. It emphasizes the importance of personal development, aiming to create an environment where each pupil feels valued and can develop a strong moral foundation. Since the last inspection in 2009, significant modernization has taken place, enhancing sporting facilities and teaching areas, and improving internet access for students and staff.
Currently, St Edward's School has 346 pupils, with a balanced gender distribution of 192 boys and 154 girls. The school draws its student body primarily from within a twenty-mile radius, representing a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. The ability profile of the pupils is above the national average for Years 7 to 11, while it reflects the national average for Years 12 and 13. The school provides support for 75 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring that all students receive appropriate learning assistance.
The inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate highlighted the school’s success in delivering an educational experience that aligns with its aims. The achievements of the pupils were noted as excellent, with students demonstrating a mature approach to their studies and applying their knowledge confidently. The curriculum is complemented by a robust extra-curricular program that enhances learning opportunities and fosters community links. The school has effectively addressed previous recommendations regarding the use of worksheets and marking standards, although there remains room for improvement in providing more evaluative feedback in certain subjects.
Pupils’ personal development is another area of strength, with the school fostering values of tolerance and respect. The pastoral care system is highly effective, ensuring that students feel supported and guided throughout their educational journey. The school implements excellent measures to promote the welfare, health, and safety of its pupils, with comprehensive policies in place to address bullying and ensure a safe learning environment.
Governance at St Edward's School is characterized as excellent, with trustees actively supporting the school’s ethos and effectively overseeing all aspects of school life. Leadership and management are also rated highly, with a shared vision among staff that promotes excellent oversight of daily routines and informed decision-making for the future. The school maintains strong links with parents, enhancing the overall educational experience for students.
The quality of teaching at St Edward's School is recognized as excellent, with teachers demonstrating a deep understanding of their pupils' needs. Lessons are well-planned and resourced, fostering an engaging learning environment where students can thrive. The school encourages collaboration among pupils, promoting both independent and group work that develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills. While the majority of lessons are effective, there are instances where the most able pupils could benefit from more challenging tasks.
The curriculum is broad and well-structured, catering for the diverse needs of all students, including those with special educational needs and English as an additional language. The school offers a wide range of subjects at both GCSE and A level, with opportunities for enrichment courses that further enhance the educational experience. The use of information and communication technology is integrated throughout the curriculum, supporting students' learning and engagement.
Extra-curricular activities play a significant role in the school’s offerings, with a variety of sports, creative opportunities, and community service initiatives available to pupils. The school actively promotes a healthy lifestyle through its personal, social, health, and economic education program, which emphasizes the importance of nutrition and physical activity.
In summary, St Edward's School is a thriving educational institution that successfully meets the needs of its diverse student body. With a strong emphasis on academic achievement, personal development, and community engagement, the school provides a supportive and enriching environment for all pupils. The commitment to continuous improvement and the high standards of governance, leadership, and teaching contribute to the overall success of the school, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024