Balcarras School

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted judgements: Outstanding

East End Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, GL53 8QFOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Balcarras School is a secondary school in Cheltenham for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 329 schools in Gloucestershire. It ranks 2nd of 8 secondary schools in Cheltenham. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in March 2025, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 4 March 2025, report published 15 April 2025

This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.

Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Sixth form provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 March 2025

Pupils and staff have huge pride in their school. The school is highly ambitious for pupils to enjoy a broad and well-designed curriculum. It has the highest expectations for all pupils, both for their academic achievement and to be part of a positive and inclusive school community. Pupils and students make exceptional progress in their learning. Pupils are highly courteous and respectful, towards one another and with staff and visitors. The house and sixth form team provide exemplary pastoral care and support to pupils and their families when they need it. Incidents of bullying or unkind behaviour are unusual and promptly managed by staff. As a result, reported concerns are especially low. From before the school day, through to after school, pupils and students immerse themselves in the life of the school and the community. During lunchtime, very many pupils participate in a plethora of events and clubs. For example, a visit from a prominent speaker to meet pupils for a question-and-answer session was highly attended. Pupils asked pertinent questions and had a keen interest. At the start of the day, a significant number of pupils arrive early for badminton club. Motivated, they regulate their play with little staff instruction.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

194 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score58.5

58.5, 12.4 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths66.5%

66.5%, 21.1 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths84%

84%, 19.2 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc47.9%

47.9%, 7.4 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score5.17

5.17, 1.08 above the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

216 students

Average point score per A level entry40.28

40.28, 5.28 above the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade B, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,427 pupils on roll, with places for 1,359

Eligible for free school meals6%

6%, 20.5 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language4.8%

4.8%, 16.8 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support6.1%

6.1%, 8.7 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.7%

2.7%, 3.3 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Balcarras School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
St Edward's School0.8 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 38.5
Cheltenham College2 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 21.4
Cheltenham Ladies' College2 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 78.2
The High School Leckhampton2 milesOfsted: OutstandingNot published
Pittville School2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 47.5

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
THE BALCARRAS TRUST
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Dominic Burke
Address
East End Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, GL53 8QF
Local authority
Gloucestershire
URN
136474

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.