Balcarras School
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
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
216 students
Average A level grade B, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,427 pupils on roll, with places for 1,359
Schools near Balcarras School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Edward's School | 0.8 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 38.5 |
| Cheltenham College | 2 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 21.4 |
| Cheltenham Ladies' College | 2 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 78.2 |
| The High School Leckhampton | 2 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Not published |
| Pittville School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 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
- Phone
- 01242515881
- 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.