Balcarras School
Cheltenham, GL53 8QF · Gloucestershire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
4th of 41 secondary schools in Gloucestershire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 268 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.8/10 among them, against 9.4/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 79.9 · 94 | 46% | 4.35 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.83 · 94 | 38% | 3.63 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 62.1 · 94 | 15% | 1.44 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Balcarras School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.5% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 58.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.83 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.8 out of 10 among them, against 9.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access the Duke of Edinburgh’s award, Eco Club, Drone Club, Chess Club, Robotics Club, Science Club, Art Space, and Drama Club. Sports include tennis, athletics, cricket, rounders, swimming, football, rugby, and netball. Arts and music options cover creative writing, Chinese Mandarin, Latin, Italian, French, the school magazine, debating societies, and the yearbook committee. Trips include expeditions, a ski trip to Norway, Activities Week, work experience, a Year 9 camp, paintballing, cycling in France, and surfing in Cornwall.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,427 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,359. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school
What Ofsted said about Balcarras School
Overview
Balcarras School is described as a place where "pupils and staff have huge pride" and where the school maintains "the highest expectations for all pupils." The report highlights that learners "make exceptional progress in their learning" within a "positive and inclusive school community." The inspection confirms that the school’s approach to curriculum design, behaviour, and personal development is highly effective.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "meticulous in its design," ensuring pupils acquire "precise knowledge and skills" that support progression, such as in design and technology.
- Pupils are "highly courteous and respectful," with incidents of bullying being "unusual and promptly managed by staff."
- Teachers "check thoroughly what pupils know and remember," responding quickly to misunderstandings to ensure "strong recall of their learning."
- The school provides "exemplary pastoral care," with pupils actively engaging in extra-curricular activities and community roles.
- Careers education is "skilfully integrated," helping pupils make "clear connections between what they learn and the world of work."
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 62.4 |
| 2024/25 | 58.5 |
| 2025/26 | 62.1 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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