Cleeve School, located in Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham, has received praise from Ofsted for its aspirational approach to education and high expectations for its 1,851 students aged 11 to 18. Inspectors conducted their latest assessment on 14 and 15 January 2025 and were impressed by the school’s commitment to academic excellence and personal growth.
The report commended Cleeve School’s ambitious and well-structured curriculum, which encourages students to take pride in their work and realize their full potential. The school’s sixth-form provision and personal development programs were recognized as Outstanding, reinforcing its reputation for preparing students exceptionally well for the future.
Students at Cleeve School were noted for their positive engagement in learning, with a strong emphasis on creating a friendly and purposeful atmosphere. The sixth form was specifically highlighted for its exceptionally strong and consistent education, enabling students to achieve highly across a range of academic and vocational courses.
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The school’s curriculum focuses on providing a well-rounded education, with a priority given to reading and access to high-quality texts. Extracurricular activities, including student leadership roles and community projects, offer additional opportunities for students to broaden their understanding of social, moral, and cultural issues. Cleeve School also places a significant emphasis on career education from an early stage, ensuring that students are well-informed about future pathways.
While the school has made significant strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the report noted some inconsistencies in the application of specific support in the classroom. Ofsted recommended further efforts to achieve greater consistency in implementing SEND strategies to benefit all students.
The leadership and management at Cleeve School were rated as Good, with a strong commitment from the executive team, led by Principal Alwyn Richards. The involvement of trustees in holding school leaders accountable was acknowledged, reinforcing the shared ambition for continued improvement.
In response to the report, Executive Head Alwyn Richards expressed his delight and emphasized the school’s culture and vibrancy, recognizing the collaborative efforts of staff, students, and partner primaries in contributing to the school’s success.