As the academic year concludes, we spotlight some of Gloucestershire’s most highly regarded secondary schools, all of which have earned the coveted ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted.
Gloucestershire boasts 41 secondary schools, but less than 20% have achieved the prestigious ‘Outstanding’ status — a testament to exceptional education and consistent excellence.
Previously the highest Ofsted grade, ‘Outstanding’ signified schools that not only met all ‘Good’ criteria but also excelled in all additional elements demanding exceptional practice. These additional benchmarks considered areas such as leadership quality, teaching effectiveness, pupil outcomes, and safeguarding.
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In February 2026, Ofsted revised its grading system, retiring the term ‘Outstanding’ in favor of ‘Exceptional’ as the new pinnacle rating, assessed through a detailed five-point scale and comprehensive report cards. ‘Exceptional’ denotes transformational practices warranting recognition and sharing to inspire educational advancement regionally and nationally. Importantly, ‘Exceptional’ is not a direct replacement for ‘Outstanding,’ and the two grading systems are separate.
Despite this change, several Gloucestershire secondary schools still proudly hold their ‘Outstanding’ ratings from previous inspections. Here is a selection of those exemplary schools:
The Cotswold School
Address: The Avenue, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham, GL54 2BD
Last Inspection: March 11, 2025
Since opening in 1988, The Cotswold School has maintained ‘Outstanding’ status in its last five inspections. Its mission to ‘create brilliant futures’ permeates school life, empowering pupils as active citizens. Notably, pupils collaboratively authored ‘The Cotswold Charter,’ affirming every student’s right to be themselves.
Balcarras School
Address: East End Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, GL53 8QF
Last Inspection: March 4, 2025
Part of the Balcarras Trust, this co-educational comprehensive school for ages 11-18 has retained ‘Outstanding’ ratings since 2005. Renowned as the top comprehensive school in the South West by The Sunday Times, Balcarras prides itself on a broad curriculum, high expectations, and exceptional pupil progress within a respectful and inclusive community. The Trust also oversees Leckhampton High School, another ‘Outstanding’ performer.
Alderman Knight School
Address: Ashchurch Road, Tewkesbury, GL20 8JJ
Last Inspection: April 23, 2024
Specializing in education for children with moderate learning difficulties and complex needs, Alderman Knight has earned ‘Outstanding’ reports through four consecutive inspections. Praised for placing pupil needs at its core, the school offers a warm, calm environment fostering regular attendance and strong family support.
The Crypt School
Address: Podsmead Road, Gloucester, GL2 5AE
Last Inspection: March 12, 2024
Since becoming an academy in 2012, The Crypt School has consistently achieved ‘Outstanding’ ratings. This mixed grammar school emphasizes motivation, resilience, and mutual respect, cultivating an inclusive atmosphere where pupils flourish academically and personally.
Pate’s Grammar School
Address: Princess Elizabeth Way, Cheltenham, GL51 0HG
Last Inspection: March 5, 2024
Founded in 1574, Pate’s Grammar School has a long-standing tradition of excellence, retaining ‘Outstanding’ ratings both before and after academy conversion. The school fosters a strong ethos encouraging ambition, compassion, and resilience, celebrating diversity and developing future leaders.
Leckhampton High School
Address: Farm Lane, Leckhampton, GL51 3FS
Last Inspection: February 20, 2024
A newer addition to Gloucestershire’s schools, founded in 2021, Leckhampton quickly earned an ‘Outstanding’ rating at its first inspection. The school is expanding to welcome more Year 7 pupils and offers a rich array of extracurricular activities alongside an academically rigorous program.
Stroud High School
Address: Beards Lane, Cainscross Road, Stroud, GL5 4HF
Last Inspection: November 7, 2023
A girls’ grammar school and academy since 2012, Stroud High is among the highest performing state girls' schools in the region. Ofsted highlights its pupils' exemplary conduct, positive attitudes, community involvement, and inclusive values.
Field Court School
Address: Church Street, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL6 0BP
Last Inspection: May 23, 2023
This independent preparatory and secondary school has rapidly risen from a ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’ rating, credited for its nurturing, family-like atmosphere, high pupil motivation, and calm, orderly environment where learning thrives.
These schools exemplify the dedication and quality that define Gloucestershire’s educational landscape, inspiring current and future generations to excel.