Age range. 3–11 Co-educational.
Number of pupils. 288 (approximately an equal number of boys and girls).
Fees per term (2024–2025). Nursery: £1,606 (5 mornings), £2,035 (any 3 full days), £3,391 (5 full days). Preparatory: £3,444 (Reception), £3,659 (Year 1), £3,896 (Year 2). Junior: £4,272 (Year 3), £4,461 (Year 4), £4,744 (Year 5), £4,954 (Year 6).
Hot lunches are provided and included in the fees, except for ‘mornings only’ Nursery.
The School, occupying an 11½ acre semi-rural site at the foot of the Cotswold escarpment, is part of the Pate’s Grammar School Foundation which is a charity founded by Richard Pate, a Recorder of Gloucester, in 1574.
It is a non-denominational Christian school which in its present form began in 1946. The aim of the school is to provide a high academic standard and continuity of education up to the age of 11 years. The curriculum is broadly based with strong emphasis being attached to music, art, drama and sport, for these activities are seen as vital if a child’s full potential is to be realised.
Facilities include a music centre with individual practice rooms; a fully equipped computer suite; an all-weather astroturf with floodlights and a woodland area. There is also a specialist wing with science labs, language suite and art studio. Wraparound care includes a breakfast club from 7.45 am and after-school care that runs until 5.30 pm.
At present, the School is divided into three sections: Nursery 3–4 years; Preparatory Department 4–7 and Junior 7–11. Entrance is dependent upon the availability of places but most pupils join the school at the commencement of the Nursery, Preparatory or Junior Departments.
No entry tests are taken by younger pupils but assessments are conducted for pupils who enter at Year 3 and beyond.
The teaching takes full account of national curriculum guidelines, with children in the upper part of the school following the normal preparatory school curriculum leading to Common Entrance and Scholarship at 11+. Pupils leave at age 11 for local Grammar Schools and a variety of independent secondary schools, particularly, but not limited to, those in Cheltenham.
The Headmaster is assisted by two deputies and 24 fully qualified teachers including specialists in Latin, French, Art/Design, Science, Music, Sport and Learning Support. The School employs music and dance teachers, who prepare children for participation in various competitions, in particular, the Cheltenham Festival and LAMDA exams.
Charitable status. The Richard Pate School is owned and operated by Pate’s Grammar School Foundation which is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales under Registration No. 14111232, and Registered Charity No. 1202002.