The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2014).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 58.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2014
- The school is at capacity (105% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
58.5
14.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
67%
24.7pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
48%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.18
Band 2Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
89%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 194 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 9 days per year on average — about two weeks of school.
8% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 115 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,429
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 6.4%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Gloucestershire
- Trust
- THE BALCARRAS TRUST
- Head
- Mr Dominic Burke (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
East End Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 8QF
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmCharlton Kings Junior School
Primary · Very close
Charlton Kings Infants' School
Primary · 489m away
Glenfall Community Primary School
Primary · 647m away
St Edward's School
Independent · 1.2km away
Holy Apostles' Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.9km away
The Richard Pate School
Independent · 1.9km away
Naunton Park Primary School
Primary · 2.1km away
Battledown Centre for Children and Families
Special school · 2.2km away
Questions parents ask
Is Balcarras School a selective school?
No. Balcarras School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Balcarras School's Ofsted rating?
Balcarras School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in March 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Balcarras School?
Balcarras School currently has 1,429 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Balcarras School take?
Balcarras School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Balcarras School?
Balcarras School is in Cheltenham, GL53 8QF, in the Gloucestershire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Balcarras School have a sixth form?
Yes, Balcarras School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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