Pittville School
98%
Capacity
858
Pupils
2.7x
Demand
About Pittville School
Pittville School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Cheltenham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 858 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (98% of 875 places).
Ofsted has rated Pittville School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Richard Gilpin, it falls under Gloucestershire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.25 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.4. Additionally, ranked 939th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 5 in Cheltenham.
Pittville School is a popular choice with families — it received 454 applications for 169 places, making it 2.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 162 were first-preference applications.
Pittville School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 80% recommending the school (74 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Pittville School include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Library, Astro Turf, Theatre, Music Rooms.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Swimming, Tennis, Rowing and 2 more, as well as clubs including Eco Club, Chess, Coding, Gardening and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 32.2%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Cheltenham, Pittville School is one of the options available in the South West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Albert Road, Cheltenham, Cheltenham, GL52 3JD |
| Headteacher | Richard Gilpin |
| Local Authority | Gloucestershire |
| Number of Pupils | 858 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 32.2% |
| School Capacity | 858 / 875 (98% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
26 Feb 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (26 Feb 2025): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 8 Jul 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.25)
939th of 3,141
Nationally
77th of 306
In South West
4th of 5
In Cheltenham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
Ofsted Parent View
74 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed169
454
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
162 families put this school as their 1st choice (36% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pittville School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Albert Road, Cheltenham
Cheltenham, GL52 3JD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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