Dean Close St John’s

Day & Boarding 3-13yrs

Type: Pre-Prep, Prep

Pupil Numbers: 140

Entrance Procedure: Throughout the entry process, you will be guided by the experienced Admissions Team, who are there to arrange a visit, explain what forms need to be completed and answer any questions you may have. The first step in the Admissions process is usually a visit to Dean Close St John’s (online or in person). We offer Taster Days so your child can experience what life at the school might be like. The steps are as follows: Registration Registration reserves a place for your child at the school. You will need to complete the Registration documents and a fee of £100 is payable at this stage. Entrance Assessment Once your child has registered they will be invited for a couple of Taster Days. Children from Year 3 will be invited to sit a Progress Test, which is simply used to understand your child's stage of learning. Offer of a Place & Acceptance Once your child has been offered a place, you will need to sign and return the contract and pay the acceptance deposit of £250 for Pre-Prep or £500 for Prep. You will then be invited to complete new starter forms.

Fees per term: Reception £2860 Years 1-2 £3430 Years 3-4 £4680 Years 5-6 £5250 Years 7-8 £5400 Boarding £6950

Head's Up

Start Date: 1st January, 2021

Previous Roles: Six years as Assistant Head and Chaplain at Lambrook School and prior to that Director of Sport and Houseparent at St Andrew’s, Kenya.

Something people don't know about you: I taught myself to juggle when I was 12!

Dean Close St John’s is a happy place where children thrive against a backdrop of kindness. We want all of our children to have ambitious dreams, to be stretched and challenged, and know that they can achieve anything, both inside and outside of the classroom. Children leave as grounded individuals who are ready to tackle the demands of their senior school and contribute richly wherever they find themselves.

The inside track from a current parent

We loved the size and friendly feel. There are fantastic facilities but they are all nicely placed together. The family atmosphere was immediate and we loved how confident the older children in the school seemed. The pre prep classrooms all had their own outdoor space as well as a playground for the years to mix.

As parents we love...

The small class sizes mean children are really tasked with work that suits their ability. The wrap around care is so flexible and affordable which helps working parents enormously. The approachability and responsiveness of the teaching staff.

As pupils we love...

The opportunity to move around the school and take part in specialist subjects like technology, science, ceramics and computing. All the outdoor learning and special activities set up each week for flourishing Friday. The chance to mix with lots of other age groups and therefore get to know children across all years- really feeling part of one family.

What makes us different

Set in beautiful, leafy grounds overlooking Chepstow Castle and the River Wye, Dean Close St John’s values the importance of outdoor learning, allowing children to thrive in an environment that encourages real childhood experiences.

Outdoor classroom, chickens, forest school and a cob pizza oven built by the children
Indoor heated swimming pool
On-site Kindergarten with free wraparound care, French, Art, Music and Swimming.
Strong on Sports, Art, Music and Drama
All-through Scholarships to Dean Close School, Cheltenham

Admissions

Personal tours can be arranged with our Head of Admissions, throughout to year to suit your needs.

Castleford Hill, Tutshill, Chepstow, Gloucestershire, NP16 7LE

t: 01291 622045

Useful Dates

Term Dates:

MICHAELMAS TERM 2022 Tuesday 6th September – Friday 16th December (After Carol Service, approximately 1.00pm)

Start of Term: Boarders Return: Monday 5th September from 5.00pm – Day children: Tuesday 6th September

Exeat: Friday 23rd September, 4.30pm – Sunday 25th September

Half-Term: Friday 21st October, 3.15pm – Sunday 6th November (Boarders return from 6.00pm) Monday 7th November – second half of term begins

Exeat: Friday 25th November, 4.30pm – Sunday 27th November (Boarders return from 6.00pm)

End of Term: Friday 16th December, after Carol Service (Approximately 1.00pm)

*LENT TERM 2023 Tuesday 10th January – Friday 24th March (3.15pm) Start of Term: Tuesday 10th January

Exeat: Friday 27th January, 4.30pm – Sunday 29th January (Boarders return from 6.00pm)

Half-Term: Friday 17th February, 3.15pm – Sunday 26th February (Boarders return from 6.00pm) Monday 27th February – second half of term begins

Exeat: Friday 10th March – Sunday 12th March (Boarders return from 6.00pm)

End of Term: Friday 24th March

*TRINITY TERM 2023 Tuesday 18th April – Saturday 8th July (After Speech Day, approximately 1.00pm)

Monday 17th April (Boarders return from 6.00pm) Start of Term: Tuesday 18th April

Exeat: Friday 28th April, 4.30pm – Bank Holiday Monday 1st May (Boarders return from 6.00pm) Half-Term: Friday 26th May, 3.15pm – Sunday 4th June (Boarders return from 6.00pm) Monday 5 June – second half of term begins

Exeat: Friday 23rd June, 4.30pm – Sunday 25th June (Boarders return from 6.00pm)

End of Term: Saturday 8 July, after Speech Day (Approximately 1.00pm)

*These dates are provisional and subject to change.

Open Days:

We run a series of Open Mornings, usually in Autumn and Spring.

Free Membership