About Our School

The Richard Pate School is an outstanding independent day preparatory school and nursery for boys and girls aged 3 to 11 years.

Set in a beautiful 11-acre semi-rural site in Leckhampton on the outskirts of Cheltenham, it is a happy and aspirational school offering a love of learning, breadth of opportunity and a strong sense of community and fun.

Welcome From The Head

Choosing the right school for your child can be one of the most challenging jobs as a parent but equally one of the most important. I have had the great privilege of being part of the Richard Pate family for 15 years and have seen a generation of children benefit from the unique education offered by the dedicated professionals that look after them so well.

People often ask why they should choose our school and I believe there are a number of reasons. The majority of our children join in Nursery and from the age of three we aim to instil a joy of learning that follows them throughout their time with us and beyond. We have invested significantly in the school over the years and are very fortunate to benefit from specialist facilities including an art studio, science lab, music centre and floodlit astro. This allows our specialist staff to offer the children the broadest possible education. We also take great pride in helping parents to choose the right onward destination to suit their particular child. In my time as Head the children have transitioned to over 40 different schools with each suited to their own particular strengths and attributes. A large percentage gain places at grammar schools or scholarships at independent senior schools. More important than any of these reasons is the sense of family that links us all together. The children learn the importance of respecting themselves and one another. Developing happy, confident, enthusiastic learners is what we all strive for so why not book a visit to join me for a tour of the school?

With best wishes,

Robert MacDonald
Headmaster

Year 5 Experience Day: Saturday 17th May

Saturday 17th May 2025

Does your child enjoy academic challenge? Will they be sitting the 11+ Grammar Test?

Come and join us for a Year 5 experience at The Richard Pate School and find out how they would benefit from our excellent provision. We are inviting current Year 4 children to come for a taster of life at our wonderful school. Parents are invited to join us for refreshments from 12pm, to hear more about the ways in which our specialist teachers will guide your family through the Grammar School process.

Saturday 17th May, 9.30am – 12.30pm

Open to current Year 4 children

To book a place, please email office@richardpate.co.uk or call 01242 522086.