Balcarras School vs Churchdown School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South West, England, 9.2 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Balcarras School
Cheltenham · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
1,427 students
Churchdown School
Gloucester · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
1,430 students
| Measure | Balcarras School Cheltenham, South West | Churchdown School Gloucester, South West |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 90 Top 10% | 74 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #23 of 402 | #65 of 402 |
| National rank | #251 of 4,090 | #846 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Academy | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 11–18 |
| Students | 1,427 | 1,430 |
| Pupils on roll | 1,427 | 1,430 |
| Free school meals | 6.4% | 18% |
| Capacity filled | 105% | 107.4% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 58.5 | 51.5 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 66.5% | 53.8% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 84% | 77.5% |
| EBacc average points | 5.17 | 4.22 |
| A level points per entry | 40.3 | 36.0 |
| town | Cheltenham | Gloucester |
| region | South West | South West |
| Website | www.balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk/ | www.churchdownschool.com/ |
The verdict
- •Balcarras School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (90.3 vs 73.7).
- •Churchdown School is the larger school with 1,430 students compared with 1,427.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Balcarras School better than Churchdown School?
On the Success Index (England), Balcarras School ranks higher (90.3 vs 73.7 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Balcarras School and Churchdown School?
About 9.2 km in a straight line, between Cheltenham and Gloucester in South West.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Balcarras School: 1,427. Churchdown School: 1,430. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Balcarras School and Churchdown School rank in South West?
Balcarras School is 23rd of 402 and Churchdown School is 65th of 402 among secondary schools in South West on the 2025 Success Index (England).