Balcarras School vs St Edward's School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South West, England, 1.2 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
St Edward's School
Cheltenham · Independent secondary · Ages 11–18
224 students
| Measure | Balcarras School Cheltenham, South West | St Edward's School Cheltenham, South West |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 90 Top 10% | 29 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #23 of 402 | #317 of 402 |
| National rank | #251 of 4,090 | #3034 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Academy | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 11–18 |
| Students | 1,427 | 224 |
| Pupils on roll | 1,427 | 224 |
| Free school meals | 6.4% | – |
| Capacity filled | 105% | 47.2% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 58.5 | 38.5 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 66.5% | 0% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 84% | 0% |
| EBacc average points | 5.17 | 2.99 |
| A level points per entry | 40.3 | 39.7 |
| town | Cheltenham | Cheltenham |
| region | South West | South West |
| Website | www.balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk/ | www.stedwards.co.uk |
The verdict
- •Balcarras School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (90.3 vs 28.7).
- •Balcarras School is the larger school with 1,427 students compared with 224.
- •Balcarras School is a academy school while St Edward's School is a independent school, so fees and admission rules differ.
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 St Edward's School?
On the Success Index (England), Balcarras School ranks higher (90.3 vs 28.7 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 St Edward's School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Cheltenham and Cheltenham in South West.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Balcarras School: 1,427. St Edward's School: 224. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Balcarras School and St Edward's School rank in South West?
Balcarras School is 23rd of 402 and St Edward's School is 317th of 402 among secondary schools in South West on the 2025 Success Index (England).