• Dean Close St John's is caring, academically attentive and proudly family focused, with exceptional pastoral care and flexibility built into the offer.

• A good fit for families who value a prep with a strong family feel, practical flexibility and a clear senior-school pathway.

Admissions at Dean Close St John's are notably family friendly, with personal visits, open days and practical information about wraparound care, boarding and transport all easy to find. The school is keen to make the process accessible rather than intimidating.

Dean Close St John's publishes 11+ scholarships and exhibitions in academic studies, music, sport, art, drama and product design technology, with awards of up to 20% that can be supported by bursaries. That is a meaningful prep-school offer rather than a token gesture.

• The school does not publish bursary entry points, so families should ask directly.
• The school does not publish bursary award levels, so families should ask directly.
• Families should contact the school directly to ask whether any bursary, hardship support or discretionary fee assistance is available.

The published story is helped by a clear sense of place and tone. The site highlights the Chepstow setting, family-feel environment and flexible boarding, which gives parents something tangible to test on a visit.

Assessment at Dean Close St John's is purposeful but pastoral, especially in the senior prep years where children are being stretched towards 11+ and 13+ outcomes. The school presents this as growth and readiness rather than pressure for its own sake.