Charterhouse School Review – Programmes, Fees, And More
Established in 1611, Charterhouse is a premier independent day and boarding school catering to boys and girls aged 13 to 18. Nestled in the charming town of Godalming, the school aims to provide a balanced and vibrant environment focused on academic excellence and ample opportunities in areas such as the arts, music, sports, languages, and sciences.
Share This Article
Summary Of School
- Type of school: Co-educational
- Age range: 13-18
- Pupils: 930; sixth formers: 393
- Boarders: 80%
- Fees: Day £40,017 per annum; Boarding £50,148 per annum
- 2024 IB Results: 37.5 Point Average
- 2024 A-Level Results: 55% A*-A
- 2024 GCSE Results: 74% 9-7
Table of Contents
Charterhouse Overview
Charterhouse offers one of the finest all-round educational experiences in the UK, providing an immersive learning environment that is brimming with opportunities, excitement, and enjoyment. Their ethos is centred on preparing pupils to be as future-ready as possible, ensuring they leave school equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving society.
While there is a strong emphasis on academic achievement, this is merely the foundation of Charterhouse’s broader ambitions for its students. The school is dedicated to helping each child reach their personal academic potential, offering individual support and nurturing at every stage. Additionally, pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, ensuring that no two Charterhouse experiences are alike. This diversity enables every pupil to discover their unique passions, often in unexpected places, which they carry forward into later life.
Charterhouse Courses and Programme
GCSE Programme
Charterhouse offers a robust academic programme designed to prepare students for GCSE exams, emphasising flexibility, choice, and nurturing each child’s individual strengths. Pupils have the opportunity to study either 9 or 10 GCSEs and make their subject selections around Easter in Year 9.
Sixth Form Curriculum
The Sixth Form curriculum at Charterhouse is both stimulating and academically demanding, offering students a range of pathways to choose from. For those opting for A Levels, which are the main school-leaving qualifications in the UK, Charterhouse provides a broad selection of subjects. As an IB World School, Charterhouse also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which requires students to study six different subject areas alongside a common core.
Charterhouse Rankings And Results
In 2024, 55% of students achieved A*-A grades in their A Level examinations, according to the official Charterhouse website. The school’s IB cohort attained an average score of 37.5 points in the 2024 exams. For GCSE examinations, 74% of the cohort achieved grades 9-7, a testament to the quality of education at Charterhouse.
Charterhouse Entry Requirements
Year 9 Entry Requirements
Admission into Year 9 is competitive and involves several steps:
- Registration: Prospective students should register by 30 September, two years prior to entry.
- ISEB Common Pre-Test: Applicants take the online Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) Common Pre-Test, assessing English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- Interview and Activity Assessment: Shortlisted candidates are invited to Charterhouse for interviews and participation in various activities to evaluate their suitability.
- School Reference: A reference from the candidate’s current school is required to provide insight into their academic performance and character.
Year 10 Entry Requirements
While Year 10 is not a standard entry point, Charterhouse occasionally admits students into this year group:
- Assessment: Candidates undergo academic assessments to determine their proficiency in relevant subjects.
- Interview: An interview with senior staff members assesses the candidate’s academic potential and alignment with the school’s values.
- School Reference: A reference from the current school is required to provide context on the student’s academic history and personal qualities.
Sixth Form Entry Requirements
For entry into the Sixth Form (Year 12), where students pursue A Levels or the IBDP:
- Academic Achievement: Applicants are generally expected to have a high proportion of grades 8 and 9 at (I)GCSE or equivalent.
- Assessment and Interview: Candidates participate in assessments and interviews to demonstrate their academic abilities and interests.
- Extracurricular Strengths: The school encourages applications from students with talents in areas such as art, music, performing arts, and sports.
International Students
Charterhouse welcomes international students and provides support throughout the admissions process:
- English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate proficiency through standardised English tests
- Remote Assessments and Interviews: The school facilitates online assessments and interviews for overseas applicants.
- Visa Requirements: The admissions team assists international students in obtaining the necessary student visas to study in the UK.
For detailed information on the admissions process, prospective students and parents are encouraged to visit the official Charterhouse admissions page.
Charterhouse Fees
Here are the tuition and boarding fees per annum:
- Full boarding: £50,148
- Day Fees: £40,017
*A detailed schedule of fees is available on request from the Admissions Office.
Charterhouse Boarding Experience and Pastoral Care
The school’s pastoral vision is rooted in Christian values, encouraging pupils to embody the principles of Kindness, Responsibility, Open-mindedness, Moral Courage, and Perseverance.
A dedicated pastoral team, led by the Deputy Head (Pastoral), ensures that pupils receive consistent support. This team includes the Director of Wellbeing & Inclusion, Director of Safeguarding and SEN, tutors, medical staff, and counsellors.
Heads of Houses, who reside in the boarding houses, act as day-to-day mentors, providing guidance and ensuring each pupil’s holistic development. The presence of House tutors further strengthens academic and co-curricular oversight, while the chaplaincy, medical staff, and Wellbeing Centre offer additional support whenever needed.
The structure within the boarding houses and year groups promotes peer support, where experienced students assist newcomers in adjusting and thriving within the school community. This layered approach to pastoral care ensures that each pupil at Charterhouse feels valued, secure, and empowered to lead a fulfilling school life.
In addition, House spirit is cultivated through a range of competitions, spanning activities from art to water polo, with House colours awarded for achievements in both cultural and sporting arenas, as well as for upholding the school’s values.
Charterhouse Extracurricular Activities
Co-curricular activities form a vital part of the education at Charterhouse. These activities provide opportunities for leadership development, creativity, physical exercise, teamwork, and most importantly, fun. With over 80 different sports and activities to choose from, including outdoor pursuits, music, drama, and other creative endeavours, pupils are encouraged to take their existing interests to new heights and explore new ones. The school’s timetable enables all students to engage in a wide variety of sports and creative arts, making full use of its excellent facilities.
Dance
As part of the co-curricular programme, students can participate in weekly classes covering Contemporary Dance, Musical Theatre Jazz, and Tap, all taught by expert instructors in collaboration with the Phillipa Hogan School of Dance. For those interested in Ballet, classes from Grade 5 onwards are offered, along with Pointe work and specialised training for advanced dancers, all taking place at the Dance School located at Charterhouse.
Club & Societies
Charterhouse offers an impressive range of clubs and societies for pupils to engage in. This diverse selection of challenging activities is a crucial aspect of the school’s comprehensive educational philosophy, featuring options ranging from Baking to Filmmaking, Scottish Dancing to Aeronautics, along with many mainstream and more unique choices in between.
Sports
The sports programme at Charterhouse encourages students to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle while developing essential life skills such as leadership and teamwork. With a wide array of sports available, including football, rugby, cricket, hockey, tennis, athletics, and swimming, there is something to cater to every interest. The school also offers distinctive options such as squash, lacrosse, fives, and a 9-hole golf course. Pupils can participate in both inter-school competitive matches and inter-house competitions, ensuring that everyone, from aspiring athletes to those who simply enjoy being active, can find their place. The impressive facilities, including the Queen’s Sports Centre with its indoor pool and fitness gym, support skill development and foster a love for sport among all students.
Charterhouse Reviews
Charterhouse has been a wonder for parents like me who send their kids abroad to a boarding school. We get regular updates from the staff here and it does make a big difference knowing that they care about their students’ wellbeing.
My son went from not being able to finish a school year to be on the honor roll 2 semesters in a row! The staff goes out of their way to let me know what’s going on and if I need something above and beyond what a typical school would do they don’t hesitate to figure a way to help my son. Thanks, Charterhouse and all the exceptional staff who work there!
The teachers were extremely professional and well-organised. You can feel that they care and truly want the best for your child. It’s always a pleasure to chat with them whenever the school sends us updates about our son’s progress.
Charterhouse FAQ
What age groups does Charterhouse cater to?
The school offers education for boys and girls from ages 13 to 18, with a focus on preparing students for GCSEs, IB and A Levels.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, Charterhouse offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries based on academic merit, musical talent, and other criteria. Information on applications can be found on the school’s website.
Can students pursue sports at a competitive level?
Yes, Charterhouse supports students who wish to compete at a high level in various sports, providing coaching and opportunities for competition.
Are there opportunities for international students?
Yes, Charterhouse welcomes international students and offers tailored support to help them integrate and thrive within the school community.
Charterhouse Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.charterhouse.org.uk
- Location: Charterhouse, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2DX, England
- Email address: reception@charterhouse.org.uk
- Phone: +44(0)1483 291500
