Cheltenham College Review – Fees, Rankings, And More
Cheltenham College has a rich history of educational excellence dating back to 1841. Set in the beautiful landscape of Cheltenham, the school is known for its focus on personalised teaching, holistic student development, and exceptional care for its students. Join us as we dive deep into what makes Cheltenham one of the top school destinations in the UK.
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Cheltenham College Summary
- Type of school: Co-educational
- Age range: 13-18
- Pupils: 748; sixth formers: 308
- Fees: Full boarding £55,275 – £56,739 pa (includes VAT)
- 2024 A-Level Results: 39.7% A*/A
- 2024 GCSE Results: 55.4% 9-7
Cheltenham College Overview
Cheltenham College offers an education rooted in academic excellence, personal growth, and a strong sense of community— with each student supported by highly qualified staff and exceptional pastoral care from both House and College.
Their commitment to holistic development and academic rigour has shown success— Resulting in 69% of students moving on to Russell Group universities in 2023. Cheltenham’s Sixth Form graduates attend top UK institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff, Exeter, and Newcastle, as well as esteemed universities in global cities such as New York, Virginia, Madrid, Hong Kong, and Dublin.
A point of emphasis is their small class sizes, which foster an environment where academic tutors—carefully selected for their expertise—can provide personalised support. This approach drives impressive A-level results, reflecting the success of Cheltenham College’s educational strategy.
Cheltenham College Courses and Programmes
Cheltenham College offers the following courses:
- Third Form (Ages 13 -14)
- Fourth Forms (GCSEs and IGCSEs)
- Fifth Form (GCSEs and IGCSEs)
- Sixth Form (Upper College) – Students in the sixth form have two academic options. The first option is, to study three A Levels and complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) meanwhile, the second option is studying four A Levels is the second.
Cheltenham College Application Deadline
For boarding admissions, applications should be submitted by September of the academic year prior to the desired start date. For example, to secure a place for either September 2025 or January 2026, applications must be received by September 2024.
Cheltenham College Ranking
According to the 2024 A-levels League Table, Cheltenham College ranked 169th. Meanwhile, the school is also ranked 188th in the 2024 GCSE League Table.
Cheltenham College Results
Here are the results achieved by Cheltenham College at the recent A Level and GCSE exams:
- 2024 A Level Results: 39.7% A*/A
- 2024 GCSE Results: 55.4% 9-7
Cheltenham College 2024/2025 Fees
Here are the tuition fees for Cheltenham College for the 2024–2025 academic year (fees are inclusive of VAT).
Full boarding Fees:
- Lower College (Years 9 –11): £18425 per term / £55,275 annually
- Upper College (Years 12 and 13): £18913 per term / £56,739 annually
Cheltenham College Entry Requirements
Third Form (Year 9)
The admissions process for the Third Form includes a visit, registration, Entrance Day assessments, and final acceptance. Entrance Day, held in November of Year 6, involves a group interview, assessments in English and Mathematics, and group activities. Offers are made immediately afterward, either guaranteeing a place or suggesting other options. Accepted pupils in Year 8 may then sit for an Academic Scholarship, the ISEB 13+ Common Entrance, or the Cheltenham College entrance exam. Additional assessments are held in May and October for late registrants, subject to availability.
Fourth Form (Year 10)
Around 20 new pupils join the Fourth Form each year. Applicants undergo a similar process, with assessments and an interview in the October before entry. These include entrance exams in English and Mathematics, with final decisions made in early December. Reports and references from current schools are required, but scholarships are not available at this entry level.
Lower Sixth (Year 12)
Approximately 40 new pupils join the Lower Sixth each year. The admissions process involves a visit, registration, and assessments in the November before the intended entry year. An offer of a place is conditional upon GCSE results, requiring at least five GCSEs at Grade 6 or equivalent. Applicants must take entrance exams or an academic scholarship assessment, and those intending to pursue Mathematics, Sciences, or Modern Languages at A Level must sit assessments in these subjects. Each subject assessment is based on GCSE-level content.
International Applicants
General entry requirements apply. For students whose first language is not English, it is recommended to take English as an additional language.
Cheltenham College Reviews
Cheltenham College is an outstanding educational institution that offers a perfect blend of academic excellence, holistic development, and strong pastoral care.
Cheltenham College is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, which consistently produces excellent examination results. The teachers are highly qualified and dedicated, fostering an environment where intellectual curiosity and a love for learning thrive. The College offers a broad range of subjects and provides excellent preparation for higher education, with many students securing places at top universities both in the UK and internationally.
Fantastic school which excels at sports and music.
Cheltenham College Pastoral Care
Cheltenham College prioritises the health and well-being of its pupils and staff through dedicated support structures and policies. Their pastoral care fosters a close partnership with families, ensuring that each student receives collaborative, proactive, and personalised care that nurtures their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Cheltenham College Extracurricular Activities
Cheltenham College offers a broad range of co-curricular activities, designed to develop students’ skills, passions, and resilience across various fields, including military training, drama, music, and sports.
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
With a proud military heritage dating back to 1862, Cheltenham College offers pupils in the Fourth Form the opportunity to join the Combined Cadet Force. Weekly training, field days, and annual camps allow cadets to build leadership, teamwork, and confidence, supported by experienced staff, some with military backgrounds.
Drama
Drama is a key part of life at Cheltenham, with at least six productions staged each year. Students can participate as actors or in backstage roles, gaining skills in stage management, lighting, and sound. Rehearsals are given dedicated time slots, allowing pupils to balance drama with academic work. Performances are held in the historic Big Classical theatre, where students perform to enthusiastic audiences.
Music
Cheltenham’s Music Department offers exceptional facilities, including two Steinway Model D concert grand pianos, an 800-seat chapel, and a suite with top music software for composition. With over 20 ensembles and 70 annual performances, students can join choirs, orchestras, jazz bands, and chamber groups. Opportunities for both recreational and advanced music-making are available, with frequent concerts held at prestigious venues in Cheltenham.
Sports
Cheltenham’s extensive sports programme includes 130 teams across 15 sports, with expert coaching from former Olympians and international players. With 82% of students participating in competitive fixtures, everyone has the chance to engage, excel, and enjoy physical activity. Talented athletes receive additional support through the Talented Athlete Programme, and sports at all levels foster health, well-being, and teamwork.
Through its diverse co-curricular offerings, Cheltenham College provides a well-rounded education that encourages students to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and build lifelong friendships.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheltenham College
Yes, Cheltenham College offers a range of scholarships and bursaries based on academic, sporting, musical, and artistic talents. Bursaries are means-tested and require financial disclosure from parents or guardians.
Cheltenham College provides a wide range of co-curricular activities, including sports, arts, music, drama, and outdoor pursuits. This extensive programme supports the holistic development of students.
The College has a robust pastoral care system, including housemasters, tutors, and a dedicated health and wellbeing team to ensure students’ welfare. The house system fosters a supportive community environment.
Yes, Cheltenham College welcomes international students and offers support through dedicated staff and resources, including assistance with English as an Additional Language (EAL).
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Apply To Cheltenham College Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!