Cheltenham Ladies’ College – UK Boarding School Review

Established in 1853, Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC) stands as one of the foremost independent girls’ schools in the UK. As a trailblazer for women’s education, the school played a pivotal role in championing opportunities for girls in its early years, becoming a symbol of progress in transforming women’s school education. From its modest beginnings as a boarding school, the institution has evolved into the expansive and dynamic campus it is today.

Cheltenham Ladies' College

Table of Contents

Summary of School

  • Type of school: Girls
  • Age range: 11-18
  • Pupils: 862, 316 (Sixth Form)
  • Boarders: 76%
  • Fees (2025): £13,530 Day per term; £20,490 Boarding per term
  • 2024 A Level Results: 69.5% A*/A
  • 2024 GCSE Results: 85.7% 9-7 (A*/A)
  • 2024 IB Results: 39.3 Point Average

Cheltenham Ladies' College Overview

Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC) is renowned for its academic rigour, supported by carefully designed programmes and exceptional study resources. The school employs a dedicated team of over 120 full-time teachers, complemented by 40 part-time staff and an additional 40 specialists in music and drama. This commitment ensures that students receive a well-rounded and deeply enriching education.

At Lower College, students are introduced to a diverse curriculum, including separate sciences, computing, humanities, philosophical enquiry, and a unique Language Acquisition course.

This foundation prepares them for Upper College, where most students take 10 GCSE subjects. The curriculum offers flexibility, though studying at least two sciences and one modern language is strongly recommended. After GCSEs, students can choose between A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, tailoring their education to their strengths and aspirations.

Campus and Atmosphere

Located in the charming town of Cheltenham, CLC benefits from a culturally rich setting. Cheltenham’s elegant architecture, lush public gardens, and diverse shopping streets provide an inspiring backdrop for student life. The town also hosts renowned annual festivals celebrating literature, science, jazz, and music, enriching the cultural experience for students.

Thanks to the influence of Dorothea Beale, the school’s transformative principal, the campus itself blends Victorian Gothic elegance with contemporary facilities, reflecting the school’s commitment to combining tradition with modernity.

Boarding and Pastoral Care

CLC offers both boarding and day options, with pastoral care earning high praise from parents and students alike. Boarders are grouped into houses of around 60 girls, while day students enjoy the same sense of community within their own houses. Parents can rest assured, as Housemistresses are recognised for their attentiveness and quick response to issues, ensuring that any concerns, such as friendship challenges or bullying, are addressed promptly.

Student wellbeing is a huge emphasis at CLC. Introduced in 2015, the whole-school wellbeing programme includes sessions on healthy lifestyles, stress management, study skills, self-defence, and mindfulness. The library, equipped with wireless access, remains a hub for academic and personal growth, with staff ensuring students maintain a balanced approach to their studies. Daily assemblies in Princess Hall provide a reflective start to each day, fostering a sense of community and shared values.

Cheltenham Ladies' College Courses And Programmes

Lower College (Years 7–9)

The Lower College curriculum offers students a broad and dynamic foundation, preparing students for the rigours of GCSE course begins in Year 9 (LC3). This phase focuses on providing a well-rounded education, encouraging students to explore diverse subjects and develop key skills across a contemporary curriculum. During these formative years, tailored guidance ensures that students’ early interests and aspirations for higher education are identified and supported.

Upper College (Years 10–11)

At Upper College, students typically take 10 GCSE subjects, including essential core subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, and English Literature. The curriculum also provides the opportunity to pursue the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), enabling students to explore a topic of personal interest in depth. The school encourages students to maintain a balanced selection of subjects while allowing for individual preferences and strengths, ensuring a strong and diverse academic foundation.

Sixth Form (Years 12–13)

The Sixth Form offers two distinct academic pathways: the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or A Levels, providing flexibility to suit varying academic goals and interests.

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB)
    Students selecting the IB choose six subjects across different curriculum areas, with three studied at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. Alongside their chosen subjects, students engage in the IB Core, which includes the Theory of Knowledge course, an Extended Essay, and the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) component, fostering critical thinking and personal development.

  • A Levels
    The A Level pathway allows students to focus deeply on three or four subjects over two years. Those pursuing three A Levels may supplement their studies with Mathematics and Further Mathematics or the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The flexibility of this route also includes the option to begin a new language through the IB language ab initio certificate. All A Level exams are conducted at the end of the two-year programme.

Subject Flexibility and Individualised Timetables

One of the school’s defining features is its commitment to personalised education. Students are not restricted by fixed option blocks. Instead, they receive expert guidance to craft a subject combination tailored to their unique interests, strengths, and aspirations. This approach ensures that every student’s timetable aligns with their academic goals while offering opportunities to explore new subjects and areas of study at each stage of their education.

Cheltenham Ladies' College 2024/25 Fees

Tuition Fees for Lower College, Upper College, and Current Pupils Advancing to Sixth Form (inclusive of VAT):

For the academic year 2024/25, the College fees are as follows:

  • Boarding: £18,450 per term
  • Day: £11,940 per term

Tuition Fees for New Students Joining College in the Sixth Form (inclusive of VAT):

For the academic year 2024/25, college fees for new students joining the College in the Sixth Form are as follows:

  • Boarding: £20,490 per term
  • Day: £13,530 per term

Additional charges may apply for external exams, certain co-curricular activities (such as offsite activities or extra music and drama lessons), supplementary coaching, select curriculum trips, educational magazine subscriptions, and optional insurance coverage.

Cheltenham Ladies' College 2024 Results and Rankings

In 2024, students at Cheltenham Ladies’ College have achieved amazing results in the A Level, GCSE and IB examinations, cementing CLC as one of the top boarding schools for girls in the UK.

  • 2024 A Level Results: 69.5% A*/A
  • 2024 GCSE Results: 85.7% 9-7 (A*/A)
  • 2024 IB Results: 39.3 Point Average

Cheltenham Ladies’ College ranks 26th in our A-Levels League Table for 2024.

Cheltenham Ladies' College Admissions Process

Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC) offers structured admissions processes for entry at 11+, 13+, and 16+, each tailored to identify and welcome students who will thrive in their dynamic educational environment.

1. 11+ Entry (Year 7)

  • Registration: Prospective students should submit a Registration Form by 1st July of Year 5.

  • Experience Days: Optional LC1 Experience Days are available for families to tour the campus, visit houses, and meet staff and students.

  • Entrance Exam Form: Registered candidates receive an Entrance Exam Form, to be returned by 1st August before Year 6.

  • Assessment Day: Held in the first two weeks of October, including group discussions, activities, and tests in Maths, English, and Verbal Reasoning.

  • Offers: Places are offered in mid-November of Year 6, based on assessment performance and references.

  • Scholarships: Top performers are invited for scholarship assessments in February of Year 6.

2. 13+ Entry (Year 9)

  • Registration: Submit a Registration Form by 1st July of Year 6.

  • Entrance Exam Form: To be returned by 1st August between Year 6 and Year 7.

  • Assessment Session: Conducted in November of Year 7, involving written papers, group discussions, and team activities.

  • Offers: Extended in December of Year 7, considering assessment results and school references.

  • Scholarships: Information sent in Summer of Year 7; assessments occur in January and February of Year 8.

3. 16+ Entry (Sixth Form)

  • Registration: Submit a Registration Form by 1st July of Year 10 for bursary applicants; standard applications have deadlines of 1st August for international and 4th October for UK students.

  • Essay Submission: Handwritten essays are required to assess written communication skills; topics provided from the start of May half-term holidays.

  • Interviews: Some candidates may have virtual interviews to discuss their essays.

  • Entrance Exam Form: Sent in June, candidates specify subject preferences for A Levels or IB.

  • Assessments: Entrance exams are conducted in October of Year 11.

  • Offers: Issued in December of Year 11, based on exam performance and references.

  • Scholarships: Assessments for Art, Music, or Sport scholarships are available; indicate interest on the Entrance Exam Form.

For all entry points, CLC encourages prospective families to visit the campus through Open Days or private tours to experience the community firsthand.

For international applicants, kindly contact our Britannia education agents for further information on the admissions process.

Cheltenham Ladies' College Reviews

Maya
5/5

I’m a boarder and I’m always surrounded by friends. We support each other and help each other. It’s this interdependence that really makes boarding so much fun and so special.

Carina
5/5

Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC) is very good at producing well-rounded prototypes and its method of teaching is productive for those girls who are less independent in their academic approach. Class size ranged from about 15 in younger years to not more than about 10 in sixth form. The faculty were very hands on and accessible, though the limit of their skills were exposed with reference to the more independent students as discussed above. Work load was fairly high in sixth form, but never unmanageable.

Xinya
5/5

It’s not always academic (at Cheltenham), there’s lots of fun activities and wellbeing and it’s really exciting.

Rachel
5/5

I think there is something to be said about how willing the teachers are to go above and beyond what’s required of them as teachers just to support the students and to make sure you understand and that you’re okay.

Ameena
5/5

Cheltenham students are known to be well-rounded, dynamic and capable. A lot of this is due to the great support that we have at CLC. There is this really positive culture where we support each other. The classes are small too, so we get to know each other pretty well. The teachers here are great and I owe them my successes!

Cheltenham Ladies' College Accommodation

CLC offers a thoughtfully designed house system that ensures a smooth transition for new boarders. Each house fosters a supportive environment where older students help younger ones settle in, forming “House families.”

With experienced staff and welcoming boarding houses, CLC creates a genuine home away from home, ensuring every boarder feels valued and part of a close-knit community.

Life in the Boarding Houses

Boarding houses are central to life at CLC, offering spaces where students eat, sleep, study, and relax. These homes cultivate camaraderie and a strong house spirit, brought to life through friendly inter-house competitions. Beyond daily life, the boarding experience aims to:

  • Build independent, confident young adults capable of forming meaningful relationships and contributing to society.

  • Support students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

  • Foster academic success in a supportive learning environment.

  • Encourage participation in co-curricular activities.

  • Provide opportunities for leadership and responsibility.

Weekend Flexibility

While CLC operates as a full-boarding school, it offers flexibility on most weekends. Boarders can leave on Saturday afternoons, once school commitments are complete, and return by Sunday evening supper. Exceptions include “closed weekends,” such as the first and last weekends of each term and during special events when students remain on campus. This approach helps families balance school and home life while fostering deeper connections to the CLC community.

House Allocation

House placement at CLC is unique. Students apply to the college as a whole, not to a specific house. House assignments are finalised 2–3 months before enrolment, typically in June or July for a September start. While parents may express preferences, specific placements cannot be guaranteed except for siblings. Houses are not linked to specific activities, such as sports or music, ensuring a balanced mix of abilities, interests, and backgrounds within each house. The purpose of this approach is to ensure students live in a supportive and enriching environment so they can develop holistically.

Cheltenham Ladies' College Extracurricular Activities

Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC) emphasises a balanced approach between academics and co-curricular activities, offering over 170 options for students to explore their interests. Music, drama, sports, and volunteering are core elements of their vibrant co-curricular programme.

The Arts at CLC

Music and drama are prominent activities at CLC, with performances ranging from concerts to lunchtime recitals. The school’s Parabola Arts Centre, located on Parabola Road, serves as a hub for creativity. This state-of-the-art facility features:

  • A 300-seat theatre.
  • Dance rehearsal studios.
  • A gallery for exhibitions, used by the school and occasionally opened to the public.

The school also invites artists and writers in residence, enriching students’ exposure to the arts and fostering creative expression.

Charitable Work

CLC has a strong tradition of community service, with students voting annually on four charities to support, alongside St Hilda’s East, an alumnae-established charity. In Cheltenham, students volunteer at homeless shelters, animal sanctuaries, primary schools, and retirement homes, developing a deep sense of responsibility and empathy.

Sports

CLC has a wide range of sporting and fitness activities for students, supported by outstanding facilities, including a modern health and fitness center. Sports opportunities include:

  • Hockey
  • Tennis
  • Lacrosse
  • Athletics
  • Netball
  • Swimming
  • Riding
  • Skiing

The school also caters to varied interests, offering alternative fitness activities such as Zumba and Pilates. Students frequently excel in sports, reaching national finals in hockey, swimming, and riding, and achieving recognition in athletics, tennis, skiing, and netball.

This enriching boarding experience ensures students discover and develop their passions, fostering confidence and well-rounded growth.

Cheltenham Ladies' College Contact Information

  • Website: https://www.cheltladiescollege.org/
  • Email: enquiries@cheltladiescollege.org
  • Phone Number: +44(0)1242 520691
  • Address: Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3EP

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Apply To Cheltenham Ladies' College Today!

Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!

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