Compare International Schools in Cheltenham, United Kingdom

Location

Cheltenham Ladies' College is located in Cheltenham, a town known as the Festival Town, with Cheltenham providing a vibrant cultural scene. The town has great transport links and planning a visit is easy.

Stages

Lower College (Years 7–8; LC1 and LC2 from September 2026; ages 11–14). Upper College (Years 9–11; ages 13–16). Sixth Form College (Year 12–13) with two main academic pathways: A Levels and IB.

Type

All-girls day and boarding school. Boarding lies at the heart of College life; Junior Houses (11–16) and Senior Houses (16–18) support boarders within a house system.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Over 40 nationalities are represented in the student body; international boarders form a large portion of the community, which totals around 820 pupils.

Additional learning support

Pastoral and wellbeing support include a 24-hour medical centre and an extensive Wellbeing Programme; academic progress is overseen by Heads of College and Tutors; a Professional Guidance Centre provides guidance on careers, work experience and subject options.

Country affiliation

United Kingdom

School day structure

A typical school week includes a full academic timetable, Saturday Programme, and a wide range of co-curricular activities. Weekdays run from 7:00–8:00 wake-up and 8:20–8:45 arrival with lessons from 9:00–4:25, followed by after-school clubs, prep and house-based activities; buses operate for day pupils around 6:10–6:15 pm. The Saturday Programme offers cross-curricular activities for all pupils.

Bus service

A bus service for day pupils runs after the day schedule (buses for day pupils 6:10–6:15 pm). UK bus routes and escorted weekend transport exist, with a shuttle to Cheltenham Spa station and escorted airport transfers available for international boarders.

*Application and registration fees*
- Registration and examination fee (non-refundable): GBP 360.
- Registration fee for Beale Award applicants (non-refundable at point of registration; refunded if not offered a Beale Award): GBP 12.
- Acceptance fee (non-refundable): GBP 600.
- Acceptance deposit (payable to secure a place): UK-resident entrants (day) GBP 1,500; UK-resident entrants (boarding) GBP 3,500; entrants who are not resident in the UK (overseas deposit) GBP 15,000. A place is accepted on receipt of the completed acceptance form, the acceptance fee and the relevant acceptance deposit.

*Tuition fees by year group (termly and annual)*
- Lower College (LC1 & LC2): Day GBP 12,840 per term (GBP 38,520 per year); Boarding GBP 20,400 per term (GBP 61,200 per year).
- Upper College (UC3, UC4 & UC5): Day GBP 13,260 per term (GBP 39,780 per year); Boarding GBP 20,880 per term (GBP 62,640 per year).
- Sixth Form (continuing from CLC Upper College, SFC1 & SFC2): Day GBP 13,500 per term (GBP 40,500 per year); Boarding GBP 21,300 per term (GBP 63,900 per year).
- Sixth Form (new entrant to CLC, SFC1 & SFC2): Day GBP 14,460 per term (GBP 43,380 per year); Boarding GBP 22,740 per term (GBP 68,220 per year).
- Fees are charged termly and are payable in advance at the start of each term. The standard academic year is three terms; termly fees are divided equally across the three terms.

*Boarding-related charges and arrangements*
- Boarding tuition (termly amounts are listed above under each year group). The boarding fee includes accommodation during term time, breakfast, supper and laundry (excluding dry cleaning).
- Occasional boarding (ad-hoc weekday boarding) is charged at GBP 72 per night (includes supper and breakfast); booking availability is limited and subject to allocation.
- Student visa applicants are required to pay the overseas deposit amount as noted above; visa application costs follow UK Government arrangements and are payable separately.

*Other costs and extras (examples and typical charges)*
- Examination fees (GCSE/IB/A level) are charged to the parental invoice in the term before the exams; typical exam charges are in the region of GBP 45 to GBP 150 per exam.
- Extra tuition (per term rates for 2025/26 as an example): 30-minute individual lesson GBP 465; 45-minute individual lesson GBP 697.50; 60-minute individual lesson GBP 930. Instrument hire is GBP 60 per instrument per term. (Extra lesson prices are charged per term and are subject to departmental scheduling and notice requirements.)
- Digital Device Scheme: all students are automatically enrolled; the termly charge for the new Surface Pro 11 scheme example was GBP 210 (devices invoiced in advance).
- Insurances (examples): optional PPP AXA private medical insurance (illustrative premium GBP 158 per term); personal effects insurance illustrative premium GBP 8.31 per term; pupil absence insurance calculated as a percentage of the termly fee (termly premium examples shown in the schedule).
- Bookstation (on-site stationery shop) operates on a credit basis; parents can set a termly credit limit (maximum GBP 200 per term); purchases on debit/credit card are possible but won't be added to the term invoice.
- Additional charges to consider: uniform (procured via the school's provider), textbooks, hymn book, career guidance, house activities, Duke of Edinburgh Award costs, specific sports/arts tuition or coaching (e.g., horse-riding, tennis, dance), medical treatments as required, and incidental house expenditure. These are charged as applicable and added to the termly invoice or billed separately.

*Sibling discounts and bursaries*
- Sibling discount: 20% discount applies to the fees of day pupils who are the third or subsequent siblings attending the College; 10% discount applies to boarding pupils in the same sibling position. Discounts are applied before other awards.
- Means-tested bursaries (Beale Awards) provide partial or full fee remission for eligible entrants; bursary applicants have a separate registration process and may receive pro-rated acceptance fee/deposit adjustments should an award be granted.

*Billing schedule, payment terms and accepted payment methods*
- Invoicing and due dates: termly invoices are issued ahead of each academic term; payment is due on the first day of each term. Fees are applied in full for each term irrespective of term length.
- Notice and withdrawal: withdrawal of acceptance before starting requires one term's written notice or payment of a term's fees in lieu (special rules apply for certain entry years); withdrawal of current pupils normally requires one term's notice (two terms' notice required for withdrawal during Year 12 or Year 13) or payment of fees in lieu.
- Late payment and returned direct debit charges: interest is charged on late payments at a rate of 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate until payment is received; a returned direct debit charge of GBP 60 is applied per returned direct debit. The College reserves the right to suspend services for unpaid accounts.
- Fees-in-Advance: a fees-in-advance scheme is available offering a discount for payment of more than four academic terms in advance; specific terms and quotations are available from the finance office.
- Accepted payment methods for school fees: termly direct debit (UK accounts), monthly direct debit (11 instalments from 1 September to 1 July with additional termly collections for extras), direct bank transfer to the College account, cheque (made payable to Cheltenham Ladies' College and posted in good time for clearing), and other arrangements subject to the College's anti-money-laundering and sanction checks. Cash is not accepted for termly fee payments. (Card payments are used for some on-site purchases such as Bookstation but are not the standard method for paying termly invoices.)

*Refunds and cancellations*
- Acceptance fee: non-refundable.
- Registration fee for Beale Award applicants: refundable if the applicant is not offered a place as part of the Beale Award process (the small bursary registration fee is refunded to the original payment source when no award/place is offered).
- Withdrawal/notice: if notice of withdrawal is not given in the required period, the College charges a term's fees in lieu of notice as per the Terms and Conditions; termly fees are charged in full for the term even if a pupil leaves part-way through that term.

*Practical notes on invoicing and account management*
- All invoices display the College bank details for direct transfers; parents must include the pupil's name or invoice number when making payments to ensure correct allocation. Overseas payments should cover any bank charges levied by sending banks. The College may require evidence and checks when funds are received from third parties and retains the right to query or decline such payments under its financial controls.

(End of fees overview.)

Boarding Arrangements

Primarily a full boarding school. Most weekends boarders may leave after Saturday commitments and return for supper on Sunday, with some weekends requiring boarders to remain. The College has a combined community of around 820 day girls and boarders, with around 150 new students joining each year.

Uniform Requirement

The school has a uniform. College Uniform includes: skirt or trousers (kilt for LC & UC); blue blouse; blazer or jacket (navy for LC & UC; green for SFC); black shoes; navy or black tights or socks. A separate Sports Uniform is worn for PE with a defined kit. There are jewellery, makeup and mufti guidelines, including a single discreet necklace and no visible jewellery, and mufti allowed on Saturdays when leaving College.

Food Options

Boarding life includes shared meals in the boarding houses.

House System

The School has a House system with Junior Houses for 11–16 year olds and Senior Houses for 16–18 year olds. Each House is led by a Houseparent and supported by a team of pastoral staff, with aims to foster independence, wellbeing and personal growth.

Governance and Ownership

The College is incorporated by Royal Charter and is a Registered Charity. Council is the governing body, comprising up to 15 elected Members and three Nominated Members; governance is conducted through committees and the Clerk to Council provides administrative support.

Curriculum

GCSEs or IGCSEs are taken in UC4 and UC5 (Years 10–11). In the Sixth Form, students choose between A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with no fixed option blocks and a timetable built around their subject choices. Core languages include Mandarin Chinese, French, Italian, German and Spanish, with Japanese offered in the Sixth Form; home languages can also be supported where possible. The curriculum spans the arts, sciences and humanities, including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Economics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies & Philosophy, History of Art, Computing and Engineering. Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is available, and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) is included; Sport & Physical Education is compulsory for all year groups.

Exam Results

GCSE/IGCSE Results 2026: 1240 entries; 71% achieved 9-7 or A*-A; 87% achieved 9-4 or A*-A; 100% achieved 9-4 or A*-C. A Level Results 2026: 379 entries; 32% A*; 69% A*-A; 91% A*-B; 97% A*-C. IB Results 2026: 71.4% achieved 40+; 94.3% achieved 35+; average points 40.6.

Higher Education Progression

Leavers progress to leading universities in the UK, US and worldwide. The most popular destinations include UCL, Durham, St Andrews, Cambridge and Imperial, with many also taking places at Oxford, LSE, Exeter, Bristol, KCL, Manchester, Bath, Warwick and other top institutions. In 2025, 120 leavers secured places at Oxbridge, the Russell Group and Ivy League universities, and there were 421 offers to US colleges.

Gifted and Talented

Academic Scholars Programme extends learning beyond the classroom, encouraging enquiry, discussion and intellectual risk-taking. Forum42 offers enrichment with internal TEDx-style talks and external talks, and Academic Scholars lead discussions and contribute to College life, helping to stretch and inspire pupils.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Wellbeing is woven through everything we do via the Wellbeing Programme, pastoral care, a 24‑hour Medical Centre, nutrition, and chaplaincy support. Weekly Wellbeing, PSHE and Enrichment sessions are tailored to each age group. The Mental Health Team provides confidential support, with three Therapists, an Emotional Health Support Nurse and a Clinical Psychologist available for more complex needs.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Learning Support Department offers tailored provision for pupils with a range of learning needs, with regular progress reviews. All pupils are screened for specific learning difficulties on joining and at key transition points (LC1, UC3 and SFC1) to identify barriers to learning and to put the right support in place. Support is personalised and may include literacy, numeracy, executive function and study skills, delivered one‑to‑one or in small groups (with possible extra charge for some sessions).

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English is not the first language for a substantial portion of students. The Multilingual Learners Policy (formerly EAL) ensures multilingual learners have full access to a broad, balanced education and are supported to develop English proficiency, with regular monitoring and Multilingual Learner Profiles. Provision includes Lower College Multilingual English sessions (LC1 weekly, LC3 twice weekly) and Sixth Form IELTS coaching; IELTS preparation and language assessments inform admissions, and Multilingual Learner Profiles are shared with classroom teachers.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental health support is embedded in Wellbeing: the Mental Health Team works with pupils, Houseparents and parents; three Therapists provide targeted interventions; an Emotional Health Support Nurse delivers low‑level support; a Clinical Psychologist advises on more complex cases.

Safeguarding

Aims are to actively promote the welfare of children, staff and others and to protect them from harm; to have clear procedures for dealing with concerns; to raise staff awareness and reporting capability; to ensure safeguarding is consistent and to create a culture of safety and protection. The policy applies to the whole College, aligns with statutory guidance such as KCSIE 2024, and assigns roles including a Designated Safeguarding Lead and regular safeguarding training, induction and safer recruitment processes.

History

CLC first opened its doors because our founders believed their daughters deserved a better education. In 1865 we introduced science, mechanics and hydrostatics, despite opposition that these subjects were not ladylike. During WWI, students ran a Red Cross branch and a hospital, and during WWII we boarded the swimming pool and turned changing cubicles into study spaces. In the 1930s we were the first girls' school to receive a Royal Charter in over 200 years. Since 2000 the school has championed health, fitness and wellbeing and introduced engineering and psychology, continuing nearly 175 years of pioneering girls' education.

Community

The College has a vibrant community of around 820 day girls and boarders. The Community Links Programme involves thousands of hours of volunteering each year supporting the school's nominated charities and its legacy charity, St Hilda's East. Co-curricular life includes events such as the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts, Gloucestershire Schools Dance Festival, Scholars' Recitals, and a House Music Competition. The Feed publishes updates on social action, the arts and campus life, including features on social action rounds and arts roundups.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The College has a Parents' Association (CLC Parents' Association) that works with the College to engage parents. It keeps parents updated about the activities of the school and parent events, including by sending updates and newsletters by email and by post, and in coordination with Guild and other organisations. Communications with the Association may be delivered via Netcommunity or the Parent Portal. The Association promotes and raises funds for the school. Contact information for the Parents' Association is coordinated through the Guild Office or Netcommunity. The Guild is the alumni association and operates separately from the Parents' Association.

Facilities Overview

Cheltenham Ladies' College balances heritage with innovation, linking beautifully preserved 1800s buildings to contemporary facilities. The Health and Fitness Centre and Parabola Arts Centre are central to campus life, complemented by a programme of ongoing upgrades to support pupil thriving. The Sixth Form Centre is under development and due to open next academic year. The Library Services provide extensive print and digital resources across two libraries.

Sports Facilities

The Health and Fitness Centre includes two large sports halls, a climbing wall, a refurbished 25m swimming pool, a multi‑purpose activity studio, a dance studio, five squash courts and a 58‑station gym with free weights, spin and rowing facilities. Netball and Tennis are taught on an additional site with 17 courts. Outdoor pitches and a dedicated sports site support field-based activities, and Rowing and Equestrian take place at a separate, nearby location.

Academic Facilities

The Art and Technology Block houses dedicated studios and exhibition spaces, sculpture and printmaking facilities, textiles rooms, a MAC suite, art library, a traditional photography darkroom and a 3D printer. The Parabola Arts Centre, opened in 2009, features a 300+ capacity theatre, a dance studio and an on-site art gallery for performances and exhibitions. There are two Libraries: the Main Library with more than 23,000 books and the Lower College Library with a 9,000‑item collection, plus modern digital resources. Music and Drama facilities span the PAC and the main site, including a black box theatre, soundproofed practice rooms and a recording studio. A new Sixth Form Centre is planned to open next academic year, providing world‑class teaching facilities.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Co-curricular life centres on The Arts, Sport and Outdoor Education, and Personal Development. Dance classes and a range of performances take place in the Parabola Arts Centre, with trips to Disneyland Paris and other UK venues. Drama productions occur in the PAC, with four main annual productions and opportunities to study for Trinity and LAMDA qualifications. Music offers more than 1,000 weekly lessons and ensembles, with major annual concerts and exams such as ABRSM, Trinity or LCM. Sport includes hockey, lacrosse and netball with many teams, and additional sites host rowing and equestrian activities, plus a calendar of sport tours. Outdoor Education covers climbing, bushcraft, sailing and trekking, and features the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Adventure Club with international trips. The Enrichment Programme provides wellbeing, PSHE, academic development and other activities on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

Academic & Intellectual

The Enrichment Programme offers activities that support wellbeing, PSHE, academic development and enrichment beyond the curriculum. It runs on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, with all pupils taking part, and is run by a mix of staff and visiting speakers.

Arts & Creative

Art & Design and Textiles are taught in an award-winning, contemporary building with facilities for a wide range of techniques and creative work. Dance classes cover multiple styles, with performances each year and trips to events such as the Disneyland Paris International Festival of Dance and a London or UK-wide Dance Trip. Drama involves four main productions annually and opportunities to direct or work on technical teams; students may study Trinity and LAMDA acting, musical theatre and related exams. Music runs over 1,000 weekly lessons across more than 40 staff, with major concerts, recitals, and international tours.

Cultural & Language

Modern Languages are promoted through language outreach workshops and a Modern Languages Morning for local primary schools.

Social & Hobbies

Adventure Club offers kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, mountain biking and walking in the Cotswolds. There are social and arts events, including dance showcases and music recitals, supporting friendships and creative interests.

Community & Service

Community Links and charitable fundraising involve volunteering activities such as reading to children, performing for the elderly, mentoring refugees and sorting at the Food Bank. The school supports charitable fundraising through partnerships and events.

Leadership & Professional

The Enrichment Programme includes wellbeing, PSHE and career-related sessions with visiting speakers to develop leadership and professional skills. Outdoor Education offers Duke of Edinburgh's Award participation to build leadership, resilience and teamwork.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Wellbeing and healthy lifestyles are promoted through sport and fitness, Outdoor Education activities and Alexander Technique lessons to support physical and mental wellbeing and performance.

Admissions

Becoming a CLC student: The school welcomes around 150 new students each year to a community of 820 day girls and boarders. There are three entry routes: join as a Day student, join as a UK boarder, or join as an International boarder. The Whole School Open Day is on 3 October 2026 for those considering joining in 2027 or beyond. For 2027 intake, Year 7 deadline is 21 September 2026 and Year 12 deadline is 30 September 2026. Applications for Year 9 2028 entry should be submitted by 9 November 2026.

Scholarships

Scholarships recognise excellence and are awarded at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry across Academic, Arts, Drama, Music, Organ and Sport disciplines. Academic Scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+; at 11+ and 13+ all applicants are considered with shortlisted candidates invited to further assessment, while at 16+ shortlisted candidates attend an assessment day in November of Year 11 after submitting the Entrance Exam Form. Art Scholarships are available at 13+ and 16+, with a portfolio and practical task required; there are no Art Scholarships at 11+, but internal scholarship opportunities exist at the end of Lower College. Drama Scholarships are offered at 13+ and 16+, with shortlisted candidates taking part in a practical audition and interview. Music Scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+, assessed by performance, aural tests and interview; typical expectations include ABRSM grade levels (roughly Grade 4+ for Year 7, Grade 5+ for Year 9, and Grade 7+ for Sixth Form). Organ Scholarship is available at 16+. Sport Scholarships are available at 13+ and 16+, assessed by practical performance and interview; there are no 11+ scholarships, though opportunities to apply for internal scholarships exist at the end of Lower College. Financial support is available via Beale Awards, which are means-tested and can provide up to 100% fee remission for families in need; Beale Awards are available for entry in Year 7 or Year 12 (both day and boarding) and require UK taxpayer status.