Charterhouse School Overview
Charterhouse, established in 1611, is a prestigious co-educational boarding school with a rich legacy of academic excellence. Welcoming boys from age 13 and girls from 16, the school is home to over 800 pupils, most of whom are full boarders.
At its core, Charterhouse combines rigorous academics with a commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. While academic achievement is a key priority, the school goes far beyond exam results—fostering independent thinking, intellectual curiosity, and personal growth. Pupils are encouraged to explore a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, embrace the arts, stay physically active, and develop a strong sense of character, community, and service.
Summary Of School
- Type of school: Co-educational
- Age range: 13-18
- Pupils: 800+
- Sixth formers: ~400
- Boarders: 97%
- Fees: Day £15,006 per term
- Fees: Boarding; £18,806 per term
- 2024 Results: A Level 55%(A*-A); GCSE 74%(9 - 7); IB: 37 points average
Table of Contents
Academic Matters
Charterhouse combines academic rigour with creative teaching, led by a team of experienced and highly qualified educators. The school focuses on developing independent thinkers and curious learners. Pupils follow a traditional route to (I)GCSEs by Year 11, and in the Sixth Form, they can choose between the Cambridge Pre-U and the IB Diploma Programme. With consistently strong academic results, most leavers secure places at their first-choice universities through UCAS.
Charterhouse Courses And Programmes
GCSEs
In Years 10 and 11, known at Charterhouse as Remove and Fifth Form, pupils follow a broad curriculum leading to (I)GCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. These two years build a strong academic foundation, with a mix of core subjects and elective options designed to stretch intellectual ability and develop independent thinking. Pupils are encouraged to explore subjects in depth while preparing for the rigours of Sixth Form study.
A Levels
Charterhouse Fees
For the 2024–2025 academic year, Charterhouse School fees are as follows: £18,806 per term for boarding pupils and £15,006 per term for day pupils. These rates are effective from 1 January 2025 and include VAT.
Charterhouse Application Deadline
Applications for boarding places should be submitted to the college by September in the year prior to the start of the academic year the student wishes to enter. For example, applications for entry in either September 2025 or January 2026 should be submitted before September 2024.
Charterhouse Boarding And Pastoral Care
Charterhouse offers twelve recently refurbished boarding houses—referred to as Houses—that serve as the heart of school life for every pupil. These Houses provide a cozy and comfortable living environment within the historic Charterhouse grounds.
Most boarders have their own study-bedrooms, promoting independence and focus, while shared spaces such as common rooms, dining areas, and specialist facilities for music, art, sports, and sciences foster a strong sense of community and collaboration.
Each House is led by a resident Housemaster or Housemistress, supported by a Matron and a dedicated team of Tutors. Pupils also benefit from peer support through appointed House Monitors and a Head of House.
Girls, who join in the Sixth Form, are fully integrated into this system, with their own overnight accommodation and dedicated day study spaces.
Boys’ Houses include Bodeites, Hodgsonites, Saunderites, Daviesites, Lockites, Verites, Girdlestonenites, Pageites, Weekites, Gownboys, and Robinites, while girls are housed in Fletcherites, Chetwynd, Sutton, and Northbrook.
In short, boarding at Charterhouse is more than just accommodation—it’s a supportive and vibrant community that shapes character and lifelong friendships.
Charterhouse Extracurricular Activities
Art
Charterhouse’s Art programme encourages pupils to explore a variety of media including painting, sculpture, and digital design. Students develop their creativity by building on personal ideas and experiences, with opportunities to showcase their work through regular exhibitions and competitions.
Clubs & Societies
The school offers a diverse selection of over 60 clubs and societies. Pupils can take part in everything from pop science and film production to Scottish dancing and aeronautics. Many of these groups are student-led, promoting initiative, leadership, and a vibrant school community.
Dance
Dance classes are open to all pupils, with weekly sessions in Contemporary Dance, Musical Theatre Jazz, and Tap. These are led by expert instructors in partnership with a professional dance school. More advanced dancers can also enrol in Royal Academy of Dance Ballet classes, including Pointe work and technical training.
Music
Charterhouse provides a rich musical environment with opportunities for pupils of all levels. Students can take part in concerts, recitals, and music competitions judged by visiting professionals. The school supports all instrumental disciplines, helping pupils prepare and perform a wide range of pieces.
Sport
Sport is a central part of life at Charterhouse, with a programme that emphasises both enjoyment and excellence. Pupils of all skill levels are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of sports, helping them stay active, build teamwork, and pursue competitive goals.
Popular sports offered include:
Rugby
Football
Hockey
Cricket
Tennis
Athletics
Swimming
Golf
Netball
Cross-country
Squash
Fives
Theatre
The school has a long-standing tradition of performing arts and drama, offering pupils many ways to get involved in theatrical productions—on stage or behind the scenes. Performances take place in the professionally equipped Ben Travers Theatre and other venues, helping students develop their creativity, confidence, and collaboration skills.
