Cheltenham Ladies’ College Overview
Established in 1853, Cheltenham Ladies’ College is an independent boarding school for girls located in the town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. It has approximately 850 students aged 11 to 18, with around 30% being international students. Many come from top schools in Hong Kong, such as DGS, and are known for being self-disciplined and speaking English most of the time. The school consistently achieves excellent GCSE, A-Level, and IB results, earning accolades such as “Top Girls’ Boarding School in the Country for IB” and “Top Independent School in the South West.” It is also widely regarded as the “female version of Eton.”
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Cheltenham Ladies' College Courses & Programmes
In the Lower College (Years 7-9) program, CLC offers a comprehensive foundation that serves as a springboard for GCSE courses, some of which commence during LC3 (Year 9). The school places a strong emphasis on cultivating a contemporary and well-balanced curriculum for students in this phase. Throughout this stage, students receive valuable guidance to foster and support their early aspirations for Higher Education.
During Upper College (Years 10 and 11), the majority of students undertake studies in 10 GCSE subjects, which encompass core disciplines such as Mathematics, English Language, and Literature. As an added option, students can also pursue the Higher Project Qualification. CLC actively encourages students to maintain a diverse curriculum while granting them the autonomy to select their preferred subjects.
In the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13), students are presented with the opportunity to pursue either the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or A Levels.
For those who opt for the IB, they have the task of selecting six subjects from distinct curriculum areas, with three at Higher level and three at Standard level. Alongside their subject studies, they engage in a core programme that encompasses Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, and Service.
Students who choose the A Level pathway can undertake up to four subjects in a linear course spanning two years. Those pursuing three A Levels may opt for Mathematics and Further Mathematics or the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Additionally, students have the opportunity to embark on the study of a new language through the IB language ab initio certificate. All A Level examinations take place at the conclusion of the second year.
CLC provides a wealth of possibilities when it comes to subject combinations, and ample opportunities for discussions regarding new subjects and choices at each stage. Unlike many schools, there are no predetermined options blocks. Instead, with guidance, students have the freedom to select a personalised subject combination that aligns with their unique needs and aspirations, forming the foundation of their individual timetables.
Cheltenham Ladies' College Academic Results
Cheltenham Ladies’ College has attained impressive outcomes in the A Level, GCSE, and IB examinations. In the year 2024, the college achieved the following results:
A Level
- A*-A: 70.4%
GCSE
- 9-7: 86.7%
IB
- 39.3 Point Average
Cheltenham Ladies' College Application Deadline
Applications for boarding places should be submitted to the College before the September prior to the start of the academic year the student wishes to enter. For example, applications for entry in either September 2026 or January 2027 should be submitted before September 2025.
Cheltenham Ladies' College Extracurricular Activities
CLC places significant importance on each student achieving a harmonious balance between academic pursuits and co-curricular engagements. The school offers a diverse range of over 170 activities, ensuring that girls can discover their unique interests and passions. However, music and drama hold prominent positions at CLC, with abundant opportunities for all students who aspire to showcase their talents. The school organises concerts and lunchtime recitals to provide platforms for performances. Notably, the school’s arts centre, known as the Parabola, stands as a remarkable asset. Situated adjacent to the main school on Parabola Road, the Parabola features a 300-seat theatre, dance rehearsal rooms, and a petite gallery. While primarily serving the school community, the gallery also hosts public exhibitions and shows. It is not uncommon for CLC to host artists and writers in residence, who utilise the arts centre for their creative endeavours.
CLC upholds a rich tradition of charitable volunteering and fundraising. Each year, the girls nominate and vote for four charities to support, in addition to St Hilda’s East, a charitable organisation established by CLC alumnae. In Cheltenham itself, one can often witness the girls actively involved in assisting homeless shelters, animal sanctuaries, primary schools, and retirement homes, demonstrating a strong commitment to community service.
Regarding athletics, participation in physical activities is mandatory for all girls. The school has recently introduced a state-of-the-art health and fitness facility on campus, enabling year-round engagement in sports such as hockey, tennis, and lacrosse. Notably, the school has achieved notable accomplishments in various disciplines, including athletics, tennis, skiing, horseback riding, and netball. In fact, CLC students have achieved placements in national finals for hockey, swimming, and horseback riding. For those who may not be inclined towards traditional sports, options like Zumba and pilates are also available to cater to diverse interests and preferences.
Cheltenham Ladies' College Boarding
For many students at Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC), enrolling in the institution signifies their initial extended period away from their homes. Whether they originate from the United Kingdom or overseas, the college’s house system is meticulously crafted to facilitate a seamless transition for new boarders. Senior students within each house assume a crucial role in warmly welcoming and nurturing younger pupils, forming what is often referred to as “House families.” With the guidance of experienced staff and cosy boarding houses, CLC endeavours to create a genuine home away from home for all boarding students. The objective is to ensure that each boarder not only feels included but also esteemed, as an integral part of a close-knit community.
The boarding houses serve as havens where girls engage in activities such as eating, sleeping, playing, relaxing, and studying. Within this nurturing environment, a strong sense of camaraderie and familial bonds thrives, and girls foster a robust house spirit that comes alive during spirited inter-house competitions of various types.
Cheltenham Ladies' College Pastoral Care
Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC) is a prestigious independent school offering both boarding and day programmes. Parents have commended the exceptional pastoral care provided, whether for boarders residing in houses accommodating 60 girls each or day girls. House mistresses have been praised for their responsiveness and accessibility, swiftly addressing any issues such as friendship concerns or bullying to ensure a nurturing environment.
In 2015, the school implemented a comprehensive wellbeing programme that encompasses the entire student body. This programme includes dedicated sessions on promoting healthy lifestyles, managing stress, enhancing study skills, self-defence, and practising mindfulness. Additionally, the school gathers daily in Princess Hall for communal prayer.
Cheltenham Ladies' College Fees
Fees for Lower College, Upper College and current pupils moving to Sixth Form:
Boarding per year
2024/25Day per year
2024/25Fees for new girls joining College in the Sixth Form:
Boarding per year
2024/25Day per year
2024/25Cheltenham 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.
Cheltenham Ladies' College Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.cheltladiescollege.org/
- Location: Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3EP
- Email address: enquiries@cheltladiescollege.org
- Phone: +44(0)1242 520691
