Cheltenham College Guide: Fees, Rankings And Reviews

Cheltenham College is an independent coeducational boarding and day school that was established in 1841. The institution takes pride in its personalised educational programmes and highly engaging community in preparation for higher education for students from 13 to 18 years old. The institution is home to over 100 international students from over 30 countries.

Cheltenham College Guide
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Table of Contents

Summary Of School

  • Type of school: Co-educational
  • Age range: 13-18
  • Pupils: 748; sixth formers: 308
  • Fees: Day £33,990 – £35,190; Boarding £45,300 – £46,500 pa
  • 2023 A Level Results: 48.6% A*/A
  • 2023 GCSE Results: 57.8% A*/A

Cheltenham College Overview

With the help of the Higher Education and Careers Department, Sixth Form Students from Cheltenham College continue to pursue higher education in top universities within the UK such as Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff, Exeter, and Newcastle and in big cities internationally such as New York, Virginia, Madrid, Hong Kong, and Dublin.

The foundation of education at Cheltenham College is based on five characteristics: a focus on academic excellence, an all-around emphasis with opportunities for personal growth and community building, the support to succeed from highly dedicated and experienced staff, outstanding pastoral care from each House and the College as a whole, and community value.
Cheltenham College is set in the vibrant spa town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK.

At Cheltenham College, IGCSEs are offered for Math, Science, English, Literature, and History. Cheltenham College has kept lessons at 35 minutes long across a two-week timetable to help students focus on each subject. Sixth Form students are expected to take up three of four A Levels among the 24 A Level subjects offered and explore new areas such as Art History, Business Studies, Economics, Government and Politics or Psychology. Sixth Form students are also expected to take up one elective among Ancient History, Community Service, History of Art, Italian for Beginners, Life Drawing, Recycling Bikes or a Mini-MBA. 

In addition, Sixth Form students have the option to undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to develop their research and project management skills.

Cheltenham College Courses / Programmes

Cheltenham College offers the following courses:

  • Third Form (Ages 13-14)
  • Fourth Form (GCSEs and IGCSEs)
  • Fifth Form (GCSEs and IGCSEs)
  • Sixth Form (Upper College) – Sixth Form students can choose two routes of study. The first route is to study three A Levels and complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the second route is to study four A Levels.

Cheltenham 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 2024 or January 2025 should be submitted before September 2023.

Cheltenham College Rankings

According to our 2023 A Levels League Table, Cheltenham College is ranked 88th. Whereas the 2023 GCSE League Table ranks the school at 88th place. 

Cheltenham College Results

Cheltenham College 2023 GCSE Results

In 2023, Cheltenham College students managed to score 57.8% 9-7s at the GCSEs. Their five-year average for 9-7 (and equivalent) grades was 67%.

Cheltenham College 2023 A Level Results

48.6% of all grades were A*/As.

Cheltenham College 2023/24 Fees

Cheltenham College’s termly fees for the academic year of 2023/24 are set out below.

Lower College (Year 9-11) – £15,100 per term (Boarding)

Upper College (Year 12-13) – £15,500 per term (Boarding)

Cheltenham College Entry Requirements

Applicants for Cheltenham College are required to download, complete and submit the registration form here.

For international students who wish to apply to Cheltenham College, they will need to meet the following requirements:

  • Take English as an Additional Language and Maths
  • For students aged 16+: papers in the subjects to be taken at A Levels
  • Provide supporting references
  • Undertake an interview either at the college or via Skype with a member of staff

Students may be required to achieve a minimum of five B grades as GCSE (or the equivalent examinations).

For more information on international students application visit here

Cheltenham College Reviews

Here are some testimonials from Cheltenham College alumni:

Cameron Hoyler, 2003
5/5

I am the Chief Legal Officer of PolarityTE, Inc., a US-based biotechnology company that develops regenerative tissue-based products. I joined the company after working as their outside counsel with my former law firm, King & Spalding LLP.  I credit the lessons, values, and work ethic that I developed during my time at College for my personal and professional achievements, and for instilling in me an ability to work through adversity and challenges.

James Stout, 2002
5/5

I am the Head Rackets Professional at the New York Racquet & Tennis Club. I would not be where I am today without falling in love with the sport at College.

Cheltenham College Accommodation

The Location

Cheltenham College is set in the heart of the Cotswolds which is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The historical town is known for its breathtaking Regency architecture, tree-line promenades, and renowned festivals – including the Literature, Science and Jazz Festivals – and the world-famous racecourse.

Cheltenham College students experience the best of both worlds of town and country. The students are in the centre of a culturally rich and lively town but also live in close proximity to the countryside to explore Leckhampton Hill. Excursions to the Cotswolrd are a regular part of the College life whether on a school trip or a House activity.

The Campus

Cheltenham College is best described as a historic setting with modern facilities. The campus is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities perfect for all events.

Multipurpose halls like the Big Classical host many different events for the school and the community, particularly musicals and plays.

The Dining Hall is built with wood panelling and stained-glass windows from the original Chapel making the Dining Hall one of the most beautiful and lively areas in the campus.

The Upper College Common Room is equipped with a built-in bar and dance floor for any type of celebration.

The Library is the academic hub in the Cheltenham College campus. Refurbished in 2011, the Library is equipped with mobile bookshelves to suit conferences and fairs.

The Chapel found on the centre of Cheltenham College campus has hosted countless events. It is a central point of College life and has hosted events for both the Cheltenham Music Festival and the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

The Houses

Cheltenham College has 11 boarding houses – six for boys and five for girls – all located around the perimeter of the camps. Each House is led by a Housemaster or Housemistress who is a resident of the House, with a support team of resident and non-resident tutors and matrons.

Each house has an equal amount of year groups with students of all ages socialising, mentoring and supporting each other throughout their College life. This creates a warm and familiar environment that encourages strong friendship, honour and loyalty.

Here are the three boarding options:

  • Full Boarder – a student will live in his or her Boarding House during term time and return home during holidays and agreed weekends.
  • Day Boarder – a student will be a part of a Boarding House and use its facilities during the day and return home in the night; with prior notice, Day Boarders can have the option to board at College for up to 35 days each term.
  • Day Pupil – a student will be a part of a Boarding House and use its facilities during the day and return home in the night; with prior notice, Day Pupils can have the option to board at College up to six days each year.

Here are the following Boarding Houses for girls:

  • Ashmead
  • Chandos
  • College Lawn
  • Queen’s
  • Westal

Here are the following Boarding Houses for boys:

  • Boyne
  • Christowe
  • Hazelwell
  • Leconfield
  • Newick
  • Southwood.

For more information on each Boarding House at Cheltenham College, visit here.

Cheltenham College Student Services And Extra-Curricular Activities

True to its promise of providing a first class all-rounded educational experience, Cheltenham College offers plenty of cultural, social, and recreational activities.

Personal growth activities include:

  • Music
  • Sports
  • Drama
  • Combined Cadet Force
  • Activities and Societies

Community building activities include:

  • Partnership Projects
  • Charity Links
  • Community Action

Cheltenham College Contact Information

Apply For Cheltenham College

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