About Cheltenham College
“Every school says it produces all-rounded pupils – this one really does.” Good Schools Guide, 2023.
Located in the heart of Regency Cheltenham Spa with beautiful grounds, Cheltenham College is one of the country’s leading co-educational independent schools for boarding and day pupils aged 13–18. Founded in 1841, it was the first of the great Victorian public schools. Independent Schools Inspectorate 2023 found Cheltenham College excellent in all areas. The report stated, “The school wholeheartedly fulfils its aim to equip pupils to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives by providing an excellent all-round education”.
With an enviable reputation for academic excellence and developing pupils beyond the classroom, the campus blends historic buildings, including the 19th century Chapel, with state-of-the-art science laboratories and new Astro-Turf pitches.
Academic Development
There is a relaxed atmosphere in all areas of Cheltenham College, but particularly in the classroom, which fosters originality and creativity in both teaching and learning. Cheltenham College stretch, challenge and inspire pupils to achieve continuous excellence. With a focus on developing the whole person, ensuring pupils not only gain the qualifications they need but also the skills and character to open doors later in life. Pupils flourish under the guidance of dedicated teachers and are encouraged to take ownership of their own trajectory, inspiring self-understanding and self-confidence within the classroom.
Pupils benefit from an enthusiastic Higher Education and Careers Department. The dedicated and informative Careers Library is committed to offering information and guidance on: gap years; degree courses; universities in the UK and overseas, apprenticeships and institutes, both in the UK and abroad.
Pastoral Care & Boarding
“‘Deeply pastoral – always has been,’ report parents, who say their children are ‘happy’ and ‘thriving’.” Good Schools Guide, 2023
There are 11 Houses, including two dedicated Day Houses. The Houses keep busy with numerous activities both on weekends and in the evenings, in House and trips out. “Resident house staff, especially Houseparent’s, raved about – ‘These people have been so important in my children’s lives,’ said one parent, dewy-eyed. ‘And they’re lots of fun too,’ reckoned our guides.” Good Schools Guide, 2023.
There are supportive policies and structures to promote health and wellbeing. Within the College community, our peer mentor system and the family ethos of our House structure encourage pupils to take responsibility and to look after each other.
Co-curricular opportunities
Alongside academic excellence, pupils are encouraged to thrive outside of the classroom and try new things. A parent of a Cheltenham College pupil said, “College manages to create a strong family atmosphere as well as encouraging achievement and excellence. My daughter has flourished, as a person and as a student and has been brilliantly supported in every aspect of her school life.”
There are up to 30 co-curricular clubs that operate weekly, including a vast number of sport and musical groups, community action projects, pupil-led societies, and many others ranging from mahjong to pottery.
The arts are central to the life of Cheltenham College, pupils are encouraged to attend concerts, plays, films and lectures not only in Cheltenham but in nearby Oxford, Stratford, Bristol and London. Pupils benefit from top-level sports professionals and coaches and is one of the strongest schools nationally in a wide cross-section of sports.
To find out more information visit www.cheltenhamcollege.org or call the team on 01242 265 600.