Cheltenham College
Cheltenham College is a co-ed boarding and day school in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, educating pupils aged 3 - 18 and founded in 1841. Boarding fees are £9,841 - £20,166 per term. Our advice on this school is independent and free.
- Type
- Co-ed boarding & day
- Boarders from
- 7 - 18
- Ethos
- Church of England
- Guardian required
- Yes
About Cheltenham College
The story, ethos and character of Cheltenham College.
- Setting
- Town
- Ethos
- Church of England
- Head
- Mr Chris Townsend
Cheltenham College is a leading co-educational independent school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated in the heart of Regency Cheltenham Spa. Founded in 1841 and set within 90 acres of picturesque grounds, it was the first of the great Victorian public schools.
Whilst steeped in history, the school maintains a forward-thinking and modern approach to education. There is a strong sense of pride in helping pupils achieve, going beyond parent expectations, and above pupil expectations of themselves. Pupils at Cheltenham College are stretched, challenged, and inspired to aim high in every aspect of their development.
Pupils do this through practicing the Cheltenham 5Cs: Curiosity, Character, Community, Creativity and Continuous Excellence. Beyond the classroom, Cheltenham College offers an exceptional co-curricular programme. Cheltenham College benefits from expert coaching and first-class sporting facilities.
The arts are also central to school life, with pupils engaging in cultural activities both locally and in cities such as Oxford and London. At the heart of College life is its House system: 12 Houses in total, with nine Boarding and two Day Houses all situated around the campus at College, and one Boarding House at The Prep.
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Academics at Cheltenham College
What pupils study at Cheltenham College — and where it takes them.
a full activities and games programme and opportunities for challenge. It is where the foundations for IGCSEs and GCSEs are laid alongside establishing a strong independent work ethic through learning study skills that will last throughout a pupil's academic career.
GCSEs and IGCSEs (International GCSEs) are the qualifications that pupils work towards during Fourth and Fifth Forms (Year 10 and 11). They are mandatory public examinations and have two main functions: they are important stepping-stones on the way to Sixth Form studies, and increasingly they play a significant role in university admissions and job applications.
Programmes offered
Subjects offered
Where our leavers go
Many of the Sixth Form leavers are now embarking on their next steps following their Cheltenham College education. In 2025, 96% of pupils were offered places in their chosen university.
This year, university destinations include; Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, University College London, London School of Economics and Imperial College London to name a few. Five pupils will be continuing their studies at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
Looking to explore international higher education options, 30 pupils applied to universities overseas, and 10 pupils received offers to universities in the USA, eight to universities in Canada, seven to universities in Europe and five to universities in China and Australia. Collectively, the pupils have received 19 scholarship offers from overseas universities.
Figures are indicative — contact us for the latest results.
Boarding at Cheltenham College
Day-to-day boarding life and pastoral care at Cheltenham College.
- Boarding houses
- Girls 5, Boys 6, Mixed 1
- Exeat weekends
- Yes
- Guardian required
- Yes
- Saturday lessons
- Yes
At the heart of College life is its House system: 11 Houses in total, with nine Boarding and two Day Houses, all situated around the campus. A particular highlight of boarding at Cheltenham College is the sense of community, across the Houses pupils of all ages socialise, mentor and each other throughout school life.
Cade House is the twelfth Boarding House, located in the heart of Cheltenham Prep School and offering boarding for children aged 7-13. Boarding at The Prep creates a culture of an extended boarding family, where each child feels safe, happy and valued.
A genuine home away from home
At the heart of College life is its House system: 11 Houses in total, with nine Boarding and two Day Houses, all situated around the campus. A particular highlight of boarding at Cheltenham College is the sense of community, across the Houses pupils of all ages socialise, mentor and each other throughout school life.
Cade House is the twelfth Boarding House, located in the heart of Cheltenham Prep School and offering boarding for children aged 7-13. Boarding at The Prep creates a culture of an extended boarding family, where each child feels safe, happy and valued.
We can arrange trusted UK guardianship for international families.
Cheltenham College admissions
How children join Cheltenham College, and how we make it simple.
Tell us about your child
Share their age, interests and what you're looking for. Our advice is completely free.
We shortlist & introduce
We match you to the right schools and make the introductions to their admissions teams.
Assessment, offer & enrolment
We guide you through entrance assessments and interviews, and handle visas and guardianship if needed.
What you'll typically need
- Recent school reports or transcript
- Passport copy
- English-language evidence (if applicable)
- Completed registration form
- A reference from the current school
Special notes to agents about entry to the school Agents that would like to work with Cheltenham College can ask for a contract once they have placed a pupil at the school. Cheltenham College do not require a visit but would prefer this. The College requires references from three other schools that agents have placed pupils.
The College pay 10% of the first year's fee as commission which can be taken termly or in one payment at the end of the year. Application procedure and entrance tests Entry into Pre-Prep The Pre-Prep Department includes Nursery School, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.
As your advisors we manage the application end-to-end at no cost.
Cheltenham College fees & funding
What Cheltenham College costs, what's included, and how we help with funding.
What termly boarding fees include
- Tuition
- Boarding accommodation
- All meals
- Pastoral & house care
- Most academic materials
Funding & scholarships
Registration deposits, EAL tuition, uniform and trips are usually charged separately. Many schools offer academic, sport, music and art scholarships plus means-tested bursaries — ask us and we'll send a full, current breakdown for Cheltenham College.
Fees change year to year and by entry point. As your independent advisors we hold up-to-date figures and can compare Cheltenham College against similar schools so you know exactly what to budget.
Figures shown are the latest we hold — we'll confirm current fees on enquiry.
Cheltenham College location & travel
Where Cheltenham College is, and how to get there.
Travel details Address Bath Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7LD, England Airport transfer Cheltenham College has a dedicated transport manager who helps to organise transport to and from any airport in the UK. Travel time to London by train Less than 2 hours Telephone +44 (0)1242 265 600 Website www.
cheltenhamcollege. org Most convenient airports Airport Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. Bristol 50 60 2. Birmingham 50 60 3. London Heathrow 100 90 4. London Gatwick 130 140 Most convenient train stations Station Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1.
Inside Cheltenham College
Cheltenham College — frequently asked questions
Where is Cheltenham College?
How much are Cheltenham College boarding fees?
What ages does Cheltenham College take?
Is Cheltenham College co-educational?
When was Cheltenham College founded?
Does Cheltenham College require a UK guardian?
How many pupils study A-levels at Cheltenham College?
What qualifications does Cheltenham College offer?
Does Cheltenham College support SEN or EAL students?
How many boarding houses does Cheltenham College have?
Are there compulsory exeat weekends at Cheltenham College?
Does Cheltenham College have Saturday lessons?
How do I apply to Cheltenham College?
Does Cheltenham College accept international students?
How much does Cheltenham College cost?
What's included in Cheltenham College's fees?
Are scholarships or bursaries available?
Where exactly is Cheltenham College?
Considering Cheltenham College for your child?
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