Cheltenham College

Gloucester, Gloucestershire

1163

Total Students

590

Boarding

216

International

Co-Ed

Gender

About Cheltenham College

Cheltenham College is a co-educational boarding and day school set within 72 acres in the heart of Cheltenham. Educating pupils aged 13–18, the College combines academic excellence with a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom. Academic achievement is central to College life. Pupils benefit from small class sizes, specialist teachers and a broad curriculum that encourages both depth of study and intellectual curiosity. Alongside strong examination results, the College aims to equip pupils with the skills, confidence and independence needed for success at university and beyond. The educational experience extends well beyond academic study. Pupils can participate in more than 100 societies and co-curricular activities, extensive music and drama programmes, and a thriving sporting provision that includes around 175 teams competing across 19 sports. Pastoral care is delivered through the College’s House system, which comprises 11 boarding houses and a day house. Houses provide a strong sense of community and belonging, ensuring that pupils are well supported throughout their time at College. Staff know pupils as individuals and work closely with them to support their academic, personal and social development. By combining academic rigour, outstanding pastoral care and exceptional co-curricular opportunities, Cheltenham College provides an environment in which pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves, develop their talents and prepare for life beyond school.

What Makes Us Unique

1. Exceptional Breadth of Opportunity Cheltenham College offers an outstanding range of opportunities beyond the classroom, ensuring every pupil can discover and develop their individual talents. Pupils can choose from more than 100 societies and co-curricular activities, alongside participation in approximately 175 sports teams competing across 19 sports and more than 1,100 fixtures annually. From elite performance pathways and traditional sports such as Rackets and Polo, to music, drama, leadership and community service, there is something for everyone. This culture of participation extends to charitable giving, with the College community raising more than £20,000 for charitable causes last year, demonstrating a shared commitment to service and making a positive difference. 2. A Broad and Flexible Curriculum Cheltenham College provides a rich and varied academic programme that encourages intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Pupils benefit from a wide choice of subjects throughout their school journey, studying from 17 subjects in the Third Form and 22 subjects at GCSE. In the Sixth Form, pupils choose from around 30 qualifications, including A Levels, BTECs and C-Techs. All pupils complete project-based qualifications, including the FPQ and EPQ, developing valuable research, critical thinking and independent learning skills. Elective courses such as Entrepreneurship, Biochemistry, History of Art and Coding further enrich the curriculum, enabling pupils to pursue interests beyond traditional examination subjects.

Campus Highlights

STEM Labs

Dedicated STEM Center

Arts

Ceramics & Orchestra

Campus

72 acres

Key Stats

Boarding60%

International20%

Founded1841

Campus Size72 acres

Nearby AirportsHeathrow (1.5 Hours), Paddington (2 Hours), Gatwick (2.5 Hours), Birmingham (1 Hour)

Global Diversity

Over 30 Countries

Contact Information

Simon Conner

Admissions Director

Chris Townsend

Head of School

Bath Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7LD

+44 01242 265600

Admissions@cheltenhamcollege.org

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Signature Programs

1-Year / Short-Term Boarding

Option to attend for just one semester or a single year.

5-Day Boarding

Students go home on the weekends.

A-Levels

UK A-Level qualifications (ages 16–18).

Dedicated STEM Center

Specialized facilities for robotics, coding, and engineering.

Dedicated University Counseling

Specialized team focused purely on global university placement.

GCSEs

UK GCSE qualifications (ages 14–16).

Global Exchange / Travel Programs

Built-in semesters abroad at sister campuses.

Outdoor Leadership

Wilderness survival and leadership programs.

Rolling Admissions

Applications are reviewed as they are submitted year-round.

Saturday Classes

Mandatory academic classes held on Saturday mornings.

Extracurriculars

Cheltenham College is proud of the breadth of its co-curricular programme, which gives every pupil the opportunity to discover new interests and develop existing talents. One of the College’s most distinctive programmes is the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), which builds leadership, teamwork and confidence through training, camps and adventurous activities. With a military connection dating back to 1862, it remains a valued part of College life. Sport is another key strength. Alongside traditional sports such as rugby, hockey and cricket, pupils can take part in rowing, equestrian, golf, shooting, rackets and polo. Cheltenham is one of only a small number of schools in the UK to offer both rackets and polo, providing opportunities that are rarely found elsewhere. Music and drama are equally vibrant, with regular concerts, productions and performance opportunities throughout the year. From learning an instrument or performing on stage to working behind the scenes, pupils are encouraged to get involved, build confidence and develop their creativity.

Facilities

Set within 72 acres in the heart of Cheltenham, the College campus combines historic architecture with outstanding modern facilities. Pupils benefit from well-equipped classrooms, science laboratories, a dedicated library, art and design spaces, music practice rooms and performance venues. Sporting facilities include extensive playing fields, an indoor swimming pool, sports hall, fitness suite, tennis and netball courts, squash courts and access to specialist facilities for sports such as polo, shooting and equestrianism. The campus also includes 11 boarding houses, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for boarders, alongside excellent pastoral and medical facilities, including an on-site Health Centre.

Languages Offered

FrenchGermanSpanishLatin

Student Support & Wellness

Mental Health & Wellness

Cheltenham College and Cheltenham Prep provide comprehensive health and wellbeing support through their on-site Health Centre and extensive pastoral care networks. Staffed by a team of experienced nurses, supported by dedicated College doctors and administrators, the Health Centre offers a wide range of medical services, from the management of acute illnesses and injuries to ongoing support for pupils with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and allergies. All boarding pupils are registered with a College GP and have access to regular medical clinics, ensuring prompt and coordinated healthcare when required. Specialist support is also available through on-site physiotherapy services, with qualified physiotherapists working closely with medical staff, coaches and pastoral teams to support pupil health and recovery. Wellbeing is embedded throughout school life. Every pupil benefits from strong pastoral support, with House staff, tutors and teachers working closely together to ensure that pupils are known as individuals and receive the care they need to thrive. The Health Centre team works alongside pastoral staff to provide both physical and emotional support, with appropriate referrals made to specialist services where necessary. Health and wellbeing education forms an important part of the curriculum, helping pupils develop resilience, healthy habits and an understanding of both physical and mental wellbeing. Across both Cheltenham College and Cheltenham Prep, pupils benefit from a culture of care, ensuring they feel safe, supported and able to flourish academically, socially and personally.

English Language (ESL)

Mild / Advanced Support

Learning Differences (LD)

Targeted / Mild Support

Top Matriculation

Durham Univeristy
Exeter University (UK)
University of Manchester
Oxford Brookes University
University of Edinburgh
Newcastle University

School Details

Dress CodeUniform

Campus72 acres

Founded1841

Class Size18 students

Curriculum Offered

A-LevelsGCSEsBTECIGCSEs

Interested in Cheltenham College?

Get personalized information including admissions deadlines and financial aid details.

Activities & Clubs

ClaysEquestrianRacketsBasketballCross countrySoccerTennisDebateEngineering / RoboticsMath teamScience clubBusinessE-sportsOutdoor adventureCreative writingLiterary magazineCommunity serviceStudent governmentDuke of EdinburghEnvironmental clubRugbySwimming & divingTrack and fieldCricketGolfField hockeyRowing / CrewEconomicsLaw SocietyModel UNCeramicsOrchestraJazz band3D ArtChorusTheaterPhotographyRock BandCooking clubInternational Trips

Weekend Life

Weekends at Cheltenham College are busy, varied and an important part of the boarding experience. Saturday mornings are dedicated to lessons, followed by sports fixtures, training sessions and co-curricular activities in the afternoon. In the evenings, boarding houses often organise social events, activities and competitions, while some weekends include formal dinners and House events. Sundays provide a more relaxed pace. Pupils can enjoy a lie-in followed by brunch, before taking part in a range of optional activities, trips and outings organised by the College and boarding houses. Many pupils use the time to catch up with friends, study or enjoy the school's facilities. The weekend concludes with Chapel on Sunday evening, bringing the College community together before the start of a new week.

City trips & shopping

Cultural eventsTheater/ShowsShoppingCity tripsMuseumsRestaurants/Dining

Hiking & Outdoors

Nature walksRock climbingHiking

Relaxing on campus

Campus eventsGalas/Formal eventsTalent showsSocial gatheringsConcertsMovies/CinemaGame nights

Athletic Events

Intramural sportsSpectator eventsAthletic gamesCompetitionsFitness activitiesTournaments