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.