Charterhouse
Charterhouse
Godalming, England
Charterhouse School, just 45 minutes from London, is the epitome of an all round, excellent, traditionally British boarding school – the kind we like to call a “Harry Potter” school. It combines academic strength with a wide range of sports, particularly impressive in football and golf. No surprise there – Charterhouse played a key role in the development of modern football. At the same time, the school offers a wealth of opportunities to explore music, art and a wide variety of activities. It is a place where high level learning meets true diversity.
The Details
The Academics
Charterhouse School offers GCSEs, A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) – and does so at an impressive level. In 2024, 74 percent of pupils achieved top grades from 9 to 7 in their GCSEs, 55 percent were awarded an A in their A Levels, and the average IB score was 37.5 points – a full seven points above the international average.
Languages Taught
English as a Foreign Language, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin, Latin and Ancient Greek.
The Boarding
The 15 boarding houses have been extensively renovated and modernised in recent years. Each house lives up to the motto “home from home,” with a strong sense of community and personalised care that help pupils feel safe, supported and at home from the very beginning.
A particular highlight: in the Sixth Form, every pupil has the comfort of their own room – a real bonus in terms of privacy and space for focused study.
.jpg.webp)
.jpg.webp)
.jpg.webp)
.jpg.webp)
.jpg.webp)
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Sport plays an important role at Charterhouse – especially football and cricket, which are deeply rooted in school life. The school offers top level competitions against other schools as well as inter house sports events. This means not only the most talented athletes get their moment to shine, but also everyone who takes part with enthusiasm and commitment.
The heart of the sports facilities is the Queen’s Sports Centre. It includes a 25 metre indoor swimming pool, a climbing wall and a modern multipurpose hall for indoor sports such as badminton, basketball, cricket and football. A real highlight is the newly renovated fitness studio with 165 square metres of space – well equipped and very popular.
Charterhouse also has a great deal to offer in the creative field. The art department and the design and technology department are superbly equipped, offering space for artistic work and hands on creative projects.
Weaknesses
The school’s proximity to London means that many pupils go home on weekends. Things become a bit quieter on campus.
Location
Charterhouse School is idyllically located in Godalming, Surrey, a market town with around 22,000 residents that offers a well-developed infrastructure with shops, cafés, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
London Gatwick - 50 mins by car
Guildford - 20 mins by car
Charterhouse is a classic English boarding school with a beautiful campus – the kind we like to call a “Harry Potter” school.
Speak to the school about a boarding house for your child that has a number of international pupils who stay at school during the weekends.
Related Articles
Related Articles
Take a look at similar schools
Ardingly College
Sevenoaks School
Wellington College
30 Years experience in the UK boarding school placements
For over 30 years, we have been guiding families in choosing the right British boarding school. This makes us one of the first and only agencies to specialise exclusively in this field. Our experience makes all the difference. Find out why that matters here.
Want to discuss any of the schools?
Please never hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. One of our consultants will be more than happy to talk to you and your child.