Cheltenham College
Cheltenham College
Cheltenham, England
Cheltenham College, located in the attractive town of the same name, makes a strong impression at first sight – the majestic nineteenth century chapel and the grand main building give the campus a very special charm. The school combines classic elegance with an open and down to earth attitude. Pupils here learn with ambition but without losing their sense of balance. Cheltenham College is a truly British boarding school with mostly English pupils – something that shapes daily life, creates a close knit community and allows pupils to learn English with a clear and natural accent. The school is particularly strong in sport: polo, rugby and many other disciplines have a firm place in school life.
The Details
The Academics
Cheltenham College is one of those schools that consistently delivers strong exam results year after year. In 2024, 56 percent of GCSE grades were between 9 and 7, and 42 percent of pupils achieved an A in their A Level exams – with particular success in maths, English, design and technology, music, history and the sciences.
Languages Taught
English as a Foreign Language, German, Spanish, French, Latin and Ancient Greek.
The Boarding
With a high proportion of full time boarders, Cheltenham comes close to being a full boarding school. What makes it stand out: the independent inspection body Ofsted awarded the boarding provision an “Outstanding” rating – a verdict we fully agree with. The nine boarding houses – five for boys and four for girls – have been recently renovated, are tastefully furnished and lie right on campus.
Rooms are usually shared by two or three pupils, while Sixth Formers generally enjoy the comfort of a single room. With only around 40 new pupils joining the Sixth Form each year, it is easy to settle in and quickly become part of the community – supported by a level of care that is very much present, even on weekends.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Anyone who goes to Cheltenham College will not be bored – that’s a promise! The school truly lives up to its reputation as a sporty boarding school, with 130 teams across 15 different sports. Hockey, tennis, rugby, cricket, polo and rowing are particular strengths. Training is offered at every level – from trying something new to competing at a high level.
Just like in sport, the numbers in the music department are impressive. More than 70 performances take place each year at various venues. Over 20 ensembles rehearse weekly, from string quartets to the 80 voice College Choir. Enthusiastic pupil societies bring energy to the school community – from rocket building to the famous “Egg Drop Challenge.”
And pupils at Cheltenham College also experience plenty of life outside school. The town of Cheltenham is well known across England for horse racing, as well as its literature, science and music festivals. There is always something going on!
Weaknesses
The compulsory exeat weekends require pupils to leave school for a short period of time, which can lead to some frustrating logistical challenges.
Location
Cheltenham is not only known for its many events, but also for its reputation as a spa and resort town. It is no coincidence that some of the most prestigious schools in England are found here – making the town a perfect all round package.
Heathrow Airport - 1hr 40mins by car
Perfect for committed pupils looking for a more traditionally British boarding school.
Thanks to its location in town, Cheltenham College offers the best of both worlds – and it is well worth planning a visit during the festival season from May to October.
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