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Cheltenham Ladies' College

Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC), located in the eponymous town in Gloucestershire, England, is regarded as one of the finest girls' boarding schools in the country. With students from over 40 nations, the college fosters a rich cultural diversity and a global outlook. Cheltenham Ladies’ College enjoys an exceptional academic reputation, not only for its outstanding GCSE, A-Level, and IB examination results but also for its strong emphasis on inclusion and diversity. Girls from around the world attend the school, with many graduating with remarkable achievements.
Von Bülow Education placed 2 pupils here in 2024.

The Essentials

  • Number of pupils: 850

  • Percentage of boarders: 70%

  • Percentage of international pupils: 50%

  • Av. class size: senior school - 17 / 6th Form - 8

  • Closest international airport: Birmingham Airport, 65min by car. London Heathrow, 1,5hrs by car.

  • Fees per term for 2024/2025: £18,000


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What we think
Academically outstanding without being pretentious. A truly fantastic girls' boarding school!

The Details

Academics:

Cheltenham Ladies’ College offers GCSEs, A-Levels, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) as academic qualifications.

The college’s academic performance remains among the best in the UK. Since introducing the IB in 2008, the results have been outstanding. In 2024, CLC ranked 3rd among the best IB schools in the UK, with the 2024 IB cohort achieving an impressive average score of 39.1.

CLC has consistently excelled in A-Level and GCSE results as well. In 2024, 86% of GCSE grades were 9-7, and 70% of A-Level grades were at A.

Boarding:

Over 70% of students live on campus, with most sharing a room with one or two other students.

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, fostering friendships quickly. CLC boarders are housed in five boarding houses: Beale, Cambray, Elizabeth, Roderic, and St. Hilda’s.

In their final two years, all students move into one of the Sixth Form houses – Beale, Cambray, or St. Hilda’s – to prepare for university life and develop their independence. Most rooms in these houses are singles, offering privacy and personal space, with some doubles available upon request. The houses feature communal bathrooms, study rooms, and social areas for relaxation and collaboration.

CLC has two mandatory Exeat weekends per term, during which students must leave campus. The school provides transportation to key travel hubs and airports at the start of these weekends.

Strengths:

Cheltenham Ladies’ College is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in the IB programme, and for its impressive GCSE and A-Level results. The school offers a wide array of languages and sciences, supported by modern laboratories and learning resources.

The Parabola Arts Centre, excellent sports facilities, and a wealth of extracurricular activities allow students to shine both creatively and athletically.

The school’s international atmosphere and numerous educational trips foster a global perspective and a sense of community.

Finally, as an all-girls’ school, CLC empowers its students to occupy all academic and extracurricular roles, including those traditionally held by boys, fostering confidence and leadership.

Weaknesses:

The school’s high academic standards can be challenging for some students, even with the extensive support available.

Additionally, the mandatory Exeat weekends may pose logistical challenges for some students and their families.


The Location
Cheltenham Ladies’ College is surrounded by beautiful gardens, parks, and the relaxing atmosphere of the spa town of Cheltenham. Cheltenham is located in Gloucestershire, in the southwest of England, near the breathtaking scenery of the Cotswolds.

The Address
Cheltenham Ladies' College
Bayshill Rd
Cheltenham
GL50 3EP

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