Cheltenham Ladies 'College girls' school

• Year of foundation: 1854;
• Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK;
• Students age: 11-18 years old;
• Number of female students: 870;
• Language of instruction: English;
• Type of education: school for girls.

Cheltenham Ladies' College is a prestigious private school for girls that specializes in the quality preparation of students for the university.

Facts about the school:

• 75% of schoolgirls live on a boarding house;
• A school with a family atmosphere, where everyone is given attention and support;
• Diversified development is one of the priorities of the school: in addition to the academic component, girls will have rich cultural, creative programs;
• School teachers are experienced teachers who strive to impart motivation to students and develop an interest in science;
• Small educational groups create a comfortable environment for every girl: all students actively participate in discussions and the learning process in general.

An educational institution with a rich history was founded in 1854: under the leadership of the founder, Dorothea Bill, the school was actively developed as an educational center for girls. The head of the school and the early teachers believed in the need to educate girls on a par with boys' schools. The college has continuously improved both curriculum and infrastructure. As a result, the educational institution has always offered training at the highest level for its pupils.

Cheltenham Ladies' College offers training in the most popular British and international programs - GCSE, A-Level, International Baccalaureate. Pupils of the school are trained to the highest standards and enter the best universities in England - Oxford and Cambridge universities, US educational institutions:

• 17% choose Oxbridge;
• 5% go to non-UK universities;
• 48% study social sciences;
• 28% arts, languages;
• 17% choose science, mathematics and engineering;
• 7% decide to study medicine, nursing and veterinary medicine.

The school does not position itself as an educational institution with a bias in technical or humanities. The task of the educational institution is to provide the most versatile education possible. But traditionally popular are subjects of the natural science cycle. Special attention is paid to the study of foreign languages - students can study 6 of the most popular foreign languages. Interesting programs in music and engineering education.

Notable alumni:

• Carolyn Spargin is a respected literary critic;
• Liz Miller - neurosurgeon;
• Hermione Hobhouse - historian;
• Mae Sinclair - writer;
• Betty Ridley is a journalist.

The educational process is supplemented not only by extracurricular clubs and sections, but also by participation in various scientific and social events. Every week, the girls speak at meetings, presenting their opinions on different topics — from "Does Great Britain need an army?" to "Research in the field of gorilla behavior". The meetings allow students to broaden their horizons, study areas they are interested in, and develop important life skills such as leadership, responsibility, and analytical thinking.

Cheltenham Ladies offers three school-level programs:

• Lower College — Grades 7-9,
• Upper College — Grades 10-11,
• Sixth Form — Grades 12-13.

International pupils live on the school grounds in residences. The school residence is a residential complex of 11 houses, in which students and managers live. Each house has:

• Laundry room;
• Kitchen;
• Common areas;
• Music rehearsal rooms;
• Computer center.

Cheltenham School is one of the few in Britain to offer three professional winter sports: lacrosse, netball and hockey. Competitions are held every week. The educational institution has 30 sports sections, including:

• Cross country running;
• Trampoline jumping;
• Volleyball;
• Football;
• Basketball;
• Swimming;
• Fencing;
• Horseback riding;
• Pilates;
• Archery;
• Rounders;
• Fitness;
• Polo;
• Dancing.

It is worth mentioning the numerous hobby clubs where students can find activities to their liking:

• International community;
• Bridge players club;
• Debate club;
• Golf;
• Sculpture;
• Photo art;
• Martial arts;
• Astronomy;
• Cheerleading;
• Painting;
• Ceramics;
• Symphony Orchestra;
• Politics and history;
• Creative writing;
• Painting;
• Theatre.

The dance school offers various dance styles:

• Hip-hop;
• Ballet;
• Jazz;
• Tap dance;
• Modern.

Theater School - Drama can be studied as part of the curriculum or additionally:

• Performing arts;
• Makeup and costumes;
• Light and sound.

Music school - 65% of students attend music lessons, students can take an exam:

• 2 string orchestras;
• 5 choir divisions;
• Jazz band;
• Ensembles;
• Rock band;
• 2 symphony orchestras.

• The 'Independent School of the Decade' Award for the South West by The Sunday Times,
• Top Girls' School in the World offering a highly sought-after International Baccalaureate Programme — Education Advisers 2025,
• One of the Top 100 Independent Schools Worldwide — Spear’s Schools 2025,
• Top Independent School in South West England for academic achievement — Parent Power Guide 2024, 2025,
• 80% of students live in school residences,
• Excellent graduation results: 72% of students receive grades 9-8, A* grades in selected subjects,
• Over 160 extracurricular activities for talent development.

The girls' school is located in the central part of Cheltenham. The city is known for its cultural and historical heritage and architecture; horse races, exhibitions and international festivals are regularly held here.

The location of the school from other cities in Britain:

• London = 2 hours train ride;
• Oxford = 1 hour train ride.

The school campus is carefully landscaped for the comfortable development and stay of girls at school:

• A magnificent sports complex with a gym, swimming pool and recreation areas is at the service of schoolgirls. The sports infrastructure includes tennis courts;
• Own observatory was built back in 1897;
• The music school occupies several floors with music classes;
• The Arts Center opened in 2009: £ 12.5 million was invested in its construction. It includes a theater, rehearsal rooms, a dance studio, an art gallery;
• The building in the Gothic style is considered one of the largest in the city, it hosts festive events, concerts and lectures;
• The campus is technically well equipped, there is Wi-Fi throughout the territory.

Tuition fee includes:

• Accommodation;
• Meals;
• Training.

List of services to pay additionally to tuition fee:

• Transfers;
• Air tickets;
• Visa;
• Guardianship services;
• Registration fee;
• Refundable deposit;
• Insurance.

Before submitting an application, applicants can visit the school campus to meet teachers and enrolled students, explore the educational facilities, and learn about the subjects offered in the curriculum.

Candidates must complete the registration form and pay the fees, after which they will be invited to mandatory entrance exams for all applicants. The decision on enrollment is made based on the results of the tests.

According to annual statistics, approximately 470 applicants are admitted to the entrance tests stage, but only 160 are officially enrolled in studies.

In 2023, 77% of graduates enrolled in their chosen universities in the UK. High academic performance helps students compete for places in leading educational institutions:

• University of Cambridge,
• University College London (UCL),
• Imperial College London,
• Durham University,
• University of Edinburgh,
• King’s College London (KCL),
• University of Bristol,
• University of Glasgow,
• University of Warwick.

On average, about 10% of high school graduates continue their education at foreign universities: the most popular are New York University, University of California, University of South California, Harvard University.

• Age - 11, 12, 13 and 16 years old;
• Entry exams.

CLC annually awards outstanding students based on their achievements in academics, sports, creativity and music: the award covers a significant portion of education expenses and can be renewed with continued high performance.

Students have several options for financial support from the school and its partners, paid based on need.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision