Boarding Structure

With the school population predominantly boarding, there are 11 Houses, 9 for boarders. They are a mix of modern architecture and the more traditional style you would expect of a school just shy of 200 years old. They are all within close walking distance of the main school buildings, and catering is provided in the College Dining Hall. There is a good range of options, and with a 3-week rolling menu including vegetarian and vegan choices, there is plenty even for the fussiest of eaters.

Academic

The academic outcomes are good, and the pupils progress on to a wide range of universities in the UK and abroad. A decent subject choice for A level and a selection of BTECs provide pupils with enough options to further their interests. With 75% of A levels at A*–B grades in 2024 and 56% of GCSEs at grades 9–7, a good number of pupils go on to the very best universities.

Sport, Activities and Opportunities

The College is not only about academics: its avowed intention of offering the opportunity to spark and develop interests in a variety of areas—in the classroom, on the sports pitches, the stage and beyond—is clearly identified. There is a well-structured games and activities programme, and the pupils are definitely busy and entertained throughout the term. As well as a strong sporting reputation in some of the more usual sports, at Cheltenham there are also opportunities to do Ultimate Frisbee, Polo, Equestrian, Rowing and Golf. About 50% of the pupils learn an instrument, with music being a very strong element of College life. For the more financially minded, there is a Mini MBA activity and a Securities and Investment Club, and for the more creative, there is Drama, Cooking and a Glee Club. On top of all this, Community in Action, Duke of Edinburgh and CCF all provide other avenues for learning, exploring and challenging the children.

The Town

Cheltenham is a town of about 150,000 people and is renowned for its Regency splendour. It is a spa town, with its mineral waters discovered in 1716. It is often described as the ‘gateway to the Cotswolds’, itself designated ‘An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. Cheltenham is famous for horse racing and the Cheltenham Gold Cup, has four theatres, a range of football and rugby clubs, and a couple of Michelin-starred restaurants. The school sits right in the middle of Cheltenham in 90 acres of its own grounds, with an impressive array of stunning school buildings.

Travel

Cheltenham is in the West of England but is still only 88 miles and 90 minutes away from London. To the north is Birmingham Airport, about an hour away, and Bristol Airport lies to the south. It is a couple of miles off the M5 and is well located for more localised travel to sports fixtures and school trips, as well as for planning the logistics of international travel.

Famous Alumni

Lindsey Anderson - Film Director - Jack Davenport, Actor, Rageh Omaar - BBC Presenter

14 former students have been awarded the Victoria Cross