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Verified · May 2026British
Godalming, Surrey, United Kingdom Boarding · Coed Ages 1318

Charterhouse

Founded 1611 in London and moved to a 250-acre Surrey campus in 1872 — boarding-led HMC school running IB Diploma alongside A-Level, fully co-ed since 2021.

Founded 1611 — one of the great original nine English public schools250-acre Surrey estate (moved from London in 1872)IB Diploma + A-Level both offered at sixth formFully co-educational across all years since 2021~70% boarding cohort, 850 pupilsOxford / Cambridge / Princeton / Ivy League destinations
Ages
13–18
Format
Boarding
Tuition
$65,000 – $90,000may vary
Deadline
13+ Common Entrance via pre-test in Year 6; 16+ October prior to entry

AI Fit Summary

Match score
93
Updated based on a sample Student Fit Profile.

Why this school may fit your child: Charterhouse pairs a British / A-Level / IB academic track with a rural campus and a 1:8 student-teacher ratio. It's a strong consideration for students drawn to Oxford / Cambridge pathways.

  • Strong fit for Oxford / Cambridge pathway
  • 1:8 ratio supports individualized attention
  • British · A-Level · IB curriculum aligns with university aspirations
  • Mature pastoral and house structure

Academic overview

Charterhouse was founded in 1611 in the Charterhouse in London, and moved in 1872 to a 250-acre Surrey estate in Godalming. About 850 pupils aged 13-18, with around 70% boarding. Originally a boys' school, Charterhouse went co-ed at sixth form in 1971 and is fully co-educational across all year groups since 2021. The school runs both the IB Diploma and A-Level at sixth form — one of the strongest IB programmes in the UK alongside its A-Level cohort. Charterhouse is an HMC school and a member of the Rugby Group. Recent leavers' destinations include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, Princeton and the Ivies. Class size of 16 with a 1:8 student-teacher ratio enables tutorial-style instruction and mentor-led research projects.

Curriculum
British · A-Level · IB
Acceptance
Highly Selective
University placement
96/100

Curriculum & subjects

MathematicsFurther MathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyEnglish LiteratureHistoryGeographyEconomicsPoliticsPhilosophyClassicsFrenchGermanSpanishMandarinArtMusicTheatreTheory of Knowledge

Boarding life

Houses are organized around year-group cohorts with a dedicated houseparent and tutorial team. Weekend programming combines structured academic catch-up, trips into the surrounding region, and creative downtime.

University pathways

BestPeopleDo placement score
96 / 100
Counselling support
Dedicated team during application year

Placement score is BestPeopleDo's internal estimate of the school's recent university outcomes (0–100), based on publicly available data and advisor knowledge. Detailed per-cohort offer counts are confirmed during the advisor call.

Fees & scholarships

Annual tuition
$65,000 – $90,000may vary
Application fee
$250
Scholarships
Available
Visa support
Provided

Estimate the all-in cost

Most families budget against tuition + 10–20% in living, travel and ancillary costs. Adjust the inputs to plan against scholarships, length of stay, and your home currency.

5 years
1 yr6 yrs (full programme)
0%
0%75% (rare, exceptional candidates)
+15%
Books, uniforms, trips, school-organised travel home — typically 10–20% on top of tuition.

Location

Charterhouse sits in Godalming, Surrey, United Kingdom — a rural campus. Tap "Request virtual tour" above to have an advisor send walkthrough video links and schedule a live tour.

Godalming, Surrey, United Kingdom

Admissions process

  1. 1
    Inquiry & profile review
    We share your child's Student Fit Profile with the admissions team.
  2. 2
    Application & documents
    School-specific form, transcripts, recommendations, English test if required.
  3. 3
    Assessment
    Online interview, sample lesson, or admissions test depending on the school.
  4. 4
    Offer & enrollment
    Offer letter, contract, and visa support if needed.

Important dates

Application deadline
13+ Common Entrance via pre-test in Year 6; 16+ October prior to entry
Next intake
September 2026

FAQ

Is Charterhouse a good fit for international families?

Yes. Charterhouse actively supports families relocating internationally with visa guidance, language transitions, and pastoral care designed for mobile households.

What does the typical application timeline look like?

Most families start 12–18 months before intended intake. Early application is strongly recommended for boarding.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. Merit-based and need-based scholarships are reviewed annually.

What's the average class size?

Approximately 16 students per class with a 1:8 student-teacher ratio.

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