Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom Boarding · Single-sex Ages 11–18Cheltenham Ladies' College
Founded 1853 — one of England's most prestigious all-girls boarding+day schools, A-Level + IB Diploma, ~870 pupils aged 11-18 in central Cheltenham.
AI Fit Summary
Why this school may fit your child: Cheltenham Ladies' College pairs a British / A-Level / IB academic track with a urban campus and a 1:7 student-teacher ratio. It's a strong consideration for students drawn to Oxford / Cambridge pathways.
- Strong fit for Oxford / Cambridge pathway
- 1:7 ratio supports individualized attention
- British · A-Level · IB curriculum aligns with university aspirations
- Mature pastoral and house structure
Academic overview
Cheltenham Ladies' College was founded in 1853 as one of the first English boarding schools for girls. About 870 pupils aged 11-18 in the centre of Cheltenham, with around 75% boarding. The College runs both A-Level and IB Diploma at sixth form, with strong subject diversity including Classics, Mandarin, Music and Theatre. The school has produced senior leaders across UK politics, science and the arts, and remains one of the most academically selective girls' schools in the UK. The location in Regency Cheltenham (90 minutes from London by train) gives students a self-contained college quarter with chapel, theatre, sports complex and 11 boarding houses. Class size of 16 with a 1:7 student-teacher ratio enables tutorial-style instruction and mentor-led research projects.
Curriculum & subjects
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
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
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Location
Cheltenham Ladies' College sits in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom — an urban campus. Tap "Request virtual tour" above to have an advisor send walkthrough video links and schedule a live tour.
Admissions process
- 1Inquiry & profile reviewWe share your child's Student Fit Profile with the admissions team.
- 2Application & documentsSchool-specific form, transcripts, recommendations, English test if required.
- 3AssessmentOnline interview, sample lesson, or admissions test depending on the school.
- 4Offer & enrollmentOffer letter, contract, and visa support if needed.
Important dates
FAQ
Is Cheltenham Ladies' College a good fit for international families?
Yes. Cheltenham Ladies' College 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 1:7 student-teacher ratio.
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