Cheltenham Ladies' College

The academic community

Academic excellence forms the basis of College life, but just as important is the formation of character. We are committed to making pupils ready for their lives well beyond College encouraging them to develop the skills for life.

An education in the 21st century needs to give children the flexibility and resourcefulness to flourish in a rapidly changing world. Our teachers have a deep enthusiasm for their subjects and are committed to providing high-quality teaching which develops intellectually curious, self-motivated, enthusiastic young women with an enduring love of learning. In the Sixth Form pupils can opt to study either A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Our exam results for GCSE, A Level and IB are consistently excellent, leading to College winning a number of awards for academic excellence over the last five years, including being named South West Independent Secondary School of the Decade by Parent Power, The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2021. In 2023, College celebrated exceptional GCSE and A Level results, with 71.7% A*-A grades.

Girls can choose many subject areas, building their timetable and discussing options with their tutors. Classes are small, and girls are encouraged to take an active part in lessons, challenging, debating and developing their point of view.

Pastoral care

While at College, girls make the transition from childhood to adulthood. That’s why pastoral care isn’t just something that happens when things go wrong; it’s a constant support network for pupils at College. The three academic Divisions (Lower College, Upper College and Sixth Form College), tutor groups and house system, as well as College’s Wellbeing Programme, create interlocking layers that enable every girl, the reserved as well as the extrovert, to find opportunities to lead a confident, fulfilled and enjoyable life at College.

Co-curricular activities

Each girl is supported in striking a successful balance between academic and co-curricular activities. With over 140 opportunities available, our co-curricular provision is exciting and well-resourced, and presents every pupil with an opportunity to find her niche. We recognise that every girl is an individual, so there is no fixed formula for the number and type of activities.

Pupils are encouraged to embrace a range of activities to suit their passions and interests, from musical and sporting to intellectual and cultural. A global outlook also encourages girls to play a part in the wider world, creating young women who value the communities to which they belong.

Entrance

Most girls join at 11+, 13+ or 16+; however, if we have space, small numbers of pupils also join us at 12+ and 14+ too. Entry is via assessments and College’s own exams, dependent on year of entry. Scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available.

Email [email protected] or visit www.cheltladiescollege.org for more details.

Exam results:
A level A* & A grades: 71.7%
GCSE Level 9-7/A* & A grades: 87.1%
IB Average Points: 39.1