2024
Cheltenham College was named Independent School of the Year in the SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards and was rated ‘Excellent in all areas’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.
All-through school
Cheltenham College
Cheltenham College is a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 3 to 18 offering day and boarding options.
Day fees
£11,766 – £47,640
Entry
Observation + School ExamSelective
Updated 4 months agosource
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Chris Townsend
Headmaster
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
1,134
Location
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Urban setting
Day or boarding
Day and boarding
Age range
3 to 18
Religious ethos
Church of England
Founded
1841
Entry points
3+, 4+, 7+, 11+, 13+, 16+
School buses
No
Learning support
Specialist support
Supports mild learning differences, neurodiversity
Show 4 more factsShow fewer facts
Bursaries
Available
Scholarships
Art, Drama, All-rounder +3
A-level A*–A
64%
2025
GCSE 9–7
46%
2025
Overview
About Cheltenham College
Cheltenham College offers education from Pre-Prep (ages 3-7), Prep (7-13), and College (13-18). The school provides a full boarding and day experience with a strong commitment to widening access through bursaries. The Admissions Team supports families throughout the application process.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent co-ed all-through school in Gloucestershire for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, established SEND provision, top-tier fees.
Best for
- Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) rather than separate prep + senior.
- Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
- Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Children with mild learning differences, neurodiversity — SEND is a stated specialism.
Watch-outs
- Fees sit at the top of the independent market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
- TBCOpen dayTo be confirmed1.5 - 2 hours, Monday – Friday by arrangementOpen Visits and Tours
Not yet published: registration opens, registration closes, bursary deadline, assessment, interview, offers, acceptance deadline.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£11,766 – £47,640per year · Day · 2026-27
By entry point · 2026-27
Nursery£11,400
7+£19,425
11+£29,651
Extras: registration, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music lessons, exam fees.
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Quick answers about Cheltenham College
Answered only from Cheltenham College's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
Distinctive features
all-through 3-18
seamless transition from Prep to College
strong academic and co-curricular scholarships
boarding and day options
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
Boys' Hockey Team
music
Harp HubMusic Ensembles - Concert BandMusic Ensembles - Quiet AttractionMusic Ensembles - Rock HeartMusic Ensembles - Swing Band
drama
LAMDA Drama
academic club
Debating - Upper College Parliamentary DebatePoetry Slam ParticipationScience in Medicine School Teams Prize
service
CCF (Combined Cadet Force)Duke of Edinburgh Award
other
International Society
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
College Field / Cricket Pitches
arts
Pittville Pump Room (off-site)
boarding
Dining Hall
academic
Ward Barracks (Bulford) (off-site)
wellbeing
ChapelCollege Chapel
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
Outcomes2025
60
of GCSEs were Grade 7 or above82
of A Levels were graded A*-BPupils progressed to leading UK and overseas universities.
64%
A-level A*–A
46%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
3%
to Oxbridge (2025)
3%
to Russell Group
| 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Cohort | 159 |
| Oxbridge | 4 |
| Russell Group | 5 |
| US Ivy | 0 |
Top universities (2025)
ExeterBristolNottinghamCardiffReadingUCL
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
GCSEA LevelBTECCTech
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Michael Billington (theatre critic)Sir Michael Redgrave (actor)Sir Peter Medawar (Nobel laureate)Sir Nicholas Serota (art curator)Sir Anthony Quayle (actor and director)Sir Peter Bazalgette (media executive)Sir John Keegan (military historian)Sir George White (businessman)
Recommended next step
No open days listed yet
We'll email you when booking opens.
Fit for your child
Is Cheltenham College right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childCommunityHouse system
Community
House system
Pupils belong to houses.
RegulationInspection
Regulation
Inspection
ISI inspection, 25 Apr 2023
2 reports on file.
Excellent
- Isi · Educational Quality1 Apr 2023excellent
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn2 Sept 2026 → 11 Dec 2026Half-term 16 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
Spring6 Jan 2027 → 24 Mar 2027Half-term 12 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
Summer19 Apr 2027 → 3 Jul 2027Half-term 29 May 2027–7 Jun 2027
Also considerSchools like Cheltenham College
Also consider
Schools like Cheltenham College
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is Cheltenham College best for?+
Cheltenham College suits: Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) rather than separate prep + senior; Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex; Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school; Children with mild learning differences, neurodiversity — SEND is a stated specialism.
How much are the fees at Cheltenham College?+
Day fees at Cheltenham College are £3,922 to £15,376 a term in 2026-27 (£11,766 to £46,128 a year). Boarding fees are £10,270 to £21,062 a term in 2026-27 (£30,810 to £63,186 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at Cheltenham College?+
No dates are listed yet. Save Cheltenham College and we'll email you when booking opens.
How does admissions work?+
Cheltenham College is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does Cheltenham College support SEND?+
Cheltenham College states support for mild learning differences, neurodiversity. Check capacity with admissions if your child has an EHCP.
What ages does Cheltenham College take?+
Cheltenham College takes pupils from age 3 to 18.
Is Cheltenham College a day or boarding school?+
Cheltenham College offers both day and boarding places.
Is Cheltenham College co-educational or single-sex?+
Cheltenham College is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is Cheltenham College?+
Cheltenham College is in Gloucestershire, GL53 7LD.
How do I contact admissions at Cheltenham College?+
Contact Cheltenham College by phone on 01242265600.
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