DirectoryCheltenhamSeniorCheltenham Ladies' College
Senior school

Cheltenham Ladies' College

Cheltenham Ladies' College is an all-girls senior school offering day and boarding education for ages 11 to 18.

CheltenhamSeniorGirlsAges 11–18Both833 pupils
Day fees
£37,980
How competitive entry is
School Exam + InterviewCompetitive entry
Pupils
833
Founded
1854
Next deadline
Registration opens: 1 Sept 2026
Verified 1 month ago
Houseroom Index 2026
77.6/100· ranked #27 of UK independents
78% data confidence·v2026.4.0
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes82
Destinations & outcomes71
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing95
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add74
Access & breadth90
Parent sentiment70
External consensus70

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Our take

Independent girls school in Gloucestershire for ages 11–18. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Children aged 11–18.
  • Parents who want a single-sex environment for their daughter.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
  • Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Fees sit at the top of the London 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.
  • SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
  • Single-sex (girls). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

Academic departments at College combine strong results with a wide range of enriching lessons and activities. Students benefit from a broad education studying more than 30 subjects alongside conferences, clubs and trips. Students choose subjects that suit their interests with the timetable built around them.

Activities & co-curricular

sport

athleticsClimbing ClubequinefencingHockeyLacrossenetballrowingSquashswimmingwalking

music

cello ensembleconcert bandHouse Music CompetitionmusicMusic ensemblesMusic Ensembles and Individual LessonsMusic Toursorchestrapercussion ensemblesamba bandScholars’ Recitalsstring groupukulele ensemblevocalwider music activities

drama

drama

academic club

business clubchessdebateDebatingeco committeeLC Art ClubPhotography Clubscience club

service

Community Links Volunteeringcommunity service

other

Animals in Hands WorkshopDance Classes and Recreational ClubsDance Performance OpportunitiesDance Studio ActivitiesDrama ProductionsDrama Workshops and Technical Crew SupportLC Art ClubLife Drawing (SFC)Photography ClubTrinity and LAMDA Speech and Drama Classes

Facilities

sports

Health and Fitness CentreNetball and Tennis Courts (off-site)Sports Facilities including Health & Fitness Centre, Tennis and Netball courts

arts

Black Box Studio TheatreFauconberg Wing Art StudiosParabola Arts CentreParabola Arts Centre TheatrePhotography DarkroomPrincess HallThe Parabola Arts Centre

boarding

Six Junior Boarding Houses

academic

Art LibraryCouncil RoomLower College Learning and Teaching CentreLower College LibraryMain LibraryMarble CorridorNew Sixth Form Centre (opening 2026)Six Biology Laboratories

wellbeing

24-hour Medical CentreQuiet RoomWell Place for wellness activities

Latest exam results

71%
A-level A*–A
83%
GCSE 9–7
14%
Oxbridge offer rate
47%
Russell Group rate

Data from 2025 results

Where leavers go

14%
to Oxbridge (2025)
47%
to Russell Group
2025
Cohort164
Oxbridge23
Russell Group77
US Ivy12
Top universities (2025)
UCL
Durham University
University of St Andrews
University of Cambridge
University of Exeter
Imperial College London
Bristol
KCL

Recent coverage

In 2024, Cheltenham Ladies' College reported that 69.5% of A-Level results were A* or A grades, and 85.8% of GCSE results were 9-7 (A* or A) grades. The International Baccalaureate (IB) cohort achieved an average of 39.3 points, with 56% scoring 40 points or higher. In 2025, the A-Level cohort achieved 35% A* grades, with over half securing three or four straight A*/A grades. The IB cohort had an average score of 38.9 points, with over half scoring 40 points or higher. In March 2025, the college's masterplan received planning approval, aiming to enhance academic and accommodation facilities over the next 20 years. A new boarding house, designed to accommodate 65 en-suite bedrooms and staff accommodation, was initiated in 2024 as part of the estate-wide masterplan. The building incorporates sustainable features such as a ground source heat pump system and photovoltaic panels. The Health and Fitness Centre project, including the refurbishment of existing facilities and the design of a new centre, was completed to support the health and wellbeing of students. In August 2025, 72% of GCSE results were awarded the top 9/8 or A* grades, and 86% achieved A*-A / 9-7 grades.

Notable alumni

Dame Judi Dench (actress)Imogen Heap (musician)Dame Sarah Gilbert (vaccine scientist)Dame Ethel Smyth (composer and suffragette)Dame Barbara Cartland (author)Dame Felicity Lott (opera singer)Dame Ann Leslie (journalist)Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss (judge)
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Fit for your child

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Application timeline

1 of 8 admissions stages have confirmed dates. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayNot published
Not published
Registration opensNot published
Not published
Registration closesConfirmed
30 Sept 2026
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentNot published
Not published
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersNot published
Not published
Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published
Registration windows
YearOpensClosesReply byStatus
2027-28TBC30 Sept 2026TBCTbc

Open events

Sixth Form Evening
Fri, 11 Sept 2026
12:00 am
Sixth Form Open Day
Open Day
Sat, 12 Sept 2026
10:00 am
Saturday 12th September Sixth Form Open Day
Sixth Form Open
Sat, 12 Sept 2026
10:30 am
Sixth Form Open Day
Open Day
Sat, 19 Sept 2026
10:00 am
Saturday 19th September Year 7/9 Experience Day
Deadline
Mon, 9 Nov 2026
9:00 am
13+ Registration & Exam Form Deadline
Assessment
Wed, 2 Dec 2026
9:00 am
13+ Assessment Days
Dates to be confirmed
June Open DayJune Open Day
Dates TBC
Day visitsVarious dates - see visits page
Dates TBC

Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.

Talks & tasters

Fri, 11 Sept 2026Sixth Form Open DaySixth Form Evening
Sat, 12 Sept 2026Sixth Form Open DaySixth Form Open

Fees

£37,980per year · Day · 2025-26
VAT-inclusive estimate £37,980Published as VAT-inclusiveYear 7-13 projection £299,977
vs London avg (£24,000)58% above
Also budget for · Registration fee, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music tuition, exam fees. These vary by school — check with admissions for the full cost breakdown.

Bursaries & Scholarships

House system

six Junior Boarding HousesDay House

Wellbeing

Cheltenham Ladies' College fosters a supportive and vibrant community with a strong pastoral care system overseen by Heads of Lower and Upper College, Tutors, and Houseparents. The school offers extensive wellbeing programmes including counselling and mental health support to help pupils thrive emotionally and academically.

Inspection

Isi 9 Dec 2025

2 inspection reports on file.

  • Isi · Educational Quality1 Nov 2022excellent
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-26

autumn3 Sept 202512 Dec 2025Half-term 17 Oct 2025–2 Nov 2025
spring12 Jan 202627 Mar 2026Half-term 13 Feb 2026–22 Feb 2026
summer20 Apr 20263 Jul 2026Half-term 22 May 2026–31 May 2026

Feeder schools

Schools like Cheltenham Ladies' College

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

84%

Cheltenham College

Gloucestershire · All Through · Ages 3–18
£11,315 – £47,640
67%

Queen's College, London

Westminster · Senior · Ages 3–19
£20,430 – £32,742
64%

Headington School

Oxfordshire · All Through · Ages 3–18
£5,880 – £30,783
63%

Sherborne Girls

Dorset · Ages 11–18
£35,850
63%

St Margaret's School

Camden · All Through · Ages 4–16
£17,124 – £25,056
62%

Queen's Gate School

Kensington and Chelsea · All Through · Ages 4–18
£25,578 – £34,200

Questions parents ask

Common questions about Cheltenham Ladies' College, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is Cheltenham Ladies' College best for?+

Independent girls school in Gloucestershire for ages 11–18. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has identified needs, contact admissions early to discuss capacity.

Are there open days?+

4 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

email at enquiries@cheltladiescollege.org or phone on +44(0)1242 520691. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Cheltenham Ladies' College — see the "Schools like Cheltenham Ladies' College" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 11 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

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