DirectoryGloucestershireAll ThroughCheltenham College
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Cheltenham College

Cheltenham College is a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 3 to 18 offering day and boarding options.

GloucestershireAll ThroughCo Ed, becoming co-educationalAges 3–18Both1,178 pupils
Day fees
£29,651
How competitive entry is
Observation + School ExamCompetitive entry
Pupils
1,178
Founded
1841
Next deadline
Assessment: Mon, 5 Oct 2026
Verified 1 month agosource
Houseroom Index 2026
67.3/100· ranked #69 of UK independents
78% data confidence·v2026.4.0
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes62
Destinations & outcomes61
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing95
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add54
Access & breadth75
Parent sentiment70
External consensus70

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Our take

Independent co-ed all-through school in Gloucestershire for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • 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.
  • 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.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

Cheltenham College supports pupils to achieve excellent academic results while developing independence, confidence and a genuine enjoyment of learning.
excellenceleadershipdiligenceenthusiasm for learningcollaborationpotentialencouragementresiliencecuriosityindependence

Distinctive features

all-through 3-18

seamless transition from Prep to College

strong academic and co-curricular scholarships

boarding and day options

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Boys' Hockey Team

music

Music Ensembles - Swing BandMusic Ensembles - Quiet AttractionMusic Ensembles - Concert BandMusic Ensembles - Rock HeartHarp Hub

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

Facilities

sports

College Field / Cricket Pitches

arts

Pittville Pump Room (off-site)

boarding

Dining Hall

academic

Ward Barracks (Bulford) (off-site)

wellbeing

ChapelCollege Chapel

Latest exam results

Outcomes2025
60
of GCSEs were Grade 7 or above
82
of A Levels were graded A*-B

In 2025, and . Pupils progressed to leading UK and overseas universities

64%
A-level A*–A
46%
GCSE 9–7
3%
Oxbridge offer rate
3%
Russell Group rate

Data from 2025 results

Where leavers go

3%
to Oxbridge (2025)
3%
to Russell Group
2025
Cohort159
Oxbridge4
Russell Group5
US Ivy0
Top universities (2025)
Exeter
Bristol
Nottingham
Cardiff
Reading
UCL

Recent coverage

In 2024, Cheltenham College achieved strong academic results, with 74% of A-Level, CTech, and BTEC grades awarded at A*-B. The Independent Schools Inspectorate's 2023 inspection rated the school as "Excellent in All Areas." In 2024, Cheltenham College was named Independent School of the Year in the SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards.

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)
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Fit for your child

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Application timeline

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Open dayNot published
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Registration opensNot published
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Registration closesNot published
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Bursary deadlineNot published
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AssessmentNot published
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InterviewNot published
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OffersNot published
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Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published

Open events

Open Evening
Thu, 24 Sept 2026
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Year 7 Scholarships Information Evening
Open Day
Sat, 26 Sept 2026
10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Prep Open Morning
Deadline
Thu, 1 Oct 2026
Year 7 Scholarship Closing Date
Assessment
Mon, 5 Oct 2026
Year 7 Sport Scholarship Assessment
Assessment
Tue, 6 Oct 2026
Year 7 Music Scholarship Assessment
Assessment
Thu, 8 Oct 2026
Year 7 Academic Scholarship Assessment
Offer Day
Fri, 16 Oct 2026
Year 7 Scholarships Final Decisions
Dates to be confirmed
Prep TourTours Monday to Friday, 1.5-2 hours
Dates TBC
Open Visits and Tours1.5 - 2 hours, Monday – Friday by arrangement
Dates TBC
International Recruitment Event – Thailand27–28 September 2025
Dates TBC

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

Talks & tasters

Thu, 24 Sept 2026Year 7 Scholarships Information EveningOpen Evening

Fees

£21,615per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £21,615VAT status TBCYear 7-13 projection £170,722
vs London avg (£24,000)10% below
By entry point · 2026-27
Nursery£11,400
7+£19,425
11+£29,651
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

Pupils are organised into houses for pastoral and competitive life.

Inspection

Isi 25 Apr 2023

2 inspection reports on file.

Excellent
  • Isi · Educational Quality1 Apr 2023excellent
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-26

summer21 Apr 202627 Jun 2026Half-term 23 May 2026–1 Jun 2026
autumn2 Sept 202611 Dec 2026Half-term 16 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
spring6 Jan 202724 Mar 2027Half-term 12 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
summer19 Apr 20273 Jul 2027Half-term 29 May 2027–7 Jun 2027

INSET: 20 Apr 2026 · 1 Jun 2026 · 27 Aug 2026 · 28 Aug 2026 · 4 Jan 2027 · 5 Jan 2027 · 16 Apr 2027 · 7 Jun 2027

Schools like Cheltenham College

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

84%

Cheltenham Ladies' College

Cheltenham · Senior · Ages 11–18
£37,980
72%

Eastbourne College

Eastbourne · Senior · Ages 13–18
£31,560 – £36,680
71%

Marlborough College

Wiltshire · Senior · Ages 11–18
£49,449
70%

Malvern College

Worcestershire · Senior · Ages 6–18
£38,115 – £40,245
69%

Pangbourne College

West Berkshire · Senior · Ages 11–18
£25,524 – £33,282
68%

St Edward's Oxford

Oxford · Senior · Ages 13–18
£15,866 – £47,598

Questions parents ask

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

What kind of child is Cheltenham College best for?+

Independent co-ed all-through school in Gloucestershire for ages 3–18, day or boarding. 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?+

Yes — the school states support for mild learning differences, neurodiversity. Always confirm case-by-case capacity with admissions if your child has an EHCP.

Are there open days?+

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

How do I contact admissions?+

phone on 01242 265 600 or the registrars listed in the contact card. 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 College — see the "Schools like Cheltenham 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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