Cheltenham College
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire · GL53 7LD
Cheltenham College is one of England's great Victorian public schools, founded in 1841 and set in handsome Regency architecture at the heart of Cheltenham Spa. A fully co-educational boarding and day school for ages 13–18 (with a thriving prep from 3–13), it combines a proud tradition of service, sport, and scholarship with a genuinely modern, inclusive culture. The school's ISI inspection rated both College and Prep 'Excellent in All Areas', reflecting its commitment to all-round development rather than narrow academic drilling. Cheltenham College's five core values — the '5Cs' — underpin an education designed to build confident, purposeful young people ready for a rapidly changing world.
- →Outstanding ISI rating across all areas, with particular strength in pastoral care and co-curricular breadth
- →Genuinely co-educational boarding culture that avoids the single-sex boarding school atmosphere, with flexible day and boarding options
- →Strong Oxbridge and Russell Group preparation alongside excellent sport, music, drama and CCF traditions
- →Distinctive 'Cheltenham's 5Cs' character framework offering structured personal development beyond academics
- →Seamless all-through journey from Nursery at age 3 through to Upper Sixth at 18
Who thrives here
Pupils who are motivated across academics, sport, and the arts and who will flourish with encouragement to take ownership of their own development rather than being pushed from behind. It particularly suits those who want the prestige and facilities of a major boarding school in a vibrant, accessible town rather than a remote rural campus.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Bath Road
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
GL53 7LD
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Tim Henman
British tennis player, former world No. 4
Lindsay Anderson
Film director (If...., O Lucky Man!)
Benny Hill
Comedian and television entertainer
Arthur Quiller-Couch
Author and literary critic
Ronnie Corbett
Comedian and actor (The Two Ronnies)
John Prideaux
Rail executive, former Intercity chairman
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Cheltenham College?
Day fees at Cheltenham College are approximately £29,651 per year (2025/26). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Cheltenham College?
Cheltenham College admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Cheltenham College's exam results?
At Cheltenham College, 34.2% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 47% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Cheltenham College a boarding school?
Cheltenham College offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Cheltenham College's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Cheltenham College “Excellent” (2023).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Genuinely warm and family-oriented house community — housemasters and housemistresses know every child individually
✓Outstanding breadth of co-curricular opportunities, especially sport, CCF and music
✓Children grow enormously in confidence and independence through the boarding structure
✓Beautiful campus and excellent facilities in a vibrant town with real amenities
✓Flexible boarding options make the school accessible to day families and weekly boarders alike
Common concerns
!Some parents of highly academic children feel A-level results could be stronger relative to the school's reputation and fees
!The broad co-curricular expectation means very busy schedules which can feel overwhelming for some pupils
!Fee levels are high and bursary provision, while available, can feel limited in scope