Cheltenham Ladies' College
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire · GL50 3EP
Cheltenham Ladies' College is one of England's most prestigious girls' schools, founded in 1853 and widely regarded as the flagship of girls' independent education. Set in a handsome Victorian campus in the heart of Cheltenham, it combines rigorous academic ambition with a broad co-curricular and pastoral programme under its 'Fearless Futures' ethos. The school nurtures intellectually curious, socially confident young women who are encouraged to take risks, lead, and contribute to the world beyond the classroom. Its April 2026 ISI inspection awarded the rare accolade of 'Significant Strength' for its integration of curriculum, co-curriculum, and pastoral care.
- →Outstanding academic results and a strong Oxbridge and Russell Group track record in a single-sex environment free from gender stereotyping
- →Exceptional breadth of co-curricular provision — from professional-level music and drama to pioneering STEM and international expeditions
- →A deeply embedded pastoral and wellbeing culture, with boarding at its heart and a reputation for producing confident, values-driven young women
- →Historic prestige and a powerful global alumnae network (the Guild) that opens doors across professions and geographies
Who thrives here
Academically ambitious girls who want to be stretched intellectually while also being encouraged to lead, perform, volunteer, and explore — particularly those who will thrive in a full boarding environment with a strong sense of community and tradition.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Bayshill Road
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
GL50 3EP
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Joanna Lumley
Actress and activist
Rachel Weisz
Academy Award-winning actress
Katherine Grainger
Olympic rowing champion and Chair of UK Sport
Elizabeth II (attended briefly)
Queen of the United Kingdom
Tracey Crouch
Conservative MP and former Sports Minister
Imogen Stubbs
Actress and writer
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Cheltenham Ladies' College?
Day fees at Cheltenham Ladies' College are approximately £32,700 per year (2025/26). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Cheltenham Ladies' College?
Cheltenham Ladies' College admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Cheltenham Ladies' College's exam results?
At Cheltenham Ladies' College, 60% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 81.7% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Cheltenham Ladies' College a boarding school?
Cheltenham Ladies' College offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Cheltenham Ladies' College's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Cheltenham Ladies' College “Excellent” (2022).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional confidence and self-belief that daughters develop during their time at CLC
✓Outstanding breadth and quality of co-curricular provision, especially music, drama, and sport
✓Warm and genuine pastoral care, particularly the boarding house communities
✓Strong academic preparation and university guidance
✓The sense of sisterhood and lifelong friendships formed through boarding
Common concerns
!Fees are among the highest in the country, and some families feel the bursary provision, while improving, does not fully offset this barrier
!The school's reputation and ethos can feel intensely pressurised for girls who are less naturally competitive or academically confident
!Some parents of day pupils feel the culture is strongly oriented around boarders, and day students can occasionally feel peripheral to the community