Cheltenham College A GSG School

What the school says...

In all areas of Cheltenham College, but particularly in the classroom, there is a relaxed atmosphere which fosters originality and creativity in both teaching and learning. Pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their own trajectory. Recent additions to the sixth form curriculum include psychology, business, history of art, information technology and economics. There are also CTECs and BTECs on offer in business, applied psychology and sport. Complementing our GCSE programme is a series of new and diverse academic ‘electives’. Electives are one-year, non-examined courses run in two periods per week. They are intended to be enriching, inspiring and enjoyable. The electives programme includes courses such as: enterprise and entrepreneurship, biochemistry, ceramics, coding and retro game design, sociology and criminology, dye and print fashion and much more.

There are 11 houses at Cheltenham for pupils in third form to upper sixth – nine boarding and two day. The sense of community within Cheltenham is incredibly important and is what makes pupils thrive as boarders. Eighty per cent of our pupils are full boarders and our houses do not empty out at the weekends. Most boarders stay in during the weekend, even if they are local, as there is so much happening across the college. House trips take advantage of the beautiful surrounding Cotswold countryside and proximity to the Forest of Dean. Kayaking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, paddle boarding, dry-slope skiing, city visits (including museums and art galleries) – as well as theme park visits – are all examples of the fun things boarders and day pupils get up to. Within the houses, pupils have themed cooking nights, outdoor cinema experiences and activity evenings. On campus, boarders make use of the swimming pool and sports centre, music rooms and sports fields.

The co-curricular provision aims to balance life in the classroom. It is about challenge, determination, the ability to bounce back when one fails and to realise the reward of hard work and effort – lessons in life which will serve Cheltonians well long after they have left college. Up to 30 co-curricular clubs operate weekly, including shooting, dance, pottery, filmmaking and drama, highlighting the broad range of experiences to discover at Cheltenham. Cheltenham College also offers a talented athlete programme, providing structured training, mentoring and nutritional guidance for elite sporting students – helping them to succeed in their chosen field, from club to international level.

‘The opportunities available are second to none, there is something for everyone to thrive at. The pupils seem genuinely happy, they have the most wonderful time – I can’t believe how much they jam in!’ - Current parent. ...Read more

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