Ages 
A happy school that inspires great loyalty and stands out not only for its magnificent surroundings but for placing equal emphasis on every aspect of extracurricular, of which there is simply tons. Academics have been cranked up under current leadership, and there’s some of the most inspired enrichment we’ve seen. Every school says it produces all-rounded pupils – this one really does.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 737 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 326 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- C of E
- Fees
- Day £44,247 – £45,808; Boarding £58,935 - £60,496 pa
- Local authority
- Gloucestershire County Council
- Linked schools
- School ownership
- Cheltenham College is privately owned and governed by the Cheltenham College Council
Headteacher
Head
Nicola Huggett
Since 2018, Nicola Huggett MA PGCE, previously head of Blundell’s in Devon and before that, deputy head of Downe House – both six-year stints. Educated at St Gabriel’s, Newbury and Marlborough. After degree in PPE at St Hugh’s, Oxford (captain of
Entrance
A third of year 9s come from Cheltenham College Prep, the rest in ones and twos from 50+ preps – Cothill House, Sandroyd, Hatherop Castle, Pinewood, St Hugh’s, Beaudesert Park, Moor Park, The Elms, Farleigh and the Dragon among them. Small numbers
- Open days
- Check school website
Exit
Between 15 and 20 per cent leave after GCSEs, usually for grammar schools or because they haven’t hit the grades for sixth form. At 18, nearly all to university, with Newcastle, Exeter, Oxford Brookes, Durham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol all
Latest results
In 2025, 59 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 51 per cent A*/A at A level (82 per cent A*-B).
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Parents of children with varying abilities say all are well supported – always a good sign. ‘My eldest got into Durham with top grades and my daughter who got some 5s was also suitably stretched,’ said one. Pupils say learning is ‘engaging’ and that
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Neighbouring the school coffee shop, this department is run by the deputy head of learning and wellbeing (‘who sits on the leadership team, so it gives SEN a high priority,’ says head) plus SENCo. The 16 per cent on the SEN register – for ADHD,
Arts & extracurricular
Two afternoons a week are spent on activities from 35 options including CCF, DofE, photography, cookery, five-a-side football, robotics, science club, debating, and polo. Huge emphasis too on community action, which sees pupils volunteering in care
Sport
Lives up to its reputation as a sporty school. Mainly rugby and cricket for the boys, and hockey, netball and cricket for the girls. National and international honours for pupils across all those, plus equestrian, rackets and polo among others. Nice
Boarders
Eighty per cent board, 85 per cent of them full time. Flexi-boarding places (minimum two nights but most stay all week) like gold-dust – ‘We all want them!’ admitted local parent. Eleven houses (six boys’ and five girls’ houses), including two day
Ethos & heritage
Handsome frontage of honeyed Victorian Gothic buildings is a sight to behold, stretching elegantly along Cheltenham’s Bath Road. Founded in 1841, the school moved here two years later, going fully co-ed in 1998. Highlights include the massive library
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘Deeply pastoral – always has been,’ report parents, who say their children are ‘happy’ and ‘thriving’. As well as their houseparent, pupils have a tutor responsible for their academic, pastoral and social welfare, plus access to trained peer
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Pupil safety and wellbeing is our highest priority. Pupil access to the internet is switched off at 10.30pm each evening. Third, fourth and fifth form pupils hand their phones in at 9pm. Pupils then have access to devices at 8am. We believe this is important for pupils’ sleep and enjoyment of the college experience. In an emergency or by arrangement, pupils can access devices by speaking with staff. Lower college pupils will also not have access to their phones during the school day.
Pupils & parents
Most boarders from within a two-hour drive; 20 per cent international – largely from Kenya, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Middle East and a growing contingent from India. Day pupils up to half-an-hour’s drive away, with school buses scooping them up
Money matters
Scholarships and exhibitions at 13+ and 16+ for academia, art, drama, music, choral and sport (distinguishable by bright pink ties). Forces discounts available. Means-tested bursaries up to 100 per cent.
- Fee information
- Day £44,247 – £45,808; Boarding £58,935 - £60,496 pa
The last word
A happy school that inspires great loyalty and stands out not only for its magnificent surroundings but for placing equal emphasis on every aspect of extracurricular, of which there is simply tons. Academics have been cranked up under current
