Cheltenham Ladies’ College
Founded in 1853, Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC) is one of Britain’s most internationally respected and prestigious girls’ schools for ages 11 to 18. Originally created to provide “a sound academic education for girls,” the College flourished under Dorothea Beale, a pioneering headmistress who later founded St Hilda’s College, Oxford.
CLC is set in the spa town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, and offers both boarding and day places.
Why Cheltenham Ladies’ College
Cheltenham Ladies’ College blends academic excellence and a progressive philosophy of girls’ education. For more than 170 years, the College has empowered girls to achieve intellectual independence, leadership, and confidence. School culture balances discipline and encouragement, ambition and personal development. Girls thrive in an environment nurturing creativity, character, and scholarly curiosity.
Is Cheltenham Ladies’ College Right for Your Daughter?
- Girls-only: Ages 11–18, with academic confidence and leadership at the heart of its mission.
- Day and Boarding Options: Six boarding houses; three day-houses for juniors.
- Academic Results (2024): 85.7% GCSE grades at 9–7; 69.5% of A Levels at A*/A.
- Philosophy: Supportive, ambitious environment prepares girls for leading universities and future success.
For families seeking top-tier academics, global prestige, and a focus on empowering girls, CLC is a premier choice.
Cheltenham Ladies’ College Admissions Process
When to Start Preparing Preparation should begin in Year 4 or Year 5 to ensure mastery of mathematics, English, creative writing, and reasoning skills. Early preparation helps build confidence for rigorous written exams and interviews. Admissions Timeline for Year 9 (13+) Entry| Stage | Detail | Deadline / Timing |
| Registration | Submit by 1 July of Year 6 as standard; mid-October Year 6 (latest) | Year 6 (for 13+ entry) |
| Entrance Exam Form | Complete form by early August after Year 6 | August Year 6 |
| School Reference | Confidential report from current school requested | Autumn Year 7 |
| Assessment Day | Held October–November Year 7: Maths (calc/non-calc), English, Reasoning tests, group activities, interviews | Autumn Year 7 |
| Results | Offers issued mid-December Year 7 | December Year 7 |
| Acceptance | Confirm place, acceptance fee and deposit due by end of Spring term Year 7 | Spring Year 7 |
| Scholarships | Additional assessments for academic/music scholarships | January–February after offers |
- Assessment Day for 13+ involves written Maths (calculator and non-calculator), English (comprehension/creative writing), Reasoning papers, group activities, and interviews.
- Offers come in mid-December Year 7; acceptance fees and deposits due by end of Spring term Year 7.
Acceptance Rate and Fees
- Entry is highly competitive: About 50 places at 13+ are offered, with roughly 470 applicants last year, this resulted in an acceptance rate of approximately ~11%.
- Fees for 2025/26 are £60,300 per year for boarding and £37,980 per year for day students, inclusive of VAT.
- Academic and music scholarships at 13+ are merit-based and awarded annually, but the exact number per year is not published; typically fewer than 10 scholarships are available across all categories (academic, music, art, sport).
How Elite British Admissions Can Help
Elite British Admissions provides bespoke guidance for CLC entry, ensuring careful, strategic preparation.
- Specialist tutoring aligned with CLC assessments
- Maths coaching for calculator and non-calculator papers
- English and creative writing preparation
- Reasoning test mock exams and interview training
- Group activity coaching to foster teamwork and resilience
- 24/7 parental support for global and UHNW families
- Proven results: In 2024, three out of four clients gained offers from first-choice schools.
Book a free consultation to design a custom admissions plan for your daughter today.
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