Joining Cheltenham Ladies' College as a boarder: inspiration and enrichment in a supportive, diverse community.
Each September, approximately 160 new students from the UK and around the world join CLC, creating a vibrant environment of around 850 pupils. Entry points are typically at 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9), or 16+ (Year 12), with places available for both boarding and day students.
For over 170 years, CLC has strived to be at the forefront of girls education. We are renowned for our commitment to excellence, educating students from a variety of educational backgrounds and nationalities.
With state-of -the-art facilities, a curriculum designed to challenge and inspire, and expert teaching staff, Cheltenham Ladies' College prepares girls to not only achieve excellent exam results, but our emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and resilience equips students for global challenges and opportunities. It is our aim that our leavers secure places at top universities around the world and go on to leave fulfilling lives which enrich their communities.
Boarding life at CLC is designed to create a homely, family atmosphere for both our International and UK boarders. Pastoral care is embedded in every aspect of College life, and ensuring balance is key to this. Our plentiful range of co-curricular activities broadens horizons, whilst our active Weekend Programme helps encouraging downtime and social activities, particular in the younger years.
If you already know your next step, get there quickly using these links:
Overseas students joining Cheltenham Ladies’ College as Year 7 boarders find a supportive environment that quickly feels like home. Our exceptional pastoral care to ensure a smooth transition, with opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity and forge lasting friendships. A balance of academics and co-curricular activities helps young learners adapt, thrive and grow in confidence as they become part of this global community of ambitious students.
Joining CLC in Year 9 offers an enriching experience at a key stage of personal and academic growth.
Pupils join welcoming house communities that promote friendship, camaraderie and mutual support. With a broad curriculum, expert teaching, and extensive co-curricular activities, students are encouraged to head into their GCSE years with confidence. During this time, they are encouraged to develop their independence, confidence and ambition, all in a supportive and inspiring environment designed to encourage success.
Entering Cheltenham Ladies’ College at Year 12, our UK and Overseas boarders benefit from an exceptional education combined with a vibrant boarding life. Sixth formers enjoy tailored academic programmes, including A Level or the IB, alongside a range of unique leadership opportunities.
Our boarding houses support students to balance their academics with co-curricular and social activities, fostering growth, independence and resilience. Experienced staff and a strong community ethos support students, and our expert Professional Guidance team are on hand to make sure this an ideal stepping stone to university and beyond.
Occasionally mid-year places become available – please get in touch with the Admissions Team directly to enquire about the availability of spaces, and the necessary steps to be taken.
How do I arrange a visit?
We offer a number of Open Days each year, which can be booked here.
A private visit to tour College with a member of our Admissions Department or a senior pupil may be more suited to a subsequent visit and booking priority will be given to parents whose daughter is registered for entry within two years. To enquire about a private visit, click here.
How do I apply for a boarding place, and when do I need to do it by?
Will my daughter have to sit an entrance examination?
How many applicants usually sit entrance examinations?
Approximately 470 candidates sit examinations each year across all year groups.
How early should we apply for a boarding place?
Although the final deadlines are later, most applicants will have registered by the following points:
Easter of Year 5 for Year 7 entry
Easter of Year 6 for Year 9 entry
Easter of Year 10 for Sixth Form entry
Use the link below to access our registration portal.
How much does it cost to attend CLC as a boarder
Fees vary by entry point. For a full breakdown, see our fees page.
What transport options are available for boarders?
At exeats and half terms, buses run east to Oxford, Beconsfield / M40 and London, or north up the M6 to Manchester. We also run a shuttle to the train station in Cheltenham to meet the main London trains. At the start and end of term, we also offer escorted airport transfers to Heathrow.
Boarders transport is bookable via an online portal. Through this parents can arrange transport to any UK location. Where possible, our external transport provider combines trips for CLC students to save parents money, and to provide company for travelling students.
Are there activities in the evenings and at weekends?
Yes!
There are lots of clubs and activities on offer at College, and we encourage our students (both day and boarding) to take full advantage of these opportunities.
Weekends at College are full of activities. A full programme and sign up lists are posted on noticeboards in the Day Houses. Examples of Weekend Programme activities include zorbing, a roller disco, theatre trips and craft sessions.
Do you offer flexi boarding?
We offer occasional boarding for our day students where they can stay in a boarding house for up to 2 nights per week, either on a regular or ad hoc basis. Details of the cost of staying over with supper and breakfast can be found on our fees page
Can boarding students switch to day if my family needs change?
Yes. It is easiest to move at the change of an academic year in September, so we can manage the numbers in our Boarding Houses. Where possible we ask parents to give two terms notice. However, if a change from boarding to day needs to happen mid-year or with less notice, we'll do our best to accommodate this.
Are boarders eligible for scholarships or bursaries?
International boarders are able to apply scholarships - full details of our scholarships can be found on our scholarships page. Scholarships do not offer money off our termly fees.
Our bursaries are means-tested and only available to families resident in the UK for tax purposes.
I’ve missed the deadline for application, is it too late?
We always try our best to accommodate last applications, so please get in touch with our Admissions Team who be able to advise you if we have any spaces available.
Are there any entry requirements that are specific to international students?
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