Joining Cheltenham Ladies' College as a boarder: an enriching experience in a supportive community.
Each September, approximately 160 new students join CLC, becoming part of a vibrant, diverse community of around 850 pupils, of which 80% board.
Academically, CLC is renowned for its commitment to excellence. Students thrive with a curriculum designed to challenge and inspire, state-of-the-art facilities and expert teaching staff. Beyond exams, CLC focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, resilience, and equipping students for their futures.
Pastoral care is embedded in every aspect of College life, and ensuring balance is key to this. Our plentiful range of co-curricular activities and academics, whilst encouraging downtime and social activities, particular in the younger years, helps to ensure boarding life in one of our purpose-build Junior or Senior boarding houses is as far as possible a home from home.
If you already know your next step, get there quickly using these links
Joining CLC as a Year 7 pupil means becoming part of a warm and nurturing community. Our dynamic Lower College curriculum combines core academics with an emphasis on curiosity and wellbeing, whilst the supportive structure of boarding life ensures access to a wide range of co-curricular activities and countless opportunities for personal growth.
Around 50 girls (usually from over 40 different schools) join our Junior Boarding Houses each year and are supported by tutors, dedicated pastoral staff and student-led 'House families' to settle in quickly and thrive in an environment that encourages curiosity and nurtures ambition.
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, boarders benefit from an exceptional education combined with a vibrant boarding life. Sixth formers enjoy tailored academic programmes, whether they study A Levels 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.
Do you offer weekly boarding?
No, we offer two ways to attend CLC:
"full" boarding (staying at CLC during term-time and going home for Exeat weekends and holiday - see our term dates for details of Exeats and holidays)
day places (with the option to occasionally board up to 2 nights per week).
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 Houses. Examples of Weekend Programme activities include zorbing, roller discos, theatre trips and craft sessions.
Do you offer flexi boarding and/or can day students stay over occasionally?
We offer occasional boarding where day students 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?
Yes. Full details of our scholarships can be found on our scholarships page.
Are day students eligible for financial aid?
Yes. We offer bursaries from 10% - 100%. As they are means-tested, the application process takes longer than a standard application - as such we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Full details of our means-tested bursaries can be found on our Beale Awards page, and relevant deadlines can be found in our 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry guides.
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.
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