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WELCOMING INTERNATIONAL PUPILS
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Built in 1841, Cheltenham College was the first of the great British Victorian boarding schools and we are immensely proud of our heritage. What makes us special however, is our successful blend of tradition with a dynamic, forwardthinking education. We prepare our pupils to gain the very best examination results, to attend the top universities and to achieve great things in the competitive modern world. We prepare them to be culturally openminded and responsible young people who are confident but never arrogant, who are patient and polite and who strive to excel themselves while applauding the success of others.
WELCOMING INTERNATIONAL PUPILS
Welcome to Cheltenham College Cheltenham College provides a true English education but with a strong international outlook, both in terms of pupils at the school as well as the universities for which we prepare them. We are proud of our cultural diversity and the breadth of experience this provides to pupils from overseas and the UK alike. Around 20% of our pupils are international representing over 30 countries – a community big enough for them never to feel isolated, but nonetheless small enough for us to remain a quintessentially British boarding school.
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WELCOMING INTERNATIONAL PUPILS
Appetite & Ambition We consistently produce top academic performance thanks to an outstanding cadre of staff who will, with dedication, kindness and drive, get each pupil to their own best possible place.
“ Pupils’ strong academic progress, both within lessons and over time, is clearly evident in their academic outcomes... the majority of pupils gain entry to their first-choice universities at a wide range of institutions in the UK, USA and Canada to study a broad range of subjects.” Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2023
Our curriculum
Higher Education and Careers
In Year 9 pupils study a wide range of subjects to broaden their knowledge before they make their GCSE choices.
Over 95% of our pupils apply to university every year. Cheltenham College has an excellent history in placing candidates at the higher tier universities, with Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham, and Oxford being some of the most popular destinations over the last six years. In addition to this we are acutely aware of the changing nature of the workplace and educational qualifications and are equally proud of the degree apprenticeship programmes and specialist colleges that meet the needs of our pupils.
The GCSE curriculum is studied in Year 10 and Year 11 and the pupils take approximately ten GCSEs including English Literature, English Langauge, Mathematics and Science which are mandatory. In Years 12 and 13 there are 33 qualifications including A Levels, BTEC and Cambridge Technical Level 3. Pupils in Year 12 can choose to: • Study three A Levels (or equivalent) and complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). • Study four A Levels (or equivalent). Some pupils taking four A Levels may also decide to complete the EPQ.
Cheltenham College has a strong successful track record of pupils receiving offers and/or scholarships from international universities – usually an average of 20 pupils each year.
English as an additional language The aim of the department is to equip EAL pupils with the necessary skills and confidence in English to allow them to integrate successfully at the school, support the skills and language required by the subjects they study, and reach their full potential, at GCSE and beyond. We also offer preparation for the IELTS examinations.
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House & Home We have eleven Houses at Cheltenham College, all located around the perimeter of our beautiful campus, with many Houses boasting generous views over College. There are nine Boarding Houses – Boyne House, Christowe, Hazelwell, Leconfield and Newick House for boys and Ashmead, Chandos, College Lawn and Westal for girls – and two Day Houses – The Queen’s House for girls and Southwood for boys.
Within each House, we have an average of 12 pupils from each year group from Year 9 to Year 13. Just like a normal family, pupils quickly take on the roles of siblings and, as a result, form strong friendships. An entrenched sense of House honour and loyalty is often created across year groups. 80% of our 750 pupils are full time boarders and there are approximately 60-70 boys or girls in each House meaning that there is always someone to talk to or something to do. Downtime is also crucial and the children have space on campus and time to relax when they need it.
WELCOMING INTERNATIONAL PUPILS
“ Boarders work together in a highly co-operative manner. They use formal systems of peer mentoring, prefects and buddies but also develop effective habits of looking out for one another, offering help, and behaving in a socially constructive manner. They particularly enjoy working across the age groups as demonstrated in the vertical house families, clans, tribes and huddles where they spend time together on social activities, playing games, cooking, eating and sharing experiences.” Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2023
“ At all times Chandos was [my daughter’s] home away from home, it was where she retreated to reflect and where she went to find support when she needed it. Undoubtedly, she received this from the other girls, but, as lovely as they are, they are not adults and do not have the life experience to guide each other when they need it. This has at all times come from the adults in Chandos, from the Matrons, the tutors and of course the Housemistress who sets the tone and culture of the house... my daughter has come through College as a well-rounded and happy, confident young woman and I attribute a great deal of that to the care and expertise that has been shown in the House.” Parent of 2023 Leaver
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Mind & Body
Personal Development It is our aim that pupils develop their personal potential and leave Cheltenham confident in their values and ability. The principles of resilience, being open to opportunities, being ambitious and looking after health and wellbeing underpin our PSHE programme (called FLOREAT at College). It includes preparation for higher education and careers, social, moral, spiritual, and cultural development. The programme themes build on knowledge from year to year.
Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11, topics include: Myself • Flourishing personally and physically • Understanding of individuals’ own values • Respecting and being kind to myself Myself and the World • Human rights • Discrimination Myself and others • Understanding the teenage brain • Responding to peer pressure • Social media • Developing positive relationships • Being tolerant and compassionate.
In Years 12 and 13, the programme is delivered through tutor-led sessions and talks given by specialist visitors to Cheltenham College. Just a few of the topics covered include: • Preparation for examinations • University and job applications • The responsibilities that accompany greater independence and cultural awareness.
WELCOMING INTERNATIONAL PUPILS
Co-curricular The College offers over 40 clubs and activities weekly in a whole range of areas. Pupils are supported in pursuing their current interests and encouraged to try new things, possibly outside of their comfort zone, to build their confidence and resilience. There are also societies for the main academic subjects, including Mathematics, Science, English, Geography, History and Politics – pupils can explore further opportunities to debate, discuss and think around topic areas with their peers.
The International Pupil Committee in College gives the international pupils their own voice within the pupil body. Each year the Committee organises events including a welcome evening and the popular annual International Dinner where international and UK guest pupils come together to celebrate the cultural diversity of our community. The Committee also takes the lead in celebrating key dates, such as festivals and national days.
Facts & Figures
Admissions & Information
How to apply The majority of new pupils are admitted to College at 13 years old into our Year 9 and around 40 new pupils join in Year 12. There are also a limited number of places available in Year 10. To apply to Cheltenham College, international applicants follow the same procedures for entry as pupils based in the UK and we advise early registration to secure a place. Applicants will be asked to sit entrance papers to demonstrate that they have the academic potential and English language level required to access the courses on offer at College. In all cases, admission is subject not only to passing the necessary entrance tests, but also receipt of satisfactory references from the pupil’s present school. Where possible, we ask that pupils visit College on at least one occasion prior to receiving a confirmed place offer – this enables us to meet them but more importantly, it gives pupils the opportunity to get a feel for College. Sometimes we suggest an informal interview with the Head of EAL during the pupil’s visit to College or via a video-call.
Our Awards – Scholarships and Exhibitions
Cheltenham – the heart of the Cotswolds
Excellence is encouraged in both academic and co-curricular aspects of school life. One of the main vehicles for such encouragement is the offer of Awards. Cheltenham College Awards include scholarships and exhibitions and are awarded to those entering at Year 9 or Year 12, who show outstanding talent or potential.
Surrounded by hills and in the south-west of England, Cheltenham is often referred to as the ‘Heart of The Cotswolds’. In the 18th Century the water was discovered to have medicinal qualities, earning it the title of Cheltenham Spa after King George III spent five weeks here drinking water to improve his health. Today it is a thriving town of over 150,000 people.
Induction for international pupils Starting a new school, especially one in a new country, can be a little daunting. We want our international pupils to settle in, make friends and find their feet as quickly as possible. We offer an International Pupil Induction programme to help international pupils integrate into life at College. The residential programme takes place immediately prior to the start of the academic year and we strongly encourage all nonnative English speakers to attend. It includes a mixture of lessons, activities, trips and social events as well as library and ICT inductions. Sessions are offered on linguistic issues, such as coping with unknown vocabulary, note-taking and study skills in preparation for the academic demands of the curriculum. The programme also gives pupils the opportunity to familiarise themselves with College life, from our traditions and history to timetables and the College campus.
Get in touch Please do get in touch to chat about the College or how to apply. For general enquiries please email admissions@cheltenhamcollege.org and to arrange to come and see us please contact visits@cheltenhamcollege.org
Cheltenham College is proud to have been at the heart of the town since 1841. With its beautiful regency architecture and stunning gardens, Cheltenham is the perfect setting for your child’s education. Known as ‘The Festival Town’, Cheltenham’s festivals attract thousands of regional and international visitors. The town is famous for holding the world’s oldest Literature Festival, along with Jazz, Science and Music Festivals. Cheltenham is also ideally placed in the UK as it is only 90 minutes from London, and yet is situated in one of the safest and greenest regions in England. The College is within 10 minutes car drive of the main road and railway links to London.
ADMISSIONS AND INFORMATION
Tel: +44 (0)1242 265 600 admissions@cheltenhamcollege.org cheltenhamcollege.org Registered Charity No. 311720
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Cheltenham College Bath Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 7LD