Like our teaching and learning at College, our estate mixes tradition and innovation, from beautifully maintained 1800s buildings to the modern architecture of our Health and Fitness Centre and Parabola Arts Centre. We are constantly upgrading our facilities, from a bespoke recording studio to newly fitted science labs. We are committed to ensuring that all of our upgrades comply with our sustainability goals.
Please take a look at the information and images below, to view the facilities, buildings and learning environment that is integral to life at College.
Opened in 2018, the Health and Fitness Centre includes two sports halls, a climbing wall, a refurbished 25m swimming pool, a multi-purpose activity studio, dance studio, five squash courts and a 58-station fitness gym with free weights, spin, rowing and erg areas. Netball and Tennis are taught on our site nearby, which has 17 courts.
With beautiful pitch pine woodwork in Gothic style, the Princess Hall has been an iconic location for many generations of CLC pupils. It is used to host morning Prayers (assemblies), as well as music concerts, Speech Days, talks and presentations with external speakers, conferences and events throughout the year.
Opened in 2009, our theatre has a capacity of over 300 and is an excellent space for drama and dance performances, conferences and debates. It is well-used by both our pupils and visiting speakers and theatre companies, as well as being a key venue for the Cheltenham Festivals. There is also a dance studio, dressing rooms and foyer, which houses the box office, bar and an art gallery.
Built in the 1800s the Council Room, with a high vaulted ceiling and stained glass window, and the iconic Marble Corridor are testament to College's second Principal, Dorothea Beale, and her belief that beautiful surroundings influenced the education, development and enrichment of pupils’ learning.
There are two libraries at College. The Main Library holds more than 23,000 books, with tables to sit at and areas for private study, while the Lower College Library has a choice of 9,000 items. The libraries foster a culture in which girls are encouraged to read widely, research and study.
Opened in 1998, the Fauconberg Wing houses our art, technology and engineering facilities, including dedicated studio and exhibition spaces, facilities for sculpture, a large printmaking studio, textiles rooms, MAC suite, art library, traditional photography darkroom, and 3D printer.
Our Music and Drama facilities span our Parabola Arts Centre and our main College site. As well as the main theatre featured above, other facilities include a black box theatre, sound-proofed music practice rooms, and dedicated recording studio.
Our Boarding and Day Houses are a home from home for many students. We have a rolling programme of upgrades and renovations, and each House is unique in its style, layout and community. All the Houses have shared spaces, such as dining room and living rooms, as well as music practice rooms.
Our gardens at College are beautiful spaces for the girls to study and relax, especially during the Spring and Summer Terms. They include the QEII Quad, complete with small amphitheatre, and the main and top gardens.
In 2022, we introduced CLC Digital Devices, which allow students to have sole use of a two-in-one device that facilitates digital inking, the flexible use of audio / video, the use of Teams and OneNote.
A benefit of these devices is that they are monitored by College, including control over which apps are installed and filtering software to restrict inappropriate content. Standardised hardware and software helps to ensure lessons run smoothly because the school can guarantee compatibility of all apps required for lessons, enable more effective support by teachers, and ensure continuity of education by being able to swap out a broken device.
CLC is committed to delivering an innovative curriculum where technology is embedded seamlessly and enhances independent and collaborative learning. We believe this empowers pupils to develop lifelong skills and habits that will prepare them for the ever-changing digital landscape.
