Why CLC?

Cheltenham Ladies’ College has been at the forefront of girls’ education for nearly 170 years.

Our heritage and global reputation were founded on our pioneering approach to girls’ education and our future aims are no less ambitious.

Our GCSE, A Level and IB results are consistently excellent, leading to College being named the top boarding school in the country for IB results in 2022. Over the last five years, College has consistently won a number of awards for academic excellence including South West Independent Secondary School of the Decade by The Sunday Times.

College is passionate about the futures of our pupils. While their academic achievements are important, these must go hand-in-hand with co-curricular activities that interest and challenge them, a community that supports them, and the opportunities to pursue their passions and learn from their failures.

By nurturing well-rounded and self-confident girls, we help them to develop the skills they need to manage the choices and opportunities ahead of them, leaving College as inspirational and empowered young women.

Why boarding?

Surrounded by the fictional worlds of Malory Towers, Harry Potter and St Trinian’s, misconceptions about modern boarding can be far-reaching and inaccurate, based on outdated perceptions and a degree of artistic licence.

In reality, 21st century boarding offers pupils the opportunity to be immersed in a vibrant, diverse and tolerant community of their peers, where they can express themselves and debate their views openly, help each other grow and learn, and develop friendships that are often life-long. 

From eating meals or watching a film together, to rehearsing for House Music or working on a group entry for the Upcycled Fashion Show, boarding houses quickly become a home from home. With over 160 co-curricular activities to choose from and a full and varied sporting programme, boarding life at College offers girls an unparalleled experience in these important formative years. 

Modern technology has ensured family and friends are only a message or video call away. The pastoral structure between the school and the boarding house is designed to nurture and encourage our new pupils to settle into life at College quickly.

For further advice on boarding, please see guidance from the Boarding Schools’ Association.

For more information on boarding at CLC, please visit our Boarding pages.

Why single-sex?

There are many arguments surrounding the benefits and disadvantages of single-sex vs co-educational schools. Ultimately, each child’s education should provide an environment that is right for them, with teaching that inspires them, debates that challenge them and opportunities that allow them to thrive.

Our approach to education has always been to put girls first.

We believe that the pupils at College thrive in a single-sex environment. They develop resilience and confidence in a culture that encourages them to believe that nothing is beyond their reach or consideration. The success of this approach is demonstrated not only in their consistently outstanding exam results and extensive co-curricular achievements, but through the well-rounded and inspirational women they become.

Whether a budding scientist, inspired artist or talented sportswoman, we encourage them to develop independent thought, and to support and challenge each other.

For more guidance on girls’ single-sex education, please see information from the Girls Schools Association (GSA) which highlights a number of benefits, such as the freedom from stereotypes, leadership opportunities and academic excellence.