Bursaries

Our means-tested bursaries are known as Beale Awards and are named after our second and longest-serving Principal, Dorothea Beale, a pioneer in the education of young women.

These awards offer fully or partially funded boarding or day places at College - from 1%-100%, depending on circumstances.

Across College, approximately 65 pupils receive fees support via a Beale Award, totalling approximately £1.6million annually. A significant number of these students receive 100% fees support, whilst others receive a percentage award determined through our financial means-testing process. All Beale Award families are also supported with pro-rated financial assistance towards the additional costs of attending school, such as uniform and co-curricular activities.

We are committed to educating those whom we believe are likely to flourish here, regardless of their means and these awards take into account both the financial circumstances of an applicant’s family and her performance in written entrance tests and interviews.

"Without my Beale Award, my life would be far less rich than it is now. CLC opened my eyes to new cultures, new opportunities, and has really shaped me into the woman that I am today."
Gracie
Former pupil and Beale Award recipient

HOW TO APPLY

Beale Awards are available for day or boarding entry to Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) and Year 12 (16+), and to families where we can ensure that the fee-paying parent(s) are resident in the UK for tax purposes.

Families interested in applying for a Beale Award should complete our Beale Award Registration Form and submit it with the non-refundable £50 Beale Registration fee (rather than the Standard Registration form and £250 fee).

In addition, we strongly encourage families who are considering applying for a Beale Award to contact the Admissions Department (bursaries@cheltladiescollege.org) well in advance. This will enable our team to support you through your Beale Award application, make you aware of additional steps in this process, and give you the greatest chance of being considered for the funds available.

Key Dates

We are currently accepting applications for Years 7 and 12 in 2026 and beyond, and for Year 9 in 2027 and beyond. Applications for Beale Awards made after the published deadlines will not be considered.

Year 7 (11+)

Applicants will need to register by 1st July in Year 5.

Year 9 (13+)

We operate an early entry process which means applicants must register by 1st July in Year 6.

Year 12 (16+)

Applicants need to register by 1st July in Year 10.

USEFUL DOCUMENTS

Hear from our Beale Award recipients
If I hadn't gone to CLC I don't think I would be as committed and determined and relentless in what I believe I can achieve.
Lola
Former bursary student
The best thing about CLC is the support network that we have because I'd say, it's limitless and it will continue to stay in my life as well.
Olivia
Former Pupil
When I came to CLC it was surprisingly easy to fit in. Everyone came from very different backgrounds, from very different countries and so we all had that one thing in common and I guess that was like the starting ground to our friendships.
Tamida
Former Pupil
I think the best thing about CLC is the supportive environment, but also that although the academics are really important, there's equal emphasis placed on other things such as music, sport, drama.
Hands playing a piano
Hannah
SFC1