New Sixth Form Centre named in honour of Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia
New Sixth Form Centre named for Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah
Cheltenham Ladies’ College has received a landmark benefaction to create the Zarith Sofiah Centre, its new Sixth Form Centre, named in honour of Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, who studied at the College for five years in the 1970s.
The gift provides the founding contribution towards a university-style hub for collaborative learning, independent study and sixth form life, to be known as the Zarith Sofiah Centre.
Designed in collaboration with architects Purcell, the Zarith Sofiah Centre is a centrepiece of the College’s estates master plan as it approaches its 175th anniversary in 2028. Shaped throughout by a pupil working group, the new layout is designed to mirror the independence and intellectual culture of university life.
As the base for the Sixth Form Staff Team and the Professional Guidance Centre, it will include a debating chamber, quiet study areas, learning pods for group and independent work, and a café for pupils to relax and connect.
Her Majesty began her education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Datin Khadijah in Kuala Kangsar, before attending Raja Perempuan Kalsom Secondary School and then Cheltenham Ladies’ College from 1972 to 1977. She went on to read Chinese Studies at Somerville College, University of Oxford.
An artist and writer, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Psychology by the University of Reading in August 2026 in recognition of her lifelong commitment to education and public service.
Eve Jardine-Young, Executive Principal, said: “On behalf of our parents, pupils and staff — past, present and future — we are delighted to receive this landmark gift and to name our new Sixth Form Centre in recognition of the life’s work of Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah.
"This gift sets a precedent: it is the only building we have named for one of our alumnae, and we look forward to welcoming its first pupils in 2027 and sharing in its future impact with Her Royal Highness.
“The design marks a clear shift away from the traditional classroom, towards a blend of formal and informal learning that builds autonomy, collaboration and scholarly confidence as our pupils prepare for higher education and the world of work.
"We also look forward to welcoming staff, pupils and speakers from across the Cheltenham Education Partnership into the new facilities in the months ahead.”
Mrs Merryl Webster, Chair of Council, said: “As Chair of Council, and as a fellow Guild member of the Class of 1977, I am delighted by this visionary lead gift, which sets in motion the creation of the Zarith Sofiah Centre in celebration of Her Majesty’s lifelong achievements in education and public service.
The name of this centre will, in itself, inspire our Sixth Form pupils to consider the positive impact they can have on the world as they prepare for life after Cheltenham Ladies’ College.
Mrs Merryl Webster, Chair of Council
To find out more about the Zarith Sofiah Centre and life in Sixth Form, take a look at our Sixth Form page or a book a visit to CLC.
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