Background of Cheltenham Ladies’ College:
Cheltenham Ladies’ College, established in 1853, is one of the UK’s leading independent boarding and day schools for girls aged 11 to 18. Located in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, the college has a rich tradition of academic excellence and holistic education. It has been at the forefront of girls’ education, continuously adapting to the changing educational landscape while maintaining its core values of integrity, resilience, and mutual respect.
Curriculum and Academic Programmes:
Cheltenham Ladies’ College offers a comprehensive and flexible curriculum designed to cater to a wide range of academic interests and future aspirations.
- Lower College (LC): For Years 7-9, the curriculum provides exceptional breadth, building foundations for GCSE courses. Students are encouraged to pursue a broad and varied curriculum with support and advice at every stage.
- Upper College (UC): In Years 10 and 11, most pupils take 10 GCSE subjects, including core subjects such as Mathematics, English Language and Literature. Students can also undertake a Higher Project Qualification.
- Sixth Form College (SFC): In Years 12 and 13, students have the option to study either the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or A Levels. IB students study six subjects from distinct curriculum areas, while A Level students can take up to four subjects over two years. Subjects offered include English Literature, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Economics, Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish), Art, Music, Drama, Politics, Philosophy, Psychology, and Computer Science.
Admission Requirements:
Admission to Cheltenham Ladies’ College is competitive, and early application is recommended.
- Application Process: Prospective students and their parents must complete an online application form and submit required documents, including academic records, a personal statement, and references.
- Entrance Examinations: Applicants take entrance exams in core subjects to assess their academic abilities and potential for success at CLC.
- Assessment Days: Candidates participate in group discussions, activities, and complete written and adaptive online tests in Maths, English, and Verbal Reasoning.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews to discuss their interests, achievements, and aspirations.
- Additional Requirements for International Students: International applicants may need to provide proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.
Extracurricular Activities:
Cheltenham Ladies’ College is renowned for its extensive extracurricular programme, providing numerous opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop new skills.
- Sports: The school excels in various sports, including hockey, lacrosse, netball, tennis, equestrian sports, and polo. Recent sports tours have taken girls to Dubai, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as skiing competitions in France.
- Outdoor Education: Activities include climbing, bushcraft, sailing, and trekking. The school encourages participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and offers an Adventure Club with activities like kayaking, windsurfing, and mountain biking.
- Music and Arts: Opportunities include orchestra, choir, instrumental lessons, and drama productions. The school has excellent facilities for music and arts, promoting creativity and performance skills.
- Clubs and Societies: A wide range of clubs and societies, such as debating, chess, and science club, complement the academic curriculum and provide a well-rounded education.
Pastoral Care:
The well-being of students is a top priority at Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Each student is assigned to a house, led by a housemistress who provides guidance and support. The house system fosters a strong sense of community and belonging, ensuring students feel supported and valued. The school also has a dedicated team of counsellors who offer confidential support for students dealing with personal issues, stress, or anxiety.
Boarding Houses: Cheltenham Ladies’ College has a robust house system that supports both boarding and day students, creating a close-knit community and providing a supportive environment for personal growth and development. The houses include:
- Junior Houses (Years 7-11): St Austin’s, St Helen’s, St Margaret’s, Glenlee, Sidney Lodge.
- Sixth Form Houses (Years 12-13): Beale, Cambray, Elizabeth, Roderic, St Hilda’s.
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