The Cheltenham Ladies College admissions process
Cheltenham Ladies' College is considered to be one of the UK's most prestigious independent schools for girls aged 11 to 18.
Founded in 1853, the College has maintained its reputation for academic excellence while adapting to meet the demands of modern education. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the admissions process, ensuring you understand each step of the journey.
Entrance exams
The entrance assessment process at Cheltenham Ladies' College varies depending on the point of entry. For the main entry points at 11+ and 13+, candidates are required to complete a series of assessments.
11+ Entry
11+ candidates must take the ISEB Common Pre-Test, typically in the autumn term of Year 6. This adaptive, age-standardised test covers four main areas: English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. The test is taken online and can be completed at the candidate's current school or another approved test centre.
13+ Entry
13+ candidates follow one of two routes: The Common Entrance route, taking papers in core subjects including English, maths, science, French, history, geography and religious studies, or the College's own entrance examinations in English, maths and science.
Sixth Form entry
Sixth Form candidates (16+) sit papers in their chosen A-level subjects, typically taking assessments in four subjects. They must also complete a general paper designed to evaluate critical thinking and analytical skills.
All candidates must provide a confidential reference from their current school before sitting the entrance examinations.
Interviews
The interview process forms a crucial part of the assessment and typically takes place after the entrance examinations. Cheltenham Ladies' College places significant emphasis on these conversations, viewing them as an opportunity to understand each candidate's character, interests and potential.
11+ and 13+ candidates participate in both individual and group interviews. The individual interview, usually lasting around 20 minutes, allows the interviewer to assess the candidate's intellectual curiosity, communication skills and extra-curricular interests. Group interviews often involve collaborative activities or discussions, enabling assessors to observe how candidates interact with peers and approach problem-solving.
Sixth Form interviews are more subject-focused, with candidates meeting heads of departments for their chosen A-level subjects. These discussions typically explore the candidate's academic interests in greater depth and assess their readiness for advanced study.
Fees
While specific fee information changes annually, Cheltenham Ladies' College offers both boarding and day options. Fees cover tuition, lunch and most extra-curricular activities. For the most up-to-date fee structure, please visit the College's official website at www.cheltladiescollege.org.
Key dates to know
Registration deadlines
11+ and 13+ entry: 1st October in the year preceding entry
Sixth Form entry: 1st October in the year preceding entry
Late applications may be considered subject to availability
Assessment Dates
11+ ISEB Pre-Tests: October-December
13+ exams: January
Sixth Form exams: November
Interviews typically follow within two weeks of examinations
Offer Letters
11+ and 13+ entry: February
Sixth Form entry: December
Admissions timeline
The admissions process typically begins two years before the intended entry date. Here's a detailed timeline:
Two years before entry
Attend an Open Day
Submit registration form and fee
Begin preparation for entrance assessments
A year before entry
Complete ISEB Pre-Test (11+) or entrance exams (13+ and 16+)
Attend interviews
Receive offer letter
Accept place and pay deposit
Complete scholarship applications if applicable
Year of entry
Submit final school reports
Complete medical forms
Attend induction days
Begin at Cheltenham Ladies' College
How competitive is Cheltenham Ladies College?
Cheltenham Ladies' College maintains highly selective admission standards. While the College doesn't publicly disclose acceptance rates, competition for places is notably strong. Typically, there are three to four applicants for each available place at 11+ and 13+, with competition particularly intense for boarding places and scholarship positions.
The College looks beyond pure academic achievement, seeking girls who will contribute to the school community through their intellectual curiosity, leadership potential and extra-curricular interests. Strong performance in both entrance examinations and interviews is essential, but the College's holistic approach to admission means that personality and potential are valued alongside academic ability.
Notable alumni
Cheltenham Ladies' College has educated numerous distinguished individuals across various fields. Notable alumni include:
Dame Mary Archer DBE, scientist and chairman of the Science Museum Group
Kristin Scott Thomas DBE, acclaimed actress
Mary Whitehouse CBE, social activist and campaigner
Dame Bridget Riley CH CBE, prominent artist
Amanda Wakeley OBE, fashion designer
Elizabeth Hurley, actress and businesswoman
Amber Rudd, former Home Secretary
Mary Godwin, former director of the Science Museum
Scholarships and bursaries
Cheltenham Ladies' College offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support talented students. Scholarships typically recognise excellence in academics, music, sport, art or drama. While these awards carry prestige, they usually provide modest fee reduction. Academic scholarships are awarded based on performance in entrance examinations and interviews.
The College's bursary programme provides more substantial financial support, with awards up to 100% of fees based on family circumstances. Bursaries are means-tested and can be combined with scholarships. Applications for bursaries should be submitted alongside the registration form, with detailed financial information provided for assessment.
Additional scholarship categories include:
Music Scholarships (requiring Grade 6-8 in principal instrument)
Sports Scholarships (recognising county or national level achievement)
Art Scholarships (requiring portfolio submission)
Drama Scholarships (requiring audition and performance history)
All-Rounder Awards (recognising excellence across multiple areas)
Early application for scholarships and bursaries is essential, as funds are limited and competition is strong. The College encourages potential applicants to discuss these opportunities with the admissions team at an early stage in the process.
The admissions process at Cheltenham Ladies' College is thorough and selective, designed to identify young women who will thrive in the College's challenging and enriching environment. Success requires careful preparation, strong academic performance and the ability to demonstrate potential beyond the classroom. For specific questions about the admissions process, families are encouraged to contact the admissions office directly.