Charterhouse School: Explore Reviews, Rankings, Fees, and More
Charterhouse is a prestigious independent school in Surrey with a strong academic and extracurricular reputation. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know – including reviews, rankings, fees, and what makes Charterhouse stand out in the UK education landscape.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Charterhouse
- Local authority: Surrey
- Pupils: 955; sixth formers: 393
- Ages: 13-18
- Religion: Anglican
- Fees: Day £15,591; Boarding £20,016 per term (inclusive of VAT)
Charterhouse School Results (2025)
Latest Results:
- A Level Results (2025): 57% attained grades A*/A
- GCSE Results (2025): 76% achieved grades 9-7
Teaching and Learning in Charterhouse
Charterhouse School offers a flexible and forward-thinking curriculum that nurtures intellectual curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence.
Under School (Years 9–11)
In the early years, students engage in a broad curriculum that encourages exploration and helps them develop individual strengths. By Year 10, they choose 9 or 10 GCSE subjects, allowing them to tailor their studies to suit their interests and goals. As a result, pupils build a solid academic foundation and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
Sixth Form (Years 12–13)
Charterhouse provides two main pathways in the Sixth Form:
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A Levels: Most students take three A Levels, supported by the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and a wide range of elective courses. This structure allows for in-depth subject focus while encouraging broader intellectual development.
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International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: As an IB World School, Charterhouse offers the full Diploma Programme. This includes six subjects along with core components – Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
FutureU Programme
Beyond academic study, the FutureU programme plays a key role in preparing students for life after school. It equips them with essential skills, insights, and experiences that support university applications and future careers.
Boarding Experience in Charterhouse
The boarding experience at Charterhouse offers a variety of accommodation options tailored to students’ needs and preferences. Here’s an overview:
Accommodation Options:
- In Year 9, students may have singles, twins, or quads.
- From Year 10 onwards, students typically have twins or singles.
- Upper Sixth students are accommodated in singles.
- Some rooms are en-suite, while others share bathrooms.
House Variations:
- The accommodation varies between the fifteen houses, each with its own unique personality.
- Houses feature a range of setups, from sumptuous oak panelling with Victorian charm to modern, light-filled spaces with double-glazed windows and en-suite facilities.
- Day pupils are integrated members of boarding houses, fostering a sense of community.
Flexibility and Activities:
- Boarding arrangements have become more flexible, with changes such as Sunday chapel now held on Friday, allowing boarders to return to school on Monday morning.
- Parents have the opportunity to take their children out to dinner on Wednesdays, with Pizza Express in Guildford being a popular choice.
Weekend Arrangements:
- Boarding weekends typically see parents leaving on Saturday afternoons, including overseas boarders who may stay with friends or guardians.
- While the school doesn’t encourage staying over the weekend, students who do form close bonds with their peers.
- Students appreciate the comfort of the boarding environment and enjoy activities such as shopping at Waitrose on Sundays.
Extracurricular Activities in Charterhouse
At Charterhouse, the breadth of extracurricular activities reflects the diverse interests and talents of its students. Here’s a glimpse into the vibrant array of activities available:
Performing Arts:
- Drama: The school’s theatrical productions, such as “Legally Blonde,” showcase students’ talents, supported by an actor-in-residence. Students take charge of stage management, fostering leadership skills.
- Music: While classical music thrives, the introduction of jazz adds a contemporary flair. Chapel choir rehearsals of masterpieces like Fauré’s Requiem evoke powerful emotions. Dance scholarships are on the horizon, with plans for a state-of-the-art studio and potential for a dance GCSE.
Creative Arts:
- Art and Design Technology: Major building works signal the school’s commitment to creativity. Design engineering A level prepares students for real-world applications, with projects ranging from robotics to innovative design challenges.
- Speakers and Societies: Engaging speakers, from politicians like Jeremy Hunt to Paralympic athletes like Steve Brown, enrich students’ perspectives. Diverse societies cater to varied interests, from traditional Scottish reeling to scientific exploration in the dissection society.
Sports and Physical Activities:
- Sporting Tradition: With vast playing fields spanning 250 acres, Charterhouse boasts a rich sporting tradition. While football, hockey, and cricket remain prominent, efforts are underway to develop girls’ sports.
- Community Engagement: The sports centre welcomes community members, fostering connections beyond the school gates. The Charterhouse Athlete Programme nurtures top sports talents, ensuring they receive support and recognition.
Admissions Process: Entering Charterhouse
The admissions process at Charterhouse offers a pathway for students seeking entry at various stages of their education journey. Here’s an overview of the process:
Entry at 13+ (Year 9):
- Prospective students undergo a pre-test and assessment day.
- Most places are offered in Year 6, with a third reserved for late registrations in Year 7.
- Scholarship assessments are conducted in Year 8 for eligible candidates.
Entry at 16+ (Sixth Form):
- Students wishing to join at 16+ register by the autumn of Year 11.
- Examinations are held after half term, with offers extended before Christmas.
Scholarships:
- Academic scholarships are available at both entry points (13+ and 16+).
- Additionally, scholarships are offered in art, drama, music, and sport, reflecting the school’s commitment to nurturing diverse talents.
SEN Support at Charterhouse
The school is able to support the following special educational needs:
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Aspergers
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
Charterhouse Testimonials and Reviews
Excellent service – I’ve had two boys fitted out for school uniform here. Reasonable prices. Overall an easy and fun experience!
Great playing fields and athletics track. Beautiful grounds.
Private school, very high standard of teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions about Charterhouse
Famous pupils of Charterhouse school include Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island (U.S.); the literary critic Joseph Addison; Sir Richard Steele; John Wesley; and Sir William Blackstone.
The Charterhouse is a former Carthusian monastery in London, located between Barbican and Smithfield Market, and to the north of Charterhouse Square.
Charterhouse is set in a beautiful 250-acre campus providing a safe environment that is rich in heritage and an inspiring setting for the whole community to live and work together.
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