Cheltenham Ladies’ College: A Comprehensive Review

The boarding experience at Cheltenham Ladies’ College is one of comfort, security, and community, with eleven houses spread throughout the town. Here’s what you can expect:

House Facilities:

• • Each house, whether for juniors or sixth formers, boasts a unique character yet follows a similar blueprint.
  • Sophisticated security systems ensure safety for all residents.
  • Common areas feature polished parquet floors, plush sofas, large televisions, and even grand pianos.
  • Junior girls have shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students, while sixth formers enjoy single bedrooms.
  • The accommodations, while not quite five-star, offer comfort and modern amenities, a significant departure from the dormitories of the past.

Dining Experience:

• • All meals are taken within the houses, fostering a familial atmosphere.
  • Dining resembles a civilised café setting, with round tables and small groupings, promoting camaraderie.
  • House events, competitions, and church services enhance the sense of belonging and provide a respite from the school day.

Housemistresses and Community:

• • Exceptional housemistresses, often recruited specifically for their role, contribute to a nurturing environment.
  • The school’s website describes the boarding houses as sanctuaries, echoing the sentiments of students and staff alike.

Boarding Options:

• • Historically, students chose between day and full boarding options.
  • However, a flexi-boarding option is being trialled, allowing day pupils to stay overnight during the week (excluding Saturdays).
  • Full boarders now have the freedom to go out on weekends, providing more flexibility in their schedules.

At Cheltenham Ladies’ College, extracurricular activities thrive, particularly in the realm of arts and performance. Here’s a glimpse into the vibrant extracurricular scene:

Music:

• • Over 1,000 pupils participate in music lessons, carefully timetabled to ensure they never miss an academic class.
  • Each boarding house boasts its own practice rooms, some even featuring grand pianos for girls to practice or perform.
  • A plethora of orchestras, ensembles, and bands cater to a range of musical interests, from a full symphony orchestra to the vibrant Hellacappella.
  • Opportunities abound for performances at various concerts throughout the year, including house competitions and concerts known for their lively atmosphere and insider jokes.
  • Music scholars take on mentoring roles for younger students, fostering a supportive musical community.
  • The addition of a recording studio enhances opportunities for creativity and production.

Performing Arts:

• • The Parabola Arts Centre, a 325-seat auditorium, serves as a hub for performances, including those by the Cheltenham Festival.
  • Students not only showcase their talents on stage but also engage in theatre management, lighting, and stage design.
  • Outdoor spaces are creatively utilised for productions, with open-air performances of Shakespearean classics like “Love’s Labour’s Lost” and “Othello.”

Cheltenham Performing Arts Festival:

• • A highlight in the school calendar, offering students the chance to actively participate in an internationally renowned event.
  • Opportunities for involvement span drama, art, and music, with classes ranging from solo performances to world folk music.

Drama:

• • Five drama productions each year provide opportunities for all girls to audition, with senior students taking on directing roles for younger peers.
  • Students are deeply involved in all aspects of production, from acting to behind-the-scenes work.