Cheltenham Education: Cheltenham Ladies' College

Cheltenham Ladies' College is an independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18. It was founded in 1853 to be an institution for the daughters of gentlemen. It was established along similar lines to Cheltenham College, whose Principal, the Rev. W. Dobson, was one of the co-founders. Revd Francis Close, founder of Cheltenham's great tradition of education, was the President of the school's Council. Under its second Principal, Dorothea Beale, who took over in 1858, the College became a powerful influence in the development of women's education. By 1864 external examiners marked the school examinations, with the first Examiner in Mathematics being the Rev. Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll.

The College moved to its present site in 1873. The building was modified by John Middleton, Cheltenham's famous architect, who added the French-looking tower. The College continued to expand and the Princess Hall was opened in 1897 on the site of Samuel Onley's Royal Well Music Hall, covering the site of the original mineral spring found in Cheltenham in 1716. Later additions include a new Art and Technology wing in Bayshill Road opened in 1999.

The College has been at the forefront of girls' education for over 150 years and has a worldwide reputation for academic excellence. It provides first-rate teaching facilities for a broad range of academic subjects plus a vast selection of extra-curricular activities.

FACILITIES

In addition to its fine academic reputation, College has a strong sporting tradition. Cheltenham Ladies' College currently holds a Sportsmark Award from Sport England for the quality of its physical education and sports provision. There are over 30 different sports on offer, and excellent facilities that include an award-winning swimming pool, a multigym, tennis courts and two all-weather pitches. There is an extensive range of clubs and societies on offer to College girls of all ages.

FEES