About Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC)
Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) is a girls independent day school in Gloucestershire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #74 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 90%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC)
Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) Admissions Criteria
Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) is a girls independent day school in Gloucestershire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC). Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — ISEB Common Pre-Test: Your child will sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test online — the standardised, adaptive assessment used by Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) and over 90 other UK independent senior schools. The test covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes in total. It is age-standardised to allow fair comparison across applicants.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about her interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether her child has been offered a place at Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC).
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC). Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC).
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC)
Step 1 — Attend a CLC whole school open day in the Summer Term,
Attend a CLC whole school open day in the Summer Term, or experience days for specific entry points
Step 2 — Submit the registration form by 1 October in the year
Submit the registration form by 1 October in the year preceding entry
Step 3 — 11+ candidates take the ISEB Common Pre-Test online
11+ candidates take the ISEB Common Pre-Test online (typically autumn term of Year 6) — covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning (2 hours 15 minutes)
Step 4 — Attend an Assessment Day at Cheltenham Ladies' College in
Attend an Assessment Day at Cheltenham Ladies' College in October of Year 6 — including written and adaptive online tests in Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning
Step 5 — Participate in group interviews and activities
Participate in group interviews and activities
Step 6 — Provide a confidential reference from your child's
Provide a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 7 — Offers of places are made in mid-November of Year 6
Offers of places are made in mid-November of Year 6
Step 8 — Top-performing candidates are invited back in February of
Top-performing candidates are invited back in February of Year 6 for further assessments and interviews for Academic Scholarships
Independent Subjects Tested at Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC)
Scholarships & Bursaries at Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC)
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic Scholarships (top entrance exam performers), plus Music, Art, Drama, Sport. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Academic Scholarships announced following further assessment and interview
Additional notes: Cheltenham Ladies' College is one of the top-performing girls' schools in the UK, educating around 850-900 students aged 11-18. 70-75 places available at 11+ (50 boarders, 25 day). Offers GCSE, A-Level and IB Diploma. Boarding ratio approximately 3:1 boarders to day students. ISI awarded Significant Strength accolade in April 2026.
Independent Practice Papers for Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC)
Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) uses ISEB Common Pre-Test format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Cheltenham Ladies' College (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Cheltenham Ladies’ College is one of the most prestigious and academically selective girls’ schools in the country, with outstanding results at GCSE, A-Level and the IB.
- GCSE: a very high proportion of top grades (around 86% at A*/A in a recent year).
- Sixth form: a choice of A-Levels or the IB Diploma, where CLC is consistently among the top girls’ schools nationally.
- Progression: strong progression to leading universities in the UK and overseas.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Cheltenham Ladies' College
Cheltenham Ladies’ College is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a predominantly boarding school (around 80% of girls board), it welcomes pupils from across the UK and overseas, with highly selective entry by examination rather than where a family lives.
The college sits in the centre of the Regency town of Cheltenham; entry points are 11+, 13+ and 16+ (with occasional 12+ and 14+ places), and means-tested ‘Beale Award’ bursaries are available.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1853 and shaped by its pioneering second Principal Dorothea Beale, Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC) is a girls’ boarding and day school (ages 11–18) in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, with around 850 girls of whom roughly 80% board. A member of HMC and GSA and one of the country’s leading girls’ schools, it is known for outstanding teaching, a comprehensive wellbeing programme and exceptional pastoral care across eleven boarding houses.
Co-curricular life is rich, with strong sport (lacrosse, netball, hockey and rowing among others), music, art and an extensive activities programme. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheltenham Ladies' College
How do I get into Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC)?
To gain entry to Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
Does Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) use the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
Yes. Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test as part of its 11+ admissions process. The ISEB Common Pre-Test is an online, adaptive assessment commissioned by ISEB and developed by GL Assessment, used by over 90 leading UK independent senior schools. It covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes to complete. Results are age-standardised and shared with all senior schools the candidate has registered with.
What is the 11+ exam at Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC)?
Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC)?
Yes. Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC)?
Most independent schools including Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC)?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC). No registration required.
When is the Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) is 1 October in the year preceding entry. The registration fee is Payable with registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) 11+ results announced?
At Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC), 11+ assessment results are Mid-November of Year 6. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.