International Admissions to Cheltenham Ladies' College

A practical guide for overseas families understanding CLC entry requirements, assessments, boarding, visas and UK relocation planning

International admissions to Cheltenham Ladies' College can be highly competitive. Cheltenham Ladies' College, commonly known as CLC, is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, with an established international community.

For overseas families, the school offers several entry points, including 11+, 13+, 14+ and 16+. International boarders receive dedicated support through the admissions and induction process, while the school also provides guidance around visas, guardianship and arrival arrangements.

Because each entry point has different requirements, families should begin planning well before the intended year of entry.

Cheltenham Ladies' College Entry Points

CLC's principal entry points are:

• 11+ for Year 7

• 13+ for Year 9

• 14+ for Year 10

• 16+ for Sixth Form

The school is primarily a full boarding school, although day places are also available.

For international families, boarding is usually the most relevant option because it provides accommodation during term time and allows pupils to become fully involved in College life.

Occasional places may also become available at other ages, depending on vacancies.

How International Admissions to CLC Work

The basic admissions process involves making an enquiry, visiting the school where possible, registering an application and completing the relevant entrance assessments.

All applicants sit entrance assessments, although the precise assessments and timelines depend on the year of entry.

CLC also welcomes international families to school fairs and events overseas. The College regularly travels internationally to meet prospective families, including visits to countries such as Kenya, China, Hong Kong and Spain.

For overseas families, these opportunities can be useful before committing to a UK school application.

11+ Admissions to Cheltenham Ladies' College

At 11+, applicants complete an assessment process designed to evaluate their academic ability and potential.

For 2027 entry, the current CLC timetable includes assessment days in October 2026. The assessment involves group discussions and activities together with written and adaptive online testing in subjects including:

• Mathematics

• English

• Verbal Reasoning

The school then makes offers based on the overall assessment process.

International families should allow enough time for travel to the UK where an in-person assessment is required.

13+ Admissions

Year 9 is one of CLC's major entry points and is particularly relevant to international families looking for a girls' boarding school.

For 2027 entry, the current admissions timetable lists registration in September 2026, an entrance examination form shortly afterwards and assessment in November 2026.

The assessment process allows CLC to evaluate candidates as learners while also giving applicants an opportunity to experience the school and meet other pupils.

Because places can be competitive, families should begin preparing well before the registration deadline.

14+ International Entry

CLC occasionally accepts boarding pupils into Year 10.

The 14+ route is smaller than the main 11+ and 13+ entry points, so families should contact the Admissions Team early to establish whether places are available.

For 2027 entry, CLC's current timetable lists entrance examinations in October 2026.

Candidates are assessed before the school makes an admissions decision based on their overall suitability.

16+ Admissions to CLC

Sixth Form is another important entry point for international students.

At 16+, students can study either A Levels or the International Baccalaureate, depending on their academic plans and subject choices.

The admissions process includes entrance examinations and assessment of the candidate's current academic performance.

CLC takes a holistic approach to offers, considering assessment-day performance, entrance examinations and the reference provided by the candidate's current school.

For international candidates whose first language is not English, a UKiset profile must be submitted by the relevant deadline for Sixth Form applications.

UKiset and International Applicants

UKiset can be particularly relevant to overseas candidates applying to CLC.

The school uses UKiset information to help assess international applicants, particularly where English is not the candidate's first language.

Families should check the requirements for their daughter's specific entry year because the need for a UKiset profile can vary by entry point and circumstances.

International applicants should also make sure their child is comfortable working academically in English, not simply speaking English conversationally.

English Language Preparation

Studying at a selective British independent school requires strong written and spoken English.

International pupils may come from education systems where English is not the main teaching language or where the curriculum differs from the UK system.

Families should therefore consider preparation in areas such as:

• Academic writing

• Reading comprehension

• Essay structure

• Vocabulary

• Verbal reasoning

• Classroom discussion

• Subject-specific terminology

CLC can provide appropriate support for international pupils, but candidates should have a suitable level of English before starting.

Boarding at Cheltenham Ladies' College

CLC operates primarily as a full boarding school, with a strong programme of academic, cultural, sporting and weekend activities.

International pupils receive structured support when they arrive. This includes an induction programme, pastoral support and peer connections designed to help new students settle into the College community.

CLC also provides escorted airport transfers at the start and end of term, which can be particularly useful for overseas families.

During term time, boarders can participate in a broad weekend programme. There are also arrangements for exeat weekends and holidays when pupils are expected to leave College.

Guardianship for International Students

International pupils at CLC must have a UK-based guardian.

The College strongly recommends that guardians meet recognised standards such as AEGIS or BSA accreditation and must satisfy CLC's own educational guardianship requirements.

Families should therefore research guardianship arrangements well before the child travels to Britain.

A suitable guardian can provide an important point of support when the child is unable to remain at school during holidays or other periods when boarding accommodation is unavailable.

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students without British citizenship, appropriate UK residence status or another qualifying immigration permission must have the relevant visa before starting at CLC.

Depending on the student's age and circumstances, this may involve a Child Student visa or, for students over 18, a Student visa.

CLC provides support through the admissions and visa process for international families, but families remain responsible for ensuring that the child has the correct immigration permission.

Fraser Bond does not provide immigration advice or submit visa applications. Families requiring specialist immigration assistance should use an appropriately qualified professional.

Cheltenham Ladies' College Fees

The cost of attending CLC depends on whether the student is a day pupil or boarder and which year group she enters.

For the 2026/27 academic year, published termly boarding fees include:

• Lower College: £20,400

• Upper College: £20,880

• Sixth Form continuing from Upper College: £21,300

• New Sixth Form entrants: £22,740

These figures are inclusive of VAT and include a range of educational, pastoral, meal and co-curricular costs.

International families should also budget for travel, guardianship, visa-related expenses, uniforms, personal spending and other costs associated with living and studying in Britain.

Should International Families Buy UK Property?

A daughter attending CLC does not automatically mean her parents need to purchase a UK property.

Boarding provides accommodation during term time, while families can make separate arrangements for holidays and school closures.

However, some international parents choose to maintain a UK home for family visits, holidays, business travel or a longer-term relocation strategy.

A property in Gloucestershire or nearby areas can provide convenient access to Cheltenham, while a London property may offer greater flexibility for families who regularly travel around Britain or have business interests in the capital.

The decision should depend on how often the family expects to visit the UK and whether the child's education is part of a broader relocation plan.

How Fraser Bond Supports the Property Side

Fraser Bond focuses on property and relocation support for international families establishing or maintaining a UK base.

For families connected to Cheltenham Ladies' College, relevant property services can include property sales, lettings, property management, refurbishment, maintenance coordination and ongoing landlord support.

This can be particularly valuable when parents live overseas and need their UK property maintained or managed while their daughter is studying at boarding school.

Fraser Bond does not provide CLC admissions consultancy, entrance-exam preparation, guardianship or immigration advice. Its role is focused on the property requirements that can accompany an international education and relocation plan.

Start Planning CLC Admissions Early

International admissions to Cheltenham Ladies' College require careful preparation because the school has several entry points and each has its own assessment process.

Families should first identify the appropriate entry year, review the relevant requirements and register as early as practical. Overseas applicants should also consider English preparation, UKiset where applicable, international travel, guardianship and visa arrangements.

For families planning a wider UK presence, property requirements can be considered alongside the education move. Having accommodation, property management and maintenance arrangements organised in advance can make the transition considerably easier.

CLC is highly selective, so early preparation gives families more time to understand the process and ensure that the school is genuinely suitable for their daughter.