In the Third Form, when pupils are 13 and 14, the curriculum includes a wide range of subjects, including two modern languages, three sciences and Latin. It also includes Computing lessons, leadership and public speaking modules, and all pupils complete the Foundation Project Qualification (FPQ).
The Fourth and Fifth Forms see pupils studying for GCSEs and IGCSEs. These are important public examinations that lay the foundations for A Level and also play an important role in university admissions and job applications.
Most pupils take ten GCSEs and IGCSEs, including English Language, English Literature, Maths, at least two sciences and one modern foreign language. These core subjects are complemented by a further four option subjects.
In Sixth Form – or Upper College – pupils specialise, studying a smaller number of subjects at greater depth. The majority take three A Levels and all complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Some pupils take CTech or BTEC instead of A Level for subjects where it is available as an alternative, and a small number take on four A Levels.
We actively encourage diversity in subject choice and promote the logical mixing of arts, sciences, humanities and languages. Unlike other schools, we do not prescribe blocks of subjects, but try as far as possible to accommodate each individual’s choices.
We also believe in inspiring pupils to be curious and explore subjects in more depth. Our Academic Extension activities are an integral part of College life and include extension classes, Lower and Upper College Society, evening subject society meetings, debating, trips and visits. The programme not only embeds a love of learning that will last a lifetime but also supports Higher Education applications.
Cheltenham College has a broad curriculum, enabling pupils to explore their interests and intellectual passions. With 17 subjects available to study in Third Form and 22 subjects available Fourth and Fifth Form, pupils can engage with subjects they may not have been previously encountered.
Our Sixth Form – or Upper College – is for pupils aged 16 to 18. Pupils come to us from our Lower College (our name for Years 9 to 11); or join us from different schools. Everyone is supported during their time in Sixth Form to fulfil their potential and be ready for their next steps after school life. Wherever you join us from, you can choose to board with us or attend as a Day Pupil.
At Cheltenham College Sixth Form you study three or four A Levels. This provides you with the opportunity to continue your favourite subjects and explore new areas such as Art History, Business Studies, Economics, Government and Politics or Psychology. Our classes are small and you will have the support of specially selected academic tutors to help you get the most out of your learning. The success of this approach is reflected in the A Level results that our pupils achieve.
Outside the academic curriculum you will have the opportunity to explore your passions and become perfectly placed to achieve your potential. You will take part in at least one of our weekly electives, which include Ancient History, Community Service, History of Art, Italian for Beginners, Life Drawing, Recycling Bikes or a Mini-MBA. You will also complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This is your opportunity to study an area that interests you in more depth and develop the independent research and project management skills you will need at university and in the workplace.
Sixth Form students at College leave us to go on to a range of Higher Education destinations and courses including Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and many more in both the UK and overseas.
Our House structure, school life and routines have been developed so that all of our pupils can play a full part in life at College. We have 11 Houses at College, including two dedicated Day Houses. In all other Houses, a maximum of 25% of any Year group in a House may be Day Boarders, so that we retain our rich and vibrant full boarding ethos in the evenings and at weekends. All of the college Houses are located around the perimeter of the campus.
