Academic societies and practical activity clubs allow pupils to open up areas of interest and develop new skills outside the classroom environment. As well as allowing pupils to thrive outside the curriculum, the experiences also offer rich opportunities to enhance Higher Education applications.

Monday evenings are dedicated to a programme of societies and clubs. The Lower Sixth is encouraged to take on leadership roles within societies and clubs, setting the direction and content. Pupils who wish to take part in practical activities can choose from clubs as diverse as Polo, Clay-Pigeon Shooting, Chess, Debating and Pottery.

College academic societies cover many core subjects including English Literature, Maths, Philosophy, Psychology and Science. Pupils can choose to join a society that supports an existing area of study or one that gives them a new avenue to explore. In either case, they will benefit from varied meetings, build their presentation skills by presenting research topics and have the opportunity to hear from a range of high profile external speakers.

A full list of Activities and Clubs on offer can be found here.

Cheltenham College has a long and distinguished connection with the military dating back to 1862. It is a connection that remains just as strong today. Every pupil at College is given the opportunity to be a part of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in the Fourth Form and many choose to continue beyond this.

The Combined Cadet Force sees pupils become a part of an Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force contingent. As a cadet, pupils undertake exciting and adventurous pursuits that help them to develop leadership skills, teamwork and confidence that will stand them in good stead in their school lives and beyond. Training takes place every Wednesday afternoon at College and is led by qualified staff, a number of whom have had previous careers in the armed forces.

It is supported by field days, a week-long camp and opportunities to attend courses during which cadets spend longer periods of time working towards recognised qualifications.

Drama is a popular activity at College and pupils put on at least six productions a year, including House plays. Pupils have the opportunity to perform onstage or be part of the backstage team developing skills in lighting, sound, stage management and more. This approach ensures that everyone has the opportunity to develop his or her talents and enjoy being part of a stage production.

Pupils who are part of a production are given protected time, with three sessions a week dedicated to rehearsal and performance. This approach gives pupils space to focus on the production but also ensures that academic studies are not neglected.

One of the biggest joys of College productions is that it allows pupils to perform in front of sold-out audiences of peers, parents and staff in our theatre, Big Classical, which is one of College’s original buildings.

Music plays a significant part of life at College and there is a wealth of opportunity for every pupil to enjoy music and develop his or her own musical skills.

One-to-one tuition for voice and any orchestral or band instrument is available to every pupil as well as some more unique options including bagpipes, music technology and DJ techniques.

The numerous choirs, instrumental ensembles and orchestras at College allow pupils to experience all aspects of group music-making. For example, musicians benefit from full symphony and chamber orchestras as well as advanced chamber ensembles and jazz bands. Vocalists can take part in choirs ranging from the Schola Cantorum to pop choirs. There are options for pupils who wish to enjoy making music as a pastime as well as opportunities and support for pupils to take their skills to the highest level.

At whatever level pupils choose to take part in music at College, they benefit from the exceptional facilities on offer. College is proud to be an ‘All-Steinway School’. It is the only school in the country to have two of the world famous Steinway ‘Model D’ concert grand pianos housed in its main performance venues. In addition, there are a further three smaller Steinway grands, complemented by 13 of Steinway’s Essex brand upright pianos in the teaching and practice rooms.

Pupils have frequent opportunities to demonstrate their talents by performing in formal and informal concerts and recitals in Chapel and in the College theatre, Big Classical. These experiences allow pupils to enjoy one of the most exhilarating elements of music-making as well as develop valuable performance skills.