Day & Boarding

Five New Day & Boarding Options

More Choice. One Cheltenham.

At Cheltenham College, we recognise that every family is different. From September 2027, we are introducing a range of flexible day and boarding pathways designed to offer greater choice while preserving everything that makes a Cheltenham education so distinctive. These options allow families to select the level of boarding that best suits their circumstances, whether that is a traditional day school experience, occasional overnight stays or full immersion in boarding life.

Whatever pathway you choose, every pupil benefits from the same outstanding academic provision, exceptional co-curricular opportunities, expert pastoral care and a strong sense of belonging within our College community. The difference is simply the level of flexibility and boarding support that works best for your family.

Chris Townsend, Head

Select Your Pathway

Discover the right option for your child’s journey

Day

The flexibility of a traditional day education, combined with full access to Cheltenham College’s exceptional academic, sporting and co-curricular opportunities. Pupils benefit from a structured and enriching school day before returning home each evening, enjoying the very best of a Cheltenham College education while maintaining family life and commitments at home.

At a Glance
School Day	Weekdays 8.00am to 6.30pm Saturday until the end of sport
Co-curricular Offering	Full
Meals Included	Lunch (plus breakfast or supper when taking part in an early-morning or after-school activity)
Boarding Included	No
Personal Boarding Space	No
Additional Nights	Nights available to purchase for £85 (inc. VAT) in exceptional circumstances. Pupil will be required to spend the night in another house.
Termly Fees 2027-2028	Third Form to Fifth Form: £13,700 (inc. VAT) Sixth Form: £14,200 (inc. VAT)

Benefits

Enjoy all the advantages of a Cheltenham College education while returning home each evening.
Maintain strong daily family routines and fulfil commitments at home.
Participate fully in lessons, sport, music, drama and co-curricular activities.
Build friendships across the College community.
Benefit from lunchtime provision and pastoral support throughout the school day.
Ideal for families seeking a high-quality day school experience with maximum flexibility.

Extended Day

A combination of day school and boarding life, with added structure, flexibility and opportunities beyond the normal school day. This is ideal for pupils who want a full programme of supervised prep, the option to stay in House in the evening and access to College facilities. Extended Day offers the convenience of later collection, allowing pupils to enjoy the academic, social and personal benefits of spending more time in our vibrant school community, with 10 overnight stays included each year to use as needed.

At a Glance
School Day	Weekdays 7.30am to 9.30pm Saturday until the end of sport
Co-curricular offering	Full
Meals Included	Breakfast, Lunch and Supper
Boarding Included	10 boarding nights per year are included, subject to boarding availability.
Personal Boarding Space	No
Additional Nights	Additional nights are available to purchase for £85 (inc VAT).
Termly Fees 2027-2028	Third Form to Fifth Form: £15,914 (inc. VAT) Sixth Form: £16,436 (inc. VAT)

Benefits

Complete supervised prep in House with teacher and peer support.
Stay at school later to make the most of activities, sport and evenings in House.
Enjoy evening meals and spend more time with friends.
Access pastoral support throughout the evening.
Experience the atmosphere and community of a boarding House.
Flexible collection times help busy family schedules.
An excellent stepping stone to boarding whilst remaining primarily a day pupil.

Flexi

The freedom to board when it suits your family, with the benefits of a dedicated boarding space. Flexi-boarders have 115 boarding nights over the academic year (including the closed weekends) which can be taken at any point over the three terms. Whether for occasional overnight stays, busy family schedules or to make the most of College life, pupils enjoy the flexibility of being able to board when they want or need to.

At a Glance
School Day	Weekdays 7.30am to 9.30pm (unless boarding) Saturday until the end of sport (unless boarding)
Co-curricular offering	Full
Meals Included	Breakfast, Lunch and Supper
Boarding Included	115 nights per year (including 5 nights for closed weekends)
Personal Boarding Space	Yes
Additional Nights	Additional nights are available to purchase for £70 (inc. VAT).
Termly Fees 2027-2028	Third Form to Fifth Form: £19,490 (inc. VAT) Sixth Form: £20,012 (inc. VAT)

Benefits

Combines the flexibility of day education with regular boarding opportunities.
Access to a dedicated boarding space.
Build independence and confidence through overnight stays.
Enjoy evening activities, prep and social time as part of House life.

Weekly Boarding

A consistent and immersive boarding experience during the week, balanced with valuable family time at weekends. Pupils benefit from the structure, independence and camaraderie of boarding life, while returning home regularly to share quality time together as a family at weekends.

At a Glance
School Day	Arrive from 7.30am on Monday and stay throughout the week. Leave on Saturday after sport (unless boarding)
Co-curricular offering	Full
Meals Included	Breakfast, Lunch and Supper
Boarding Included	Yes, Sunday or Monday through to Saturday.
Personal Boarding Space	Yes
Additional Nights	Included
Termly Fees 2027-2028	Third Form to Fifth Form: £21,278 (inc. VAT) Sixth Form: £21,799 (inc. VAT)

Benefits

Enjoy all the benefits of boarding throughout the school week.
Become fully integrated into House life and the boarding community.
Structured evenings with supervised prep, activities and pastoral support.
Greater independence and personal responsibility.
More time to participate in sport, music, drama and other co-curricular opportunities.
Return home at weekends for family time.
No daily commute.
Option to stay over at weekends.

Full Boarding

The complete Cheltenham College experience, with access to everything the College has to offer. Full Boarding provides a truly immersive educational and social experience, where pupils live, learn and grow as part of a thriving boarding community. Supported by boarding staff and surrounded by exceptional opportunities, they develop independence, resilience and confidence while enjoying every aspect of Cheltenham College life.

At a Glance
School Day	Board in school during term time
Co-curricular offering	Full
Meals Included	Breakfast, Lunch and Supper
Boarding Included	Yes, every night during term
Personal Boarding Space	Yes
Additional Nights	No additional nights are required
Termly Fees 2027-2028	Third Form to Fifth Form: £21,528 (inc. VAT) Sixth Form: £22,049 (inc. VAT)

Benefits

Full immersion in the academic, pastoral and co-curricular life of the College.
A true home-from-home within a supportive boarding community.
Maximum access to evening and weekend activities, events and trips.
Exceptional opportunities for personal growth, independence and resilience.
Consistent pastoral care and support throughout the week and weekends.
Flexibility to remain fully involved in all aspects of College life.
Pupils are able to stay on campus over Exeat weekends.

One Community, Five Flexible Pathways

While our day and boarding options offer greater flexibility than ever before, the essence of a Cheltenham education remains unchanged. Every pupil belongs to a House, benefits from outstanding teaching and pastoral care, and enjoys access to the exceptional opportunities that define College life.

The pathway may differ, but the Cheltenham experience remains the same.

FAQs

About the New Day & Boarding Pathways

1. Why is College introducing the new day & boarding pathways?

Recent research with Cheltenham families showed strong interest in greater flexibility and choice in day and boarding arrangements. These new pathways respond to that feedback and reflect the changing needs of modern family life, while preserving the distinctive Cheltenham experience.

2. When will the new day & boarding pathways take effect?

From September 2027.

3. Who can parents speak to about the new day & boarding pathways?

Our Admissions Team would be very happy to help. Please email admissions@cheltenhamcollege.org or call 01242 265 600.

Choosing the Right Pathway for Your Family

4. Can we change our child’s day or boarding pathway if our family circumstances change?

Yes. We understand that family circumstances can change. Please speak to our Admissions Team, who can discuss the options available and help you identify the pathway that best suits your family.

5. Can we change between day and boarding pathways during the academic year?

Yes, subject to availability and the College’s notice requirements. If you are considering a change, our Admissions Team can explain the options available and the process involved.

6. How much notice is required to change day and boarding pathways?

Changes to boarding pathways normally require one term’s notice. If you are considering a change, please speak with your child’s Housemaster or Housemistress.

7. What happens if we need to increase or reduce boarding temporarily?

If your family circumstances change and you need more or less boarding for a period of time once your child has joined the College, you would contact their House team.

Booking & Managing Boarding Nights

8. Can a Day pupil use boarding occasionally if an emergency need arises?

Yes, although they would need to move into a different House for any overnight stays, where a bed is available.

9. How does a Day or Extended Day pupil book a boarding night?

Once your child has joined College, you would contact their House team to make arrangements.

10. How far in advance do boarding nights need to be booked?

Boarding requests should be submitted by Sunday evening before the start of the week and are subject to availability. Your child’s House team will be able to make the arrangements.

11. Can we book an additional night at short notice if our circumstances change?

Yes, subject to availability. You would speak with your child’s House team.

12. What happens if we don’t use a boarding night we have booked?

As long as advance notice is given, the boarding night will be credited back to your boarding allocation for use later in the same academic year.

13. Can we choose different Flexi Boarding nights each week?

Yes. Flexi Boarding is designed to fit around family life, allowing you to book the nights you need each week rather than committing to the same nights throughout the term.

14. Can we book additional Flexi Boarding nights if needed?

Yes. Flexi Boarding offers plenty of flexibility, allowing you to book up to 110 nights per academic year as part of your pathway (in addition to the 5 nights for closed weekends). Should you require more nights, these can be booked at an additional cost.

15. Will my child have a guaranteed bed whenever they have booked to board?

Yes. If your child is a Flexi Boarder, Weekly Boarder or Full Boarder, they will have a guaranteed bed for every booked boarding night.

16. What happens if we don’t use all of the flexi-boarding nights included in our package?

Nights not used during the relevant year will expire and cannot be carried over.

17. What is the cost of an additional boarding night?

£85 (inc. VAT) per night for Extended Day pupils and £70 (inc. VAT) per night for Flexi Boarders.

18. Can Day or Extended Day pupils board on a regular night each week?

Overnight stays for Day pupils and additional nights for Extended Day pupils are subject to availability and cannot be booked as a regular boarding arrangement.

Life in House

19. Will my child have supervised time for prep?

Yes. Boarding Houses have staff on hand throughout the evening to support pupils with their prep and provide a structured environment for study. This provision is not available in Day Houses.

20. What should my child bring when they board?

We will send you a full packing list in advance, outlining everything your child will need for their boarding stay.

21. Can my child leave belongings at school between boarding nights?

Yes, if they are a Flexi Boarder, Weekly Boarder or Full Boarder they will have their own area to store their belongings.

22. What happens if my child forgets something they need?

If your child forgets an item, the House team will be on hand to help and will do their best to make sure they have everything they need.

23. What happens if my child needs medication while boarding?

Our Matrons and House staff are experienced and fully trained in the safe administration of medication, ensuring your child receives the support they need during their stay.

Weekends & Boarding Beyond the School Week

24. Can my child stay at school for an occasional weekend if they are not a Full Boarder?

Yes, subject to availability. Once your child has joined College, you would contact their House team to make arrangements.

25. Are weekend activities and trips available to all pupils?

Yes, weekend activities and trips are available to all pupils.

26. Are weekend activities compulsory or optional?

Weekend activities and trips are generally optional. However, there are five designated Closed Weekends each year, which are compulsory for all boarders and Day and Extended Day pupils are strongly encouraged to attend.

27. What options are available during Exeat weekends?

Full Boarders are welcome to remain at the College during Exeat weekends, with accommodation available subject to availability.

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Getting in Touch

We understand that choosing the right day or boarding option is an important part of choosing a school. Our Admissions Team is here to help you explore the pathways available and consider which might best suit your child and your family.