Challenging & Fun

Third, Fourth & Fifth Form

A Broad and Inspiring Curriculum

Cheltenham College offers a varied curriculum, enabling pupils to explore their interests and intellectual passions. In the Third Form, pupils can study from 17 subjects, while the Fourth and Fifth Forms offer 22 subjects, allowing pupils to engage with areas they may not have encountered before.

In the Third Form, the curriculum includes two modern languages, three sciences, Latin, Computing, leadership and public speaking modules, and all pupils complete the Foundation Project Qualification (FPQ).

In the Fourth and Fifth Forms, pupils study for GCSEs and IGCSEs. Most take nine or ten subjects, including English Language, English Literature, Maths, and at least two sciences. These core subjects are complemented by four or five optional subjects, which can include a modern language. Pupils taking nine subjects can also join the Electives programme — a series of one-year, non-examined courses run for two periods per week. Electives are designed to be enriching, inspiring and enjoyable, and include courses such as Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Biochemistry, Ceramics, Coding and Retro Game Design, Introduction to the History of Art, Sociology and Criminology, Science Magazine, Dye and Print Fashion, and more.

GCSE Examinations

“We encourage our pupils to excel academically and to build a range of exciting interests and talents alongside that too. As a school, we seek to go beyond expectation in our support to enable pupils to achieve their potential and more.”

Following from completing their GCSE examinations, the majority of the Fifth Form pupils now look forward to continuing their education in Cheltenham College Sixth Form.

of GCSE grades were 9-7 (A*-A)

of all grades marked as grade 9

of pupils achieved grades 9-6 (A*-B)

Joining Cheltenham College in Third Form

Find out more about what it is like to join Cheltenham College in Third Form in the video below.

Our Curriculum Guides

Click through our digital Curriculum Guides below.

Third Form Curriculum:

Fourth & Fifth Form Curriculum:

Learning Support & EAL

Learning Support Provision at College

As pupils move into Lower College, learning support is provided by specialist teachers with expertise in supporting a range of learning needs. Where appropriate, assessments may be used to help identify individual strengths and areas for development, ensuring pupils are well supported as they adapt to the academic demands of senior school study.

Our approach is inclusive and pupil-focused, helping students build confidence, develop effective learning strategies and grow in independence, both in and beyond the classroom.

English as an Additional Language at College

International pupils at College for whom English is not their first language receive additional support. We have a department dedicated to ensuring our international pupils develop the necessary language skills and confidence to integrate fully into classroom and school life.

If your child is joining us at 13+, we will assess their language skills before they start so we can provide tailored support in the form of small group lessons. Pupils joining us at 16+ wishing to continue to university in this country will be entered for the IELTS examination, which is a pre-requisite qualification, and receive specialist support to help them prepare.

If you want to do well, this is the school that will help you do even better. Regardless of whether it is academic achievement, sport, music or drama.

Current Parent, 2025

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