World-class British boarding school
BRITISH boarding schools, the practice of sending children away for schooling, date back to over 1,400 years ago. The first boarding school is believed to be The King’s School, Canterbury. It was established in AD598 by St Augustine as a cloistered religious institution, to educate boys into positions of religious leadership within society that was organised, socially and politically, around religious life.
As society changed, so did the schools. In the late 14th century, the wealthy favoured the development of independent schools known as chantries and these developed into what are commonly known as “public schools”.
Winchester (established in 1382) and Eton College (established in 1440) were two of the earliest public schools and were run as independent, self-governed corporations.
Most public schools developed significant- ly during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Traditionally, public schools were all male boarding schools for the gentlemanly elite of Victorian politics, armed forces and colonial government, although most now allow day pupils. Many have become either partially or fully co-educational, which cater primarily for children aged between 11 or 13 and 18.
The term “public” was used to indicate that access to the schools was not restricted on the basis of religion, occupation or home location and that they were subject to public management and control.
Cheltenham College is one of the public schools from the Victorian period situated in the centre of Cheltenham, in the Cotswold District, England. Established in July 1841, it is an exceptional day and boarding school for girls and boys aged three to 18.
The college has an enviable reputation for academic excellence and developing pupils beyond the classroom – from drama to music and in sports. Today, Cheltenham College campus offers a mix of modern, state-of-the-art teaching and sporting facilities, blended with acres of green fields and historic buildings. Its 19th century chapel and infamous Hogwarts-style dining hall sit alongside modern science laboratories, new Astro Turf sports pitches and the big classical auditorium – where students can play on one of their five Steinway grand pianos.
Students flourish under the guidance of dedicated teachers who are leaders in their subject fields. Last year, 72% of the students achieved A* to A grades in their GCSEs, with 32 pupils achieving 7A* grades or more.
Meanwhile, 46% of the students achieved A* to A grades at A-Levels. All lower sixth students undertake an independent study programme (EPQ) alongside their A-Levels and have the opportunity to join the prestigious mini-MBA programme – one of the first in the country.
Six students were offered places at Oxbridge in 2016 and 76 pupils were offered places at Russell Group universities.
Cheltenham College has about 640 pupils of whom 18% are international students from other countries, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Russia, Germany, France, Australia and the United States. The college operates on a single-sex boarding houses policy, having a housemistress/ master living in with their families and supported by matrons and tutors. They ensure a friendly home from home environment where overseas students quickly settle and thrive in their traditional British boarding school experience.
With over 500 boarders, Cheltenham College provides an outstanding experience for international students. It teaches and inspires young people who are willing to learn, eager to achieve and keen to get involved in both Cheltenham and the wider Gloucestershire and Cotswold community.
The college also provides students with a supportive learning environment which is rich in opportunity. It enables the excellent to excel and the keen to participate, ensuring students not only gain qualifications but also the skills for life beyond school.
As quoted by Cheltenham’s headmaster Dr Alex Peterken: “Our aim is to provide a first-class all-round education, combining stunning traditional surroundings with a dynamic and modern co-educational context.”
Dr Peterken will be in Malaysia to meet potential students on March 16. The event, co-hosted by Britannia StudyLink, is open to all interested families.
For an invitation, contact Britannia StudyLink at 03-5569 9908 or log on to www.britannia-study.com.my.