From inspiring teachers to unmissable opportunities, Livvie, a Year 7 student from Cheltenham Ladies’ College told SoGlos what it’s like to attend one of the world’s most prestigious independent schools.
About the expert – Cheltenham Ladies’ College
Cheltenham Ladies’ College is a world-renowned independent girls’ schools which has been educating 11 to 18-year-olds for more than 160 years.
The day and boarding school in Cheltenham dates back to 1853 and aims to provide an educational environment that’s supportive, challenging, innovative and creative. This method aims to support pupils as they strive to achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.
For more information, visit cheltladiescollege.org.
Why did you and your parents choose Cheltenham Ladies’ College?
We’re spoilt here in Cheltenham with lots of really good schools, but at Cheltenham Ladies’ College I just had a gut instinct that it was right for me. I had some pre-assessments here and a talk with the principal – who’s really cool and very inspiring.
I came here and was more and more comfortable and really started to like it. I really felt like I belonged here.
Tell us about your first day at Cheltenham Ladies’ College?
I remember getting lost because it’s so big. There were so many people to help me and support me. My very first day, I met my tutor who is really nice along with my house mistress.
I also met my house mum, who is an older girl in my house and is always there to help me. My very first Prayers, which is our assembly, was also very special because we sang the national anthem.
Before I started, I was given a little pack with information about what my day would be like, who the key figures are in the college and lots of other information.
How did Cheltenham Ladies’ College help you settle into college life?
I’m a music scholar but I’m also pretty busy because I’m a girl chorister at Gloucester Cathedral.
I have a music mentor who helps me and helps with finding practise times and rooms. The teachers here are really supportive, they show you where you need to go.
The pupils are also really helpful, especially the sixth formers who are really nice.
You’re interested in music and playing the cello, what opportunities are there to pursue that at Cheltenham Ladies’ College?
I’ve been playing cello since I was seven and now, I do Symphonia which is an orchestra club. There’s also a larger orchestra when you get older. My cello teacher also supports me.
On Mondays, I have evensong at Gloucester Cathedral so I have to leave early. I leave during a lesson and Cheltenham Ladies’ College have been very good in arranging it so I don’t have to miss too much or get behind.
What’s it like being a day girl alongside lots of boarders?
I’m always really interested to hear the other girls’ backgrounds because some of them come from all over the world. I am really proud to be a day girl though, because otherwise I think I might get a little bit home sick.
You can also be invited to go for dinner at the boarders’ houses. You can go to the birthday parties they have too. Sometimes we also have sleepovers!
What’s your favourite part of the school day?
I really like all of my lessons. I also go back at lunch time to eat with the day girls, which I really enjoy. At House, you get to do all sorts of activities, check your emails, play in the music room or just relax in the common room.
Sometimes there’re also clubs on like cooking club. I quite like chemistry where I get to make lots of explosions. I’m also enjoying modern foreign languages where I’m learning German and French.
We also do food and nutrition where we can bake things and learn about how to deal with things in the kitchen. It’s also really fun to do philosophical enquiry where we think outside the box a bit – we recently debated about what makes a place special enough to put it on your mind map.
Are there any other activities or opportunities available to you at Cheltenham Ladies’ College?
I’m really looking forward to doing martial arts when I’m older. There are so many sports clubs, music, art, dance and politics clubs. My cousin Beth set up her own club – the Rubik’s cube club.
It’s a really special school. The principal is so inspiring and the teachers are really understanding.
For more information, visit cheltladiescollege.org
