Charterhouse School UK: 2026 Fees, Admissions & Boarding Guide
Quick summary: Charterhouse School is a leading co-educational UK boarding school in Godalming, Surrey (founded 1611). 2025/26 fees: £20,016/term boarding (£60,048/year) or £15,591/term day (£46,773/year). 2025 Sixth Form results: 85% A*–B (A-Level/IB). Main entry: 13+ (Year 9), plus 16+ Sixth Form. Registration fee: £420.
Charterhouse School is one of England’s nine great historic public schools — now fully co-educational for ages 13–18 on a 250-acre campus near London. For international families comparing elite boarding options, Charterhouse sits in the same tier as schools like Phillips Exeter Academy (US) and Appleby College (Canada), but with a distinct UK pathway: GCSE → A-Level or IB Diploma → Russell Group, Oxbridge, or overseas universities.
This guide covers Charterhouse School admissions, fees, boarding, academic results, and entry years using official school data — so parents can decide whether it fits their child before contacting the school directly.
Charterhouse School at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Charterhouse School |
| Founded | 1611 (by Thomas Sutton) |
| Type | Independent co-educational boarding & day school |
| Ages | 13–18 (Years 9–13 / Sixth Form) |
| Enrollment | ~1,030 pupils (564 Under School, 466 Sixth Form) |
| Campus | 250 acres, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2DX |
| Distance to London | ~45 minutes by train; ~50 minutes to Heathrow/Gatwick |
| Gender | Fully co-educational (boys and girls throughout) |
| Curriculum | GCSE → A-Level or International Baccalaureate (IBDP) |
| Phone (Admissions) | +44 (0)1483 291501 |
| admissions@charterhouse.org.uk | |
| Official site | charterhouse.org.uk/admissions |
What is Charterhouse School?
Charterhouse School is a prestigious UK independent school founded in 1611 in London and relocated to its current Godalming, Surrey campus in 1872. It is a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) and ranks among England’s leading boarding schools for academic outcomes and university placement.
Unlike some older UK boys’ schools, Charterhouse is now fully co-educational — girls and boys learn together from Year 9 through Sixth Form. The school describes itself as “proudly inclusive,” welcoming pupils from diverse backgrounds worldwide as both boarders and day students.
Charterhouse is known for:
- Strong A-Level and IB Diploma results (see below)
- A historic house system mixing boarders and day pupils
- Major co-curricular programmes in sport, music, drama, and outdoor education
- University destinations including Oxbridge, Russell Group, Ivy League, and top European universities
Charterhouse School fees 2025/26
Fees below are from the official Charterhouse School website for the 2025/26 academic year (inclusive of VAT).
| Fee type | Per term | Per year (3 terms) |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding | £20,016 | £60,048 |
| Day pupil | £15,591 | £46,773 |
| Registration fee | £420 (non-refundable, incl. VAT) | |
What fees typically cover: tuition, boarding (for boarders), and most daily school costs. Extra costs may include music lessons, some school trips, uniform replacements, and optional activities — request the full fee schedule from the Admissions Office.
Bursaries and financial aid: Charterhouse offers means-tested bursaries to widen access. Scholarships may also be available for academic, artistic, or sporting talent — contact admissions for current availability and criteria.
Charterhouse School admissions and entry points
Charterhouse School admissions are selective. The school uses a holistic “complete child” approach — academic potential plus character, interests, and readiness for boarding school life.
Main entry points
| Entry | Year group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 13+ (main intake) | Year 9 (Fourth Form) | Largest entry point; standard UK boarding entry age |
| 11+ | Via Charterhouse prep schools | Seamless progression to senior school after Year 8 |
| 14+ | Year 10 | Smaller intake; GCSE-year entry by assessment |
| 16+ (Sixth Form) | Year 12 | A-Level or IB pathway; competitive entry |
Charterhouse School admissions process (overview)
- Register online — pay the £420 non-refundable registration fee
- Entrance assessments — age-appropriate exams (often including English, maths, and reasoning for 13+)
- Interview — assess character, interests, and school fit
- School reference — report from current head teacher
- Offer & acceptance — place confirmed with deposit and acceptance forms
For 13+ entry, families typically register while the child is in Year 5 or Year 6, with assessments in Year 6 or Year 7. For 16+ Sixth Form entry, Charterhouse looks for strong GCSE (or equivalent) results and clear academic ambition.
International applicants: Charterhouse welcomes overseas pupils. Families should confirm visa requirements (Student visa for non-UK residents), English language expectations, and any additional entrance steps with the admissions team early.
Charterhouse selection criteria
According to Director of Admissions Iona Hutchinson, Charterhouse does not seek a single “type” of pupil. Successful candidates typically show:
- Academic ambition and intellectual curiosity
- Willingness to try sport, arts, leadership, and co-curricular activities
- Independence, kindness, and readiness for busy boarding school life
- At 16+: ability to thrive in either A-Level or IB Diploma study
Charterhouse School academic results
Charterhouse School academic results place it among the top UK independent schools. Below are verified outcomes from the school’s published exam data.
Sixth Form results 2025 (A-Level & IB combined)
| Metric | 2025 result |
|---|---|
| Cohort size | 211 pupils (A-Level or IB) |
| A*–B (or IB equivalent) | 85% of papers |
| Top 150 pupils — A*–B | 97% |
| Pupils with AAB or better | Over half the cohort |
| Over 300 A-Level grades at A*/A | Confirmed (2025) |
IB Diploma results 2025
| IB metric | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Average IB score | 37.2 |
| Pupils scoring 37+ points | 63% (≈ A*AA at A-Level) |
| Subject papers graded 6 or 7 | 69% |
| Average UCAS points | 211 (≈ A*A*AA equivalent) |
| First-choice university place | 80% of IB candidates |
GCSE results 2025
- 75%+ of all GCSE exams graded 7–9 (old A/A*)
- 104 pupils achieved at least eight grade 7s or higher
- 60% A* (grades 8/9) in Mathematics and Science
Historical Sixth Form performance (A-Level & IB)
| Year | A*–A / 6–7 | A*–B / 5–7 | A*–C / 4–7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 60% | 87% | 98% |
| 2024 | 59% | 88% | 97% |
| 2023 | 53% | 83% | 96% |
| 2022 | 62% | 86% | 97% |
A-Level vs IB at Charterhouse School
A major advantage of Charterhouse School is the choice between two Sixth Form pathways:
| Pathway | Best for | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | Pupils with clear subject strengths (e.g. maths + sciences for engineering) | Typically 3 subjects studied in depth |
| IB Diploma (IBDP) | Pupils wanting breadth + international university options | 6 subjects (3 Higher, 3 Standard) + Theory of Knowledge + Extended Essay |
Charterhouse also offers enrichment such as the Charterhouse Entrepreneurship Diploma and EPQ-style academic extension for A-Level pupils — useful for US and UK university applications.
2025 IB university destinations included Columbia, Georgetown, Duke, UC Berkeley, UCL, King’s College London, Durham, Warwick, and St Andrews — showing both UK and global reach.
Boarding life at Charterhouse School
Charterhouse School boarding is central to school life — roughly 90% of pupils board, with day pupils integrated into the same houses.
- House system: Each pupil belongs to a boarding or day house with a housemaster/housemistress and pastoral team
- Mixed communities: Day pupils often stay on campus until ~5:30 p.m. or later for activities
- Pastoral care: Tutors, medical centre, counselling, and structured routines
- Weekends: Sports fixtures, society events, trips, and house activities
For overseas families, boarding provides stability, English immersion, and a ready-made peer community — important factors when comparing UK schools from abroad.
Co-curricular life and facilities
Charterhouse School co-curricular provision is extensive — the school expects pupils to engage beyond the classroom.
- Sport: Rugby, football, cricket, hockey, netball, tennis, swimming, and more on 250-acre grounds
- Music & drama: Concerts, productions, and individual tuition
- Outdoor education: CCF (Combined Cadet Force), Duke of Edinburgh, expeditions
- Clubs & societies: Debating, entrepreneurship, academic societies, and leadership roles
Charterhouse has historic links to early association football — pupils played a key role in codifying the modern game in the 19th century, a point of school heritage often noted in UK education histories.
Charterhouse School vs other UK boarding schools
| Factor | Charterhouse School | Typical elite UK boys’ school |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Fully co-ed (13–18) | Often boys-only until Sixth Form |
| Sixth Form choice | A-Level + IB | Often A-Level only |
| Annual boarding fee | ~£60,048 (2025/26) | Similar tier (£58k–£62k) |
| Location | Surrey countryside, near London | Varies (rural or city) |
| Main entry | 13+ and 16+ | Mostly 13+ |
Is Charterhouse School right for your child?
Charterhouse School suits families who want:
- A top-tier UK boarding school with co-education throughout
- Choice of A-Level or IB at Sixth Form
- Strong Russell Group / Oxbridge / international university outcomes
- Full boarding culture with extensive sport and arts
Consider carefully if:
- Budget is a concern — fees exceed £60,000/year for boarders before extras
- Your child prefers a small school — with ~1,030 pupils, Charterhouse is large
- You need a non-selective or local state alternative — entry is competitive
Frequently asked questions about Charterhouse School
How much does Charterhouse School cost per year?
For 2025/26, Charterhouse boarding fees are £20,016 per term (£60,048 per year). Day fees are £15,591 per term (£46,773 per year), inclusive of VAT.
What age do pupils enter Charterhouse School?
The main entry is 13+ (Year 9). Additional entry exists at 11+ (via prep schools), 14+ (Year 10), and 16+ (Sixth Form).
Is Charterhouse School co-educational?
Yes. Charterhouse is fully co-educational for ages 13–18, having completed its transition to boys and girls throughout the senior school.
Does Charterhouse offer IB or only A-Levels?
Charterhouse offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) and A-Levels in the Sixth Form. Pupils choose the pathway that fits their university goals.
What are Charterhouse School’s 2025 exam results?
In 2025, 85% of Sixth Form papers were graded A*–B (or IB equivalent). The average IB score was 37.2, and over 75% of GCSEs were grades 7–9.
How do I apply to Charterhouse School?
Register online at charterhouse.org.uk, pay the £420 registration fee, and complete entrance assessments and an interview. Contact admissions@charterhouse.org.uk or call +44 (0)1483 291501.
Where is Charterhouse School located?
Hurtmore Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2DX — about 45 minutes from London by train, on a 250-acre campus.
Does Charterhouse accept international students?
Yes. Charterhouse welcomes overseas boarders. International families should confirm visa, English, and assessment requirements with admissions early in the process.
Last updated: June 2026. Fees and results sourced from Charterhouse School official publications (2025/26). Always confirm current fees, deadlines, and entry requirements with the school before applying.
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