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Thoughts on Cheltenham Ladies College

29 replies

KarlosKKrinkelbeim · 12/01/2018 11:12

Considering it for dd. Have visited a couple of times. Clearly it’s impressive but I wonder if it would suit a more sensitive child. Dd very sociable and outgoing, with a level of what I would broadly call emotional intelligence well beyond her years, but shy until she warms up and quite easily bruised, emotionally speaking.
That said, the girls I know there who have thrived are not pushy alpha females either. I’m a bit flummoxed as to what to make of it really. Academics speak for themselves And dd needs inspiring teaching but will crumble if pushed too hard.

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KarlosKKrinkelbeim · 12/01/2018 13:35

Thank you. That’s reassuring about it suiting a range of personality types. Stands to reason a big school would be a broad church but it doesn’t always work like that of course. I don’t want to put my little minnow in a big pool only to see her drown!!

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clcinthe80s · 12/01/2018 12:20

I went there in the 80s (have namechanged!) and really enjoyed it as did the vast majority of my friends. A couple now have girls there and they are very happy too. I think it caters for all sorts- confident, shy, spot, geeky etc. It's a big school but the house system is very good so it doesn't feel too big.

KarlosKKrinkelbeim · 12/01/2018 11:20

I’m sorry you had a bad time. Have heard similar from others there in 70s and 80s. Yes, the size worries me. I think the diversity there would be good for dd in all sorts of ways, but she could be intimidated by the sheer scale of it.
That said, she’s seen it and liked it.

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extinctspecies · 12/01/2018 11:16

When I was there in the late '70s it was academically strong but the pastoral care was absolutely terrible. I'm sure it's improved now, as most boarding schools have. However it is a very large school.

I would never send my kids there due to my own bad experiences, however luckily it's not been an option for us.

I'm sure you will get better advice from people with more recent experience of the school.