Charterhouse

Focus

Dynamic and energetically ambitious students

Day fees 2025/26

$62,718

Boarding fees 2025/26

$80,518

Term dates

• Term 1: 2 September to 5 December 2025
• Term 2: 4 January to 20 March 2026
• Term 3: 14 April to 27 June 2026
  

Ages

13-18

Pupil count

1,030

Spear’s Review

Set in 250 acres of Surrey countryside and with excellent facilities, Charterhouse is well equipped to nurture sporting prowess alongside academic success.

The head, Dr Alex Peterken, says that the school looks upon its relationship with pupils as a partnership in which students are encouraged to develop responsibility, taking an active role in their own education. To this end, the school emphasises the importance of imparting knowledge, skills and attitudes that will allow students to succeed not just in their future schooling – but throughout their adult lives.

Academic rigour, intellectual curiosity and the ability to learn independently are points of emphasis, alongside values of kindness, perseverance, responsibility, moral courage and open-mindedness.

Academics

In 2025:

• 76 per cent of GCSE results were grades 7-9
• 60 per cent of A-Level results were A* or A
• Average IB score was 37.2

School Profile

With a prestigious global reputation, Charterhouse offers the very best all-round education: an immersive learning experience which is full of opportunity, academic excellence, excitement and fun. Its ethos centres on ensuring that each young person becomes future-ready during their time at school. The school’s pioneering FutureU curriculum is central to the Charterhouse experience. It ensures that each child develops the transferable skills, knowledge, experiences and mindset required to thrive throughout their later lives.

‘When you come to Charterhouse, you come because of the magnificent grounds, academics, sport and arts, but what you stay for is the true sense of belonging, being a part of something beyond yourself and the continuous personal growth you gain during your time here,’ says Theo, Year 13.

The opportunity to truly try everything, both inside and outside of the classroom, is central to each pupil’s experience. A Charterhouse education not only paves the way for academic success but also lays the foundations for professional, social and personal happiness and fulfilment.

Pupils choose from two world-class academic curriculums, A-Level and IBDP, with outstanding results. The university destinations of leavers reflect both the ambitions of pupils and the quality of teaching on offer: 90 per cent of Carthusians secure places at their chosen universities in the UK, US and around the world.

Charterhouse is set in a beautiful and fully enclosed 250-acre campus located on the edge of the attractive market town of Godalming, in the south of England. Conveniently close to London (45 minutes) and within 50 minutes of both Heathrow and Gatwick airports, the campus provides an environment that is safe, rich in heritage and an inspiring setting for the whole community to live and work together.

Everyone is bonded by their shared Carthusian identity, which lasts a lifetime.

Head teacher

Dr Alex Peterken, head since 2018, was an academic prize winner in history and theology at Eton College before gaining a BA in theology from the University of Durham and then an MA in educational management and a doctorate in education, specialising in school leadership. He taught for 11 years at Charterhouse and then served as deputy head and headmaster at Cheltenham College before returning to Charterhouse.

University and college destinations

In 2025, 3 per cent of Charterhouse graduates gained places at Oxford and Cambridge. Students also plan to attend US universities, and another 3 per cent of graduates are continuing their studies at Ivy League schools.

Admissions

According to the school, the admissions process is academically selective by competitive assessment, interview and subject to a reference from a child’s current school. There are four main routes of entry: at 11+, 13+, 14+ and 16+.

Notable alumni

The many notable ‘Old Carthusians’ include:

• David and Jonathan Dimbleby (presenters)
  
• Jeremy Hunt (former Chancellor of the Exchequer)
  
• Sir Robin Niblett (director of Chatham House)
  
• William Thackeray (author)

Accessibility

Heathrow Airport: 50 minutes

Location

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