Address Charterhouse, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2DX
Region Surrey (see also London - Outer)
Pupils 800, Upper sixth 419
Fees £10,788 (Day Boarding), £13,165 (Boarding)
Enquiries Director of Admissions
Description Founded in 1611, on the site of a Carthusian monastery in London, and moved to Godalming in 1872. It stands in a superb estate of 250 acres on a plateau above the River Wey with fine views south and south-west. With its towers and spires and its blend of neo-Gothic buildings, it presents an almost emblematic image of the traditional English public school. Over the years a large number of modern buildings have been added and it now has virtually every facility. A broad education is provided, including the International Baccalaureate as an alternative to the current sixth-form curriculum. Examination results are excellent and large numbers go on to Oxbridge each year. The staff:pupil ratio is about 1:8. Very strong in music, drama and art. It has the advantages of exceptionally good libraries, art studio, design and technology centre, music school and a fine theatre. Outdoor pursuits are varied and popular. There is an impressive range of extra-curricular activities. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and community service (locally and in London) are vigorously supported. There is a strong sporting tradition and a wide range of sports and games, played successfully at school, county and national levels.
Building on the success of its mixed Sixth Form, the School is moving to full coeducation from the age of 13, and will welcome the first girls into Year 9 in September 2021. There will be girls in every year group from September 2023.
The pupil roll will grow over the next decade to around 1,000, with the increase representing additional places for girls.
School Head Dr Alex Peterken - Educated at Eton College, Alex read Theology at the University of Durham, and was also a Choral Scholar at Durham Cathedral. He holds an MA in Educational Management and a Doctorate in Education, specialising in School Leadership. Alex’s first teaching post was at Charterhouse where he spent 11 successful years in several posts including Head of Theology, Head of Higher Education & Careers Guidance and Housemaster of Saunderites. He joined Cheltenham College as Deputy Headmaster in 2008 and became Headmaster in September 2010. Alex returned to Charterhouse as Headmaster in January 2018. Alex is a devoted family man who is passionate about co-education and helping pupils achieve their academic best, whilst stretching their co-curricular talents and preparing them for life beyond school. Alex is Vice-Chair of ISEB, a former Governor at Pinewood School and now Governor at both Brambletye School and Lambrook School. Out of school, Alex enjoys his busy family life. He is married to Henny and has six children: Verity, Dorothea, Thomas, Poppy, William and Martha.
Results GCSE: 134 pupils in fifth form. A-levels/Pre-U/IB: 217 in upper sixth. Further higher: 99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 10% to Oxbridge and 3% to universities in the USA, Hong Kong or Europe. 6% took courses in medicine, 24% in engineering, sciences or maths, 48% in humanities, law and social sciences, 8% in modern languages, 9% in business, 5% in art or music.
Furtherhigher 99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 14% to Oxbridge and 3% to universities in the USA, Hong Kong or Europe. 6% took courses in medicine, 24% in engineering, sciences or maths, 48% in humanities, law and social sciences, 8% in modern languages, 9% in business, 5% in art or music.
Arts Music: Up to 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 20 musical groups including symphony orchestra, string orchestras, jazz band, brass and wind bands, 4 choirs, various chamber music ensembles. Drama and dance: Strong tradition of drama. AS and A-level theatre studies may be taken. Many pupils involved in school productions; others in house and pupil-directed plays. Art and design: On average, 40 take GCSE, 30 A-level. Design, ceramics, textiles, photography, printmaking also offered. Many places obtained at art school and to university courses in art history and architecture.
Sport Major sports are soccer, hockey, cricket, netball, lacrosse; some 14 minor sports including Eton fives, shooting, sub-aqua, sailing, karate. RLSS exams may be taken. Family golf and tennis tournaments. Also silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; CCF or leadership/self-reliance programme; community service. Adventurous activities throughout UK, trekking in Himalayas and Peru. Over 50 clubs and societies including astronomy, debating, history, opera, poetry, recording, Scottish dancing.
Boarding 12 houses of approximately 65, same as competitive houses. Dining by houses. Half-term and leave weekends. Visits to local town allowed.
Alumni is run by The Recorder, c/o the School.
Formerpupils Cathy Newman (Channel 4 new presenter); Rachel Portman (composer); Peter James (novelist); Max Hastings (journalist); Lord Rees-Mogg (political editor); David and Jonathan Dimbleby (broadcasters), Sir Ronald Miller (actor, playwright and speech writer to three prime ministers); William Makepeace Thackeray (novelist); Ralph Vaughan Williams (composer); Robert Graves (poet); Genesis (rock band); John Wesley (founder of Methodism); Lord Liverpool (Prime Minister); Robert Baden-Powell (founder of the Boy Scouts); Ralph Vaughan Williams (composer); Robert Graves (poet).
