Founded in 1863, Tettenhall College provides a stimulating learning environment for girls and boys, boarders and day pupils aged 2–18. The emphasis is on a personalised education that develops the whole person, both in and beyond the classroom. Exceptional enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities complement the rigorous academic environment. Tettenhall College ensures that everyone will find their niche and grow in confidence.
Academic success is a major focus across the whole School, with consistently high GCSE and A Level grades above national averages. In 2024, at A Level more than half of grades were awarded at A* -B. The best GCSE results for more than a decade were achieved
Situation and Buildings. Nestled in 33 acres of beautiful woodland grounds, Tettenhall College comprises of historic buildings and modern amenities allowing pupils to thrive within a caring family atmosphere. Located in the picturesque village of Tettenhall, only 40 minutes from Birmingham International Airport, the School is one of the leading independent day and boarding schools in the region.
Amenities include excellent boarding facilities and outstanding sporting facilities including an indoor heated Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Squash Courts, Sports Pavilion, floodlit artificial courts for football, netball, tennis and hockey, two cricket squares and playing fields for rugby, football and athletics.
Religion. Services in the College Chapel are interdenominational.
Entry. Preparatory School: assessed during a taster day/session with completion of informal assessments.
Senior School entry (Years 7-9) pupils will be invited to attend the College Entrance Assessment in the January prior to entry the following September. Year 12 is determined by Entrance Assessment, GCSE results (or equivalent), school reports, and a successful interview with the Headmaster.
Organisation. Preparatory School (Reception to Year 6) and Senior School (Years 7-13) are divided into four Houses which compete in activities, work and games. Nursery comprises Day Nursery and Pre-School from the age of 2 to 4.
Senior School & Sixth Form Curriculum. Years 7-9 in Senior School are designed to give our pupils a sound basis for studies at GCSE and beyond.
As well as a strong emphasis on the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science we consider languages to be important therefore offer French and Spanish. Creativity abounds in our Art, Music and Drama programmes, and History and Geography lessons teach pupils about our world, both past and present.
Computing offers exciting possibilities to explore new technologies. Physical Education and Games encourage health and fitness and provides opportunities to acquire and develop skills and attitudes to individual endeavour and teamwork. Add to the mix the moral and ethical dimensions discussed in PSHE and Religious Education and you have an academic programme that is broad and balanced, enjoyable and intellectually demanding.
In Year 9, Business and Electronics are introduced, ensuring pupils experience all our GCSE subjects before choosing which subjects they wish to study further. EAL is offered as a specialist subject throughout Senior School.
A Levels are academically challenging and entry into the Sixth Form (Years 12-13) has a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above for entry.
Our A Level curriculum offers a wide range of subjects, and our structured Sixth Form Pathways Programmes are aimed to guide pupils in A Level selection depending on future career aspirations.
Committed expert teachers, an established reputation for academic excellence, impressive record of our students’ gaining places at prestigious universities, small teaching groups and an exceptional range of extra-curricular and enrichment programmes are some of the strengths that enable our pupils to achieve,
TC Futures: Careers and University Support. Extensive careers guidance is provided by the Head of Careers, with each Sixth Former assigned a Personal Tutor for support. Regular visits from universities, local companies, and alumni who host career talks and seminars enrich the guidance process.
Societies and Activities. All pupils are encouraged to engage in community life and to play a part in the social and cultural organisations.
Pupils take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, working for Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Beyond sporting opportunities, school plays and musicals are produced annually; there is a house festival of Performing Arts, and the Music Department has a deservedly strong reputation for its quality of performance and opportunities. All pupils from Year 6 take part in the extended day programme where activities range from climbing and mountain biking to the Extended Project Qualification for older pupils.
Preparatory School. The Preparatory School is housed separately in a purpose-designed building, sharing some facilities with Senior School. Senior School Staff help with games and specialist teaching.
The curriculum extends beyond the national standards. Younger pupils are taught by a form teacher with a focus on key skills in Literacy and Numeracy. As children move through the years they are introduced to teaching from subject specialists.
Athletics, Cricket, Netball, Hockey, Rounders, Rugby, Football, Squash, Badminton, Swimming and Tennis are the main sports, and all pupils have PE and two sessions of games each week. Extracurricular activities change regularly but include clubs in all the previously mentioned sports.
Fees per term (2024–2025). Boarding: Years 5-9 £11, 180 (full), £8,832 (weekly); Years 10-13 £16,081 (full), £12,727 (weekly). Day: Nursery £4,800 (full-time), Reception £3,519, Year 1 £3,934, Year 2 £4,255, Years 3 – 6 £5,026, Years 7 -13 £6,694.
Scholarships and Bursaries. Senior School Academic Scholarships may be offered to outstanding pupils. Scholarships are also awarded for Academic, Music, Art, Performing Arts and Sport.
Means-tested Bursaries are available. There is a reduction in fees for the children of the Clergy, members of HM Forces and children of former pupils.
The Old Tettenhallians’ Club. Membership is automatic on reaching 18 years of age.
Charitable status. Tettenhall College Incorporated is a Registered Charity, number 528617.
Governors & Staff:
Chairman of Governors: Mr Jeremy F Woolridge, CBE, DL, BSc Hons
Senior Leadership Team:
Headmaster: Mr Christopher McAllister, NPQH, BA Hons
Bursar: Mr C Way, BSc Hons
College Deputy Head & Head of Senior School: Miss C Troughton, BSc Hons, MSc Hons, QTS
Head of Preparatory School Division: Mr J Gomersall, BSc Hons, PGCE, MCCT
Director of Admissions & External Relations: Mrs V McAllister, BA, MA
Assistant Heads:
Pastoral: Mr S J Sherratt BSc Hons, PGCE
Academic: Mr D Matthews, BScEcon, LLM, PGCE
Preparatory School: Mrs A Marshall-Walker, BA Hons, QTS