The Head's Perspective
BY DR ALEX PETERKEN
"What makes Charterhouse so special?"
If you were to ask our current parents this question, they will tell you that it is the balance that sets Charterhouse apart.
On one side: academic ambition, top-tier results, and a culture of real stretch and challenge. On the other: daily inspiration, through the wealth of opportunities available in sport, music, creative arts, societies and more. Our pupils are supported and encouraged to try everything.
They would also tell you their children are happy. They feel a strong sense of collective belonging and are valued and nurtured throughout their journey with us.
We offer one of the most immersive and complete educational experiences in the UK. Academic ambition is central to all that we do - underpinned by expert teaching, subject-specific enrichment, and tailored support at every stage.
Our pupils consistently achieve excellent results and go on to study at global elite universities across the UK and around the world.
We are able to offer an exceptional breadth of GCSE, IBDP and A-Level subject choices - far broader than most schools can provide. This means every pupil can follow a programme of study that’s shaped around their strengths, interests and aspirations. At Charterhouse, education is not one-size-fits-all, it’s personal, and in an increasingly complex and competitive world, this level of personalisation has never mattered more.
But our vision goes further than grades alone. We are committed to developing genuinely future-ready young people, well-prepared to succeed in a fast-changing world. Our pioneering FutureU programme ensures every pupil builds the skills, mindset and real-world experience they will need to thrive. Our Sixth Form qualification in Applied Entrepreneurship, the first of its kind globally, is just one example of this forward-looking approach.
All of this is achieved from within the inspiring architecture and landscape of one of the most remarkable and beautiful school campuses in the world, which includes over 250 acres (or 1,000,000 square metres) of green space.
Kindness sits at the heart of our culture. It shapes how we live and learn together, day in and day out, underpinning our ethos of curiosity, service, and global citizenship.
Dr ALEX PETERKEN, HEAD
We are also embedding AI and innovation into many areas of school life, so that our pupils grow up confident, ethical and capable users of emerging technologies.
Charterhouse is a community built on shared values: kindness, curiosity, courage and social responsibility. Our Houses are more than just a place to live, they are supportive, welcoming homes where young people grow and flourish together. Whether boarding or day, every pupil belongs here.
By the time they leave us, our pupils are grounded, capable and outward-looking young adults. They understand how to learn, how to lead, and how to serve. They step into the world not just ready for the future, but ready to shape it.
I firmly believe that there is no substitute for experiencing the School in person, and so I warmly invite you to visit us and discover what makes Charterhouse so special.
We know we’ve succeeded when a Charterhouse education leads not only to academic achievement, but also to a lifetime of personal, professional, and social fulfilment.
The impact of a Charterhouse education lasts well beyond exam results; it stays with you for life.
Charterhouse treats children like responsible human beings and they are expected to rise to the challenge. It creates balanced and well-rounded young people, who are charming company.
TILLY, A CURRENT PARENT
