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Our campuses

Francis Close Hall Campus

We’ve been training teachers at Francis Close Hall since 1847.

It’s historic and inspiring surroundings are now home to a range of subjects, with students making use of cutting-edge technologies while working with and being supported by academic experts.

With us from the very beginning, Francis Close Hall (FCH) has seen our legacy grow from strength to strength throughout nearly 170 years of education.

Just a short walk away from Cheltenham town centre, you’ll have everything you need right on your doorstep, with easy access to Cheltenham’s lively bars, clubs, specialist shops and cafes.

Directions

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Francis Close Hall, Swindon Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4AZ

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Campus maps: Digital / PDF

Salad bar

Food and drink

The campus’ refectory offers hot meals, snacks, fresh sandwiches, a salad bar and freshly baked cakes and pastries.

There are vegan and vegetarian options available as well as vending machines and free water stations, so you can top up your bottle.

The Student Union bar provides evening entertainment and drinks or, 5 mins’ walk from campus you’ll find the buzzing Brewery Quarter which has a Nando’s, Five Guys, cocktail bars, a cinema, bowling alley and Tesco Express.

Green spaces

Students can be found hanging out on the campuses’ central green space or nearby is the beautiful Pittville Park which has a boating lake, tennis courts, aviary and ornamental garden.

The campus’ best kept secret are the edible gardens and pond which attract birds, frogs and wildlife. This oasis for staff, students and the local community has a woodfired oven and LED lights for pizza parties all year-round.

Surrounding Cheltenham are the stunning Cotswold Hills. The Cotswolds are the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the UK.

Students in a rowing boat on a lake
Bikes at Francis Close Hall campus

Campus charm

Referred to as the ‘Hogwarts campus’, the ivy-clad, gothic grounds sit alongside modern structures and facilities.

The buildings are Grade II listed and made of Cotswold stone which gives the campus a bright glow all year round.

Close to the town centre and nearby parks, you’ll get the best of both country and city living – this is a rare and inspiring space to study and learn.