The college values its traditions and emphasises academic achievement and personal development. It has a strong discipline policy, strict adherence to school uniform and regular formal whole school, sub-school, year-level and house assemblies throughout the year. Students living out-of-zone must lodge an application to the principal for possible entry into Year 7. The college is accredited to accept overseas fee-paying students.
Facilities: Basketball and netball courts, two playing fields, modern library, double-court gymnasium, performing arts centre, canteen, specialist well-equipped technology facilities for automotive, ceramics, wood and metal, and modern computer and media facilities, state-of-the-art learning centre for Year 8 students and a new science precinct.
Curriculum: A core curriculum is followed in Years 7 and 8 with opportunities for students in Years 9 and 10 to place additional emphasis on some aspects of their course. A range of innovative programs and approaches is offered. The college has a netbook program from Year 7 to 12 students introduced in 2014. Students in Years 7-10 access Maths, English, Science and Humanities texts in eBook format using their netbooks. In senior years, the comprehensive curriculum offers a broad range of VCE/VET subjects. Work experience occurs at Years 10 and 11. Ninety-seven per cent of the 2014 students were accepted into tertiary education after completing their VCE.
Extra-curricular activities: Instrumental and vocal tuition is available and students can participate in various musical groups, including choir and training, concert and stage bands. Regular dramatic and musical productions are held. Students can become involved in the school magazine, Student Representative Council, debating and other special interest groups. A wide range of team sports is available and participation in inter-school sport is encouraged. For over 50 years, an annual exchange has been undertaken with a school in Adelaide, involving sporting and academic competitions. LOTE students travel to Italy biennially.
Student well-being programs: The college emphasises care and consideration for others, co-operation and respect for property. The philosophy of restorative practice is adhered to throughout the school. A well-established anti-bullying policy is followed and transition and health education programs are important elements of the curriculum. Cheltenham is a Sun Smart school. Student well-being and careers counselling are provided and a strong system of year-level co-ordination is maintained.