Cardiff Sixth Form College caters to highly motivated students with ambitious academic goals. It is designed for those who are dedicated to academic excellence and seek to expand their intellectual horizons. The college aims to prepare students for admission to top universities, enabling them to pursue challenging and fulfilling degree programs. While not suitable for all, it provides an ideal environment for many aspiring scholars.

The college's consistent ranking as the top independent school in the UK for A-Level results over a decade is a testament to its exceptional academic standards. The faculty comprises expert educators who are proficient in their respective fields and possess a strong pedagogical approach. Furthermore, the college's award-winning pastoral care system ensures a supportive and nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and personally. As a valued member of Dukes Education, the college fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity, teamwork, and compassionate leadership.

History of Cardiff Sixth Form College

Initially establishing its reputation through word-of-mouth, the College gradually expanded and relocated to its current prestigious location at Trinity Court in the heart of Cardiff, a vibrant capital city. This modern and spacious campus provides an ideal setting for the College's ambitious endeavors and benefits from a prime location.

In 2009, the College welcomed its first international students. Since then, it has experienced significant growth, attracting a diverse cohort of high-achieving students from around the globe. This growth has been accompanied by substantial investments in state-of-the-art boarding facilities and a robust pastoral care system. As a result, the College fosters a truly multicultural environment. Proud of its diverse student body and global perspective, the College now welcomes students from over 40 countries, including local Welsh and UK students seeking a focused academic pathway to top universities.

The College achieved full boarding school status in 2011 and has consistently ranked at the top of academic league tables in the UK, receiving numerous accolades for its outstanding academic achievements.

Acquired by Dukes Education in 2017, the College has secured its long-term academic future and is proud to be an integral member of the esteemed Dukes Education family of schools.

In response to increasing global demand, the College opened a new campus in the heart of the university city of Cambridge in 2022, further expanding its reach and providing access to top-tier education for aspiring students worldwide.

Education system at Cardiff Sixth Form College

The majority of students at Cardiff Sixth Form College pursue four A-Levels, with some undertaking further subjects. The College emphasizes a comprehensive approach to learning, encouraging students to delve beyond the standard curriculum.

Through engaging activities such as extension projects, independent research, TED Talks, online courses, and podcasts, the College aims to cultivate a deep passion for each subject area.

All students at Cardiff have the opportunity to undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This independent research project allows students to investigate a topic of their choice, culminating in a written report and presentation. The EPQ, equivalent to half an A-Level in UCAS points, is highly regarded by universities. It equips students with valuable skills in independent research, critical analysis, and effective communication, often leading to reduced grade offers from universities.

For students aspiring to pursue fields such as architecture or engineering, the College offers the opportunity to develop an art portfolio alongside their A-Level studies. This portfolio is a prerequisite for some university courses, but it is not required for students already pursuing A-Level Art.

GCSE

The one- and two-year GCSE programs at Cardiff Sixth Form College provide a strong foundation for academic advancement and serve as an excellent springboard for further studies. These programs allow students to pursue between six and ten core academic subjects within a supportive environment of small class sizes and intensive instruction, while simultaneously enhancing their English language proficiency.

Taught by the experienced faculty of Cardiff Sixth Form College, all GCSE students actively participate in the full spectrum of college life, including sports, cultural activities, a comprehensive super-curricular program, academic enrichment opportunities, and social interactions alongside the A-Level student body.

It is important to note that the Cambridge campus of Cardiff Sixth Form College does not currently offer the GCSE program.

A-LEVEL

Students at the institution receive between 24 and 30 hours of scheduled class time per week, complemented by daily access to one-on-one tutorials. The institution maintains a favorable teacher-to-student ratio of 1:7, significantly exceeding the national average, thereby ensuring that each student receives personalized attention and guidance from their mentors.

The selection of A-Level subjects can be a complex decision. It is crucial for students to thoroughly research their chosen subjects and carefully consider the implications of their academic choices on their future career aspirations.

Boarding at Cardiff Sixth Form College

The accommodation at the institution offers a range of options to suit individual preferences. These include cluster rooms, apartments, and studio flats. Cluster rooms provide shared living spaces for groups of four to six students, each with their own single bedroom and ensuite bathroom, as well as access to a shared kitchen and lounge. Apartments accommodate two students, offering two single bedrooms, a shared bathroom, kitchen, and lounge. Studio flats, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, provide individual living spaces with a single room, ensuite bathroom, and kitchen, but do not include a shared lounge.

All residents have access to a variety of communal facilities, including spacious common rooms, laundry facilities, music practice rooms, art rooms, and on-site medical centers, ensuring a comfortable and well-rounded living experience.

Boarding students at the institution receive exceptional care from a dedicated and experienced staff, fostering a warm and supportive residential environment that closely resembles a home-away-from-home. The emphasis on pastoral care ensures a strong sense of community among the boarding students.

The boarding staff actively engage with students, celebrating their successes, providing support and guidance when needed, organizing social and recreational events, and maintaining regular communication with parents. This close interaction fosters strong and positive relationships between students and the on-site residential staff.

DAY SCHOOL

Day students at the institution are highly motivated individuals aspiring to secure admission to prestigious universities. They thrive in an environment that fosters academic ambition, encourages skill development, and provides opportunities to collaborate with a diverse cohort of high-achieving students from around the world.

Day students actively engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including work placement programs both domestically and internationally, volunteer initiatives, guest lectures, leadership roles in career societies, enrichment trips, and participation in various competitions.

The institution provides comprehensive university preparation support, including dedicated sessions for admissions tests, mock interviews, subject-specific guidance, and personalized one-on-one counseling. Specialized programs are offered for students aspiring to attend Oxford, Cambridge, and other top universities, particularly in the fields of Medicine and related disciplines.

Beyond academics, many day students actively contribute to the vibrant life of the institution, assuming leadership roles in drama productions, establishing music societies, leading debating competitions, and participating in sports teams. They also actively engage in social events and house activities.

While not residing on campus, day students have access to breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the college canteen at no additional cost. These mealtimes provide valuable social opportunities, and all day students are encouraged to take advantage of this service. The institution fosters a truly international and inclusive environment, often described as a "mini United Nations," where students from diverse backgrounds interact, learn from each other, and build lasting friendships.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

The cultivation of leadership skills and effective teamwork are paramount for both academic success at the university level and personal development. Active participation in extracurricular clubs and activities not only enhances the overall educational experience but also provides valuable opportunities for students to develop essential interpersonal skills, collaborate with peers, acquire new knowledge, and refine existing competencies beyond the confines of the traditional classroom.

The institution offers a diverse range of social events, including popular celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Halloween, and Christmas, as well as formal occasions like Graduation Balls. Social activities also include organized meals, cinema evenings, and weekend excursions to explore the surrounding countryside, enriching the overall student experience.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

To initiate the application process, prospective students are required to register.

pon submission of the registration form, an invoice will be generated and sent to the applicant. Subsequent to registration, an online portal will be activated to facilitate the submission of required supporting documents.

Through this secure portal, applicants are required to upload the following documentation directly to their online application:

• A copy of their passport.
• A copy of their birth certificate.
• Their most recent school report.

Entrance Exams:

• GCSE: All applicants for the GCSE program must complete entrance examinations, including English, Mathematics, and the GL Assessment (an online reasoning test). While a minimum IELTS score is not required for international students applying to the two-year GCSE program, a score of IELTS 5.5 is mandatory for the one-year program. Applicants are instructed to register for the Academic UKVI IELTS test at their local British Council office or through an authorized agent.

The one-year GCSE course is particularly beneficial for international students who may not have undergone formal examinations at this level. This program is designed for students seeking to pursue A-Level studies and ultimately gain admission to prestigious universities in the UK or the United States. The GCSE qualification is independently recognized and its results are considered during the university application process.

Eligibility:

• Age: 15-16 years at the time of enrollment.
• Course Duration: One academic year.
• Start Date: September.
• Entry Requirements: Successful completion of college entrance examinations in English and Mathematics, along with the GL Assessment.
• English Language Proficiency: IELTS score of 5.5 is required.
• Other Requirements: Submission of a school report and a valid passport.

The institution also offers a two-year GCSE program where students undertake a comprehensive curriculum encompassing ten subjects over the course of two academic years.

Eligibility:

• Age: 14-15 years at the time of enrollment.
• Course Duration: Two academic years.
• Start Date: September.
• Entry Requirements: Successful completion of college entrance examinations in English and Mathematics, along with the GL Assessment.
• Other Requirements: Submission of a school report and a valid passport.

A-Levels - International Students: International applicants for the A-Level program must take entrance exams in four subjects they intend to pursue, along with the GL Assessment. Additionally, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. Registration for the Academic UKVI IELTS test should be completed at a local British Council office.

A-Levels - Day Students: Day students applying to the A-Level program are required to take entrance exams in all four subjects they wish to study, along with the GL Assessment. They must also possess a strong academic record, evidenced by achieving six A* grades (or grades 8/9 in the new grading system) in their GCSE examinations, including the subjects chosen for A-Level studies. At least one of these six GCSE (A) grades must be in English Language. The deadline for submitting GCSE results is 12:00 PM on GCSE results day in August each year.

All applicants will be required to participate in an interview, conducted either in person or via a virtual platform such as Zoom.

International students are required to appoint a legal guardian during their studies. The institution does not provide recommendations for guardianship services as this arrangement constitutes a legal contract between the student's parents or legal representatives and the chosen guardianship agency.

Fees AT Cardiff Sixth Form College