Cardiff Sixth Form College

Since 2020, Tom Arrand, previously at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for a decade as deputy then acting head. Before that, five years at Colston’s School, Bristol, including as housemaster and head of RE and philosophy (his students gained the top RE

‘Definitely not a case of pay and you’re in,’ say parents. They’re not wrong – the college is exceptionally selective. Majority come to study A levels, for which they need at least six grade 8s at GCSE, including in subjects to be studied. For the

Between 60 and 70 per cent stay on after GCSEs. The rest either don’t hit the grades and/or miss home overseas. Just over 70 per cent to Russell Group universities, with Imperial College, UCL and LSE all popular. Seven to Oxbridge in 2025. Masses of

In 2025, 74 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 94 per cent A*/A at A level (99 per cent A*-B).

No two ways about it, students are here to work hard – and work hard they do. The school has topped the Telegraph league tables for over a decade and students say a B or – shock, horror! – a C ‘is not what you’re here for’. But an exam factory this

Eleven students on the ALN (additional learning needs) register mainly for medical issues, ADHD and autism. The odd student with slow processing or dyslexia. Full-time ALNCo ‘amazing’ and ‘so kind’, say parents. ‘They gave my daughter another

Academic pursuits may be the raison d’être but that doesn’t mean learning stops in the classroom. Students reeled off after-school clubs they either attended or ran, eg medsoc, volleyball, chemistry. Model UN, NASA club and debating have entire

More than you might expect, given the city centre location, nada facilities and school’s higher intellectual purpose. At GCSE, students do a morning of compulsory sport a week – anything from trampolining to football, basketball and table tennis –

A means to an end for overseas students, as well as a few UK ones, to attend the college. All full-timers, they are housed in two nearby former university halls of residence in single or double rooms, some part of small apartments. Fabulous basement

It would be easy for a school with such motivated, high-achieving students to take a back seat pastorally. But they take the sensible attitude that happy youngsters learn best, as well as appreciating that some need support around eg homesickness and

It’s not enough to be a natural academic, say students – you need focus, drive and commitment by the bucketload too. All were present and correct in the ones we met – which will surely stand them in good stead for life. Some more conversational than

Fees are up there with the most expensive schools in the country, but there are 10 fully funded places a year in addition to partial bursaries and some academic scholarships. Of the 70 or so day students, over half are generously funded.

An academic haven for very bright, very motivated students who want a leg-up into leading universities via top grades, a glittering CV and savvy university application advisors. ‘It’s not for the faint-hearted,’ said one parent, ‘but if you love