Ages 
A small, genuinely all-rounded and exceptionally friendly school that makes excellent use of the national park it sits within. Proud of its heritage but not weighed down by it, there’s a sense of tradition balanced by a light-heartedness. Best suited to those with a can-do attitude who like being busy.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 379 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 122 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Church of Wales
- Fees
- Day £11,808 - £26,208; Boarding £30,390 - £50,523 pa
- Local authority
- Powys County Council
Headteacher
The head
Gareth Pearson
Since 2017, Gareth Pearson BEng. Attended his local state school in Wareham, Dorset, then read mechanical engineering at Loughborough before joining the Royal Marines as an officer for eight years, getting a taste for teaching when he helped fellow
Entrance
From year 1 (and soon from reception), with children trickling in throughout the year groups. Next bulge point is year 7 (now part of the prep) and to a much lesser extent year 9 (now the start of senior school). A few into year 10 when families hit
- Open days
- October, March and May
Exit
Very rare for children not to move from prep to seniors (helped by automatic entry). Just over 20 per cent leave after GCSEs, usually for Merthyr College and Hereford Sixth Form College, plus a few for financial reasons. Vast majority of sixth
Latest results
In 2025, 40 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 41 per cent A*/A at A level (72 per cent A*-B).
Teaching & learning
The ‘academics aren’t everything’ perception of CCB is a bit misleading, in our view. It’s true that it’s not the place for a single-minded scholar (the extracurricular shines equally bright) but close monitoring means it’s now harder for students to
Learning support & SEN
SEN – known as additional learning needs (ALN) here – is an area of strength, with the 14 per cent on the ALN register all put on one of three pathways – level 1 involves in-class monitoring and subject guidance, while level 2 focuses on in-class
Arts & extracurricular
‘Full-on!’ say students, who looked absolutely shattered when we visited just before half-term – but they’d have it no other way. As befits a school located in a national park, there’s no shortage of outdoor pursuits including DofE (note: no silver)
Sport
A reason many choose the school. ‘The variety is exceptional, there is something for everyone,’ said one mother. Rugby, of course, is the biggie for boys, while for girls the mainstays are hockey and netball. Cricket very much on the up for both
Boarders
Just over half the students board – around a third each for flexi, weekly and full, with flexi starting from year 5 in the prep boarding house. Two senior boys’ and girls’ houses also on site. Full boarders mainly international – Japan, South
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1541 by Henry VIII (whose portrait stared over us during lunch) on the site of a Dominican priory dating from the 13th century. Became a proper ‘public school’ in the Act of 1855, with the school’s origins living on in some of its ancient
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The family feel, caring staff and small size of the school are conducive to a nurturing environment, where students are quick to turn to teachers or the welfare centre for support. There’s a buddy system and a visiting counsellor too. ‘You’d have
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review For years 7-11 , there are no phones allowed during the day (8.30am-4pm). For pupil wellbeing, no phones are allowed overnight and boarders must hand them in at night to the houseparent. Those in years 12-13 are allowed phones during the day, but only to be used in houses during breaktime/lunchtime and after school. Misuse will result in confiscation.
Pupils & parents
School says parents can be split into three, almost equally sized, groups: those who were always going to choose private education; those who want things that aren’t so easy to get in the state sector (eg boarding, music); and those for whom plan A
Money matters
Competitive fees, with a discount for Old Breconian parents (around 15 per cent of the school) and Forces families. Bursaries up to 50 per cent. Scholarships up to 20 per cent off fees – for academic, all-rounder, art, drama, music, outdoor
- Fee information
- Day £11,808 - £26,208; Boarding £30,390 - £50,523 pa
The last word
A small, genuinely all-rounded and exceptionally friendly school that makes excellent use of the national park it sits within. Proud of its heritage but not weighed down by it, there’s a sense of tradition balanced by a light-heartedness. Best suited
