Cardiff Sixth Form College Overview
Founded in 2004 as a small, privately-owned tutorial college in the heart of Cardiff, Cardiff Sixth Form College (CSFC) has redefined education by combining small class sizes, personalised support, and outstanding teaching. Its distinctive approach to education is designed to unlock the full potential of every student. As a result, the college has earned a reputation for achieving the best A-Level results in the UK in recent years.
In 2009, Cardiff Sixth Form College welcomed its first international students, sparking rapid growth in popularity. While admission is considered less competitive than at many traditional British boarding schools, students must be ready for an intense academic environment. Some students have remarked that the college strives not only for top grades but for perfection across every subject. Its strong academic focus has also earned CSFC the informal nickname of “the Asian school” in the UK.
Summary Of School
- Type of school: Co-educational
- Age range: 15-18
- Pupils: 365
- Sixth formers: 340
- Boarders: 95%
- Fees: Day £26,210 - £30,125
- Fees: Boarding; £62,095 - £62,400 pa
- 2024 Results: A Level 90.7%(A*-A); GCSE 86.5%(9 - 7)
Table of Contents
Reaching For Greater Heights In Academia
At CSFC, academics have always been the focal point of the school. This commitment is seen in the school’s recent outstanding results, with an impressive 90.74% of students achieving A*s and As in 2024. CSFC has consistently topped the Times and Telegraph league tables for the past six years, solidifying its academic excellence.
The selection process at CSFC is tight, with a reputation for being highly selective. English proficiency is a prerequisite, and international students are required to have a score of 6.5 in the academic version of IELTS. Applicants with GCSEs must have a minimum of six A*/8-9 grades overall, with A*/8-9 grades in all chosen A-level subjects, and perform well in college admission tests. Additionally, all applicants undergo the GL assessment in verbal reasoning online and participate in interviews, either in-person or via video-conferencing.
Once enrolled, students benefit from dedicated and experienced teaching staff whose sole focus is teaching, as extracurricular activities and administration are handled by a separate team. One of the key points at CSFC is small class sizes, averaging eight students per class to facilitate personalised attention during the 25 hours of weekly instruction. Teachers closely monitor students’ progress, providing one-to-one support and conducting peer-to-peer one-on-one sessions when needed.
CSFC graduates have access to top-tier universities, referred to as the G5: Oxford, Cambridge, London Imperial, LSE, and UCL. Approximately 42% of CSFC leavers secure admission to these universities, particularly in science, technology and medical programmes. This trend is facilitated by CSFC’s A-level subject offerings— 15 subjects with a particular focus on STEM and sciences that pave the way for medicine, dentistry, or veterinary courses.
It is important to note that CSFC has higher fees compared to other schools in the UK. This is attributed to the expenses associated with leasehold buildings, small class sizes, and a high number of teaching hours. However, the school does offer generous bursaries, some of which cover 100% of the fees. Additionally, Welsh students receive a subsidy.
Cardiff Sixth Form College Courses And Programs
GCSEs
Cardiff Sixth Form College provides a unique educational opportunity for aspiring students who wish to progress to its renowned Sixth Form. With a focus on inspiring teaching, outstanding career development support, and a modern boarding environment, it stands as one of the top schools in the UK.
A Levels
Cardiff Sixth Form College presents an extensive selection of A-level courses for students aspiring to join their prestigious Sixth Form. With a commitment to inspiring teaching, outstanding career development opportunities, and contemporary boarding facilities, it ranks among the leading schools in the UK.
The college offers students a comprehensive schedule of 24-30 hours of classes per week, complemented by one-on-one tutorials. The teacher-to-student ratio of 1:7 guarantees personalised attention and mentorship.
For detailed information and the latest updates regarding the courses available, it is advisable to visit the official website of Cardiff Sixth Form College or get in touch with us directly.
Cardiff Sixth Form College Fees
For international boarders, the fees range from £62,095 – £62,400 per annum, which includes the following:
- Tuition
- Group IELTS preparation (excluding exam fees)
- Exam fees (excluding re-takes)
- Use of all College facilities
- Accommodation
- Meals (catering is not included during the Christmas, and Summer holidays)
- Complimentary bedding pack (one per year)
- Weekly room cleaning
- One complimentary airport pickup (on specific dates)
Cardiff Sixth Form College Application Deadline
Applications for boarding places should be submitted to the college by September in the year prior to the start of the academic year the student wishes to enter. For example, applications for entry in either September 2025 or January 2026 should be submitted before September 2024.
Cardiff Sixth Form College Boarding And Pastoral Care
The boarding houses at Cardiff Sixth Form College primarily accommodate overseas and distant students. These functional residences are situated in two blocks, which were previously used as university accommodation and are located a short walk away from the main building.
Students have the option to choose between studios or cluster rooms. In cluster rooms, 5 to 6 single rooms share a kitchen and common area. GCSE students have a communal dining table, and the kitchens in their living quarters are intended for snacks only. All meals are provided in the school’s canteen, with special dietary requirements, such as religious restrictions or allergies, taken into consideration.
Being located in the heart of Cardiff, CSFC allows students to benefit from the town’s amenities. This includes work observation placements that can support students’ university applications. While the school library offers valuable reference materials, students primarily obtain recreational reading materials from Cardiff’s public library.
When it comes to pastoral care, the school serves as a valuable stepping stone to university life. It not only provides accommodation arrangements but also prepares students for independent living away from home. The diverse multicultural environment at CSFC helps students develop social skills that are necessary for interactions beyond their home country. Students are expected to demonstrate responsibility and maturity, and the school handles disciplinary matters with rare occurrences of sanctions.
Mental health care is a significant focus at the school, leading to CSFC being nominated for an award in mental health by the Independent Schools Association.
Cardiff Sixth Form College Extracurricular Activities
The school maintains a strong emphasis on promoting physical well-being by offering a variety of activities such as yoga, fitness classes, dance, and swimming. These activities are organized in collaboration with local gyms and other providers. Traditional ball games are played on local pitches, and students below the sixth form are required to participate in three hours of weekly sports.
The debating team receives significant support, as it helps develop eloquence and prepares students for careers that require strong argumentative skills. The Glee club offers musical opportunities, and performances and productions gain more recognition due to the diverse mix of nationalities among the students. Additionally, CSFC provides music lessons for 18 different instruments, boasting a number of highly skilled musicians.
Despite the extensive extracurricular activity offerings, academic pursuits take priority at CSFC. The range of clubs is limited and tends to have an academic focus. One notable point of pride is the NASA Club, which competes worldwide in a competition where students propose detailed designs for future human settlements in space. In fact, the CSFC club reached the finals in the 2018 edition of this competition.
