Basic Information & Location
Christ College, Brecon is a co-educational independent school, located in the market town of Brecon in mid-Wales. The journey time from Heathrow Airport is around 3 hours. The school was founded in 1541. It is now one of the oldest and most successful independent schools in Britain with almost 400 pupils. In 2017, ESTYN, the Office of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales, awarded the school “excellent” across all five areas examined. Comparing with other schools, the tuition fee of Christ College is not high. It could be a very valued option.
Academic Development
At Christ College, Brecon, they have highly qualified and committed staff with a generous 1:9 teacher:pupil ratio. The academic performance of the students is extraordinary. In 2017, the overall pass rate of A-Level was 98%, with 44% of those grades at A* or A. For GCSE, 96% of all entries graded at C or its equivalent or above with a remarkable 46% at A and A*. They are particularly strong in the core subjects of Mathematics, English and the Sciences, as well as in the Creative Arts. Most of their students go on to higher education and they maintain a strong rate of acceptance on some of the most competitive university courses in the country, such as law and architecture. The Futures Department aims to provide effective careers advice, education and guidance to students. It works closely with academic and pastoral staff to ensure a complete and individual service. Christ College is affiliated with ISCO (Independent Schools Careers Organisation) and can provide a range of support services throughout the two years of the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care & Boarding
Christ College runs a house system. There are eight houses in total. The houses comprise of both Boarding and Day pupils which means that all of the pupils in the houses interact in every area of school life. Each house is run by houseparent, supported by a team comprising of assistant houseparent, tutors and domestic staff who will ensure the welfare and health of the students. Two fully qualified professional Registered General Nurses offer 24-hour care staff the Satorium. The Duty Sister holds three surgeries a day and is always available between surgeries for emergencies or for a confidential chat. There is access to a School Counsellor who provides additional support for individual pupil.
Extracurricular & personal development
There is a wide range of sport and activities available outside of the classroom. As well as the afternoon games programme, there are sporting, cultural, and creative pastimes to give pupils a positive, active, and constructive approach to leisure time. Sport plays a very important role in the life of their pupils. For a small co-educational school they compete in a large number of sports throughout the school year and the overall standard is very high indeed. All of Year 9-10 take part in the school’s Combined Cadet Force on a Thursday afternoon, and the majority of Year 10 begin the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Music, drama and other clubs are also available to students.