The landscape of Higher Education is poised to witness a surge in international student numbers, driven by government targets aimed at attracting a greater influx to the UK. These students are drawn by the renowned standard and quality of education offered, which significantly bolsters their future career prospects. Particularly, those enrolled in prestigious institutions like the Russell Group and G5 universities acquire a comprehensive set of academic and career-oriented skills, highly sought after in their prospective fields.
Cardiff Sixth Form College, renowned for its small class sizes and exceptional teaching, prioritizes individual attention to foster excellence. Initially growing through word of mouth, the college's stellar reputation led to expansion, culminating in its relocation to Trinity Court in Cardiff. Since admitting international students in 2009, the college has invested in top-tier boarding facilities and multicultural pastoral care. Accredited as a full boarding school in 2011, it consistently leads UK academic rankings and joined the Dukes Education group in 2017. Responding to global demand, a new campus in Cambridge opened in 2022, catering to high-achieving students aspiring for top universities worldwide.
"Cardiff promotes volunteerism & community contribution, fostering career-based societies organized by students to develop leadership & teamwork skills"
At Cardiff Sixth Form College, students enroll in one or two-year GCSE and A-level programs distinguished by exceptional teaching standards and extensive supplementary coursework. This unique approach, coupled with tailored extension programs, propels students toward admission into top global universities-86 percent of whom secured placements in the QS top 100 universities in 2023. Holding the top spot in the UK for 12 consecutive years underscores the institution's consistent delivery of high-quality education amid a vast educational landscape. The remarkable academic performance, with 95 percent achieving A*-A grades and 99.7 percent A*-B grades in 2023, enhances the desirability of its students for elite universities.
Furthermore, Cardiff Sixth Form College also provides both UK and international work experience programs, personalized one-on-one university preparation including interview technique, assistance with personal statements, teaching aptitude tests required for elite universities and guides its students through various programs to acquire the essential career-based skills. This comprehensive support ensures students' confidence and adaptability as they progress in their academic and professional journeys.
"We only employ very experienced staff at Cardiff Sixth Form College for both our campuses in Cardiff and Cambridge. Because all our students are bright, we need exceptional staff to be able to teach and extend our students well above the curriculum. We also offer regular in-house training for our teachers, inset days and lesson observations and survey our students to check they are happy with the quality of teaching - and they always are! The students really appreciate the one-to-one support, passion that our teachers have for their subjects and huge amount of online resources they have developed to help them achieve their goals", says Henrietta Lightwood, Global Director.
Comprehensive Support & Vibrant Student Life
At both campuses, Principals oversee the college, alongside Heads of Academic and Pastoral departments. Subject leaders manage academic subjects, while teachers deliver curriculum. Supporting this structure are teams for boarding, pastoral care, extracurriculars, careers, university preparation, along with administrative and support staff, all vital for the college's success.
Cardiff provides single, ensuite bedrooms akin to modern university accommodation. Common rooms foster socialization, while onsite facilities include a medical center, music, drama, and art rooms within boarding houses, ensuring a safe, secure, and comfortable living environment.
Dormitories are replaced by individual ensuite rooms. Weekends offer diverse activities like city explorations, hikes, and beach visits, along with in-house events like fashion shows and sports competitions, contributing to a bustling atmosphere. Seasonal celebrations such as Christmas, Chinese New Year, Diwali, and Halloween are marked with parties and meals, enriching student experiences.
Recently acclaimed as one of the world's top three boarding schools for pastoral care, Cardiff prioritizes student well-being. Rigorous child protection and safeguarding policies are enforced, with provisions for counseling and well-being programs. Each student receives support from a Head of House and Head of Boarding, supplemented by the CREATE program, fostering a supportive community through challenges. Open communication, facilitated by a wide range of staff and peer mentors, ensures students feel heard and supported through any concerns. "All boarding students are enrolled in the NHS service upon arrival, ensuring access to healthcare. A full-time nurse and medical center are available onsite to address medical needs. In case of accidents, students are promptly taken to the hospital for treatment", adds Henrietta Lightwood.
Scholarship Opportunities & Global Experiences
Cardiff Sixth Form College extends academic scholarship opportunities to international students, prioritizing individuals who demonstrate brightness and a commitment to enriching college life through peer support. Scholarship recipients can obtain tuition fee reductions of up to 50 percent, with the final amount, typically ranging between 20 percent and 30 percent, contingent upon performance in scholarship examinations. International students are responsible for their boarding expenses, which are not covered by the scholarship. Moreover, the college offers a range of scholarships for local day students, aimed at enhancing accessibility to Cardiff's outstanding educational offerings.
Students from Cardiff participate in the ICE program, an international work experience initiative spanning Nepal, Tanzania, India, and Malaysia, alongside UK-based programs. Enrichment Weeks in October and February feature 90 speakers engaging with students. Collaborations with InvestIn, our partner under Dukes Education, facilitate work experience opportunities. Encouraging community involvement, Cardiff promotes volunteerism and offer career-based societies, organized by students, aimed at fostering leadership and teamwork abilities.
Plan Ahead
Holding the top position in the UK entails a delicate position that precludes any room for complacency. The institution consistently examines global teaching methodologies to identify additional offerings for its students. The integration of technology to support the curriculum, engagement in awards, university programs, internships, and school trips are continuous efforts aimed at bringing the curriculum to life for the students. In 2026, the college is also relocating to a newly constructed, harbourside site in Cardiff, providing more students with the chance to undergo a world-class education in state-of-the-art facilities.
"Looking outwards rather than inwards is important to us. We offer a truly international education where students from different cultures across the world can work together, share ideas, debate concepts and figure out solutions not only for themselves but also analyze how they work with others. We want our students to become resilient, deal with failure as well as success and use their intellect, experience and connections they have gained, to make positive impacts back in their communities", said Henrietta Lightwood.
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