A-Level results in 2025: 68% A*, 94% A*-A — top of independent school league tables for over a decade.
Leading UK boarding sixth form college in Cardiff and Cambridge
Why this school
A-Level results in 2025: 68% A*, 94% A*-A — top of independent school league tables for over a decade.
Two city-centre campuses run simultaneously: one in Cardiff, one in Cambridge.
UCAS Programme and IELTS preparation are available alongside A-Level and GCSE courses.
Cardiff Sixth Form College is a co-educational private college for students aged 14 to 18, with campuses in Cardiff city centre and Cambridge city centre. Established in 2004 and part of the Dukes Education group, it occupies a distinctive position in UK independent education: a specialist academic college focused exclusively on GCSE and A-Level preparation. Around 280 students are spread across both sites, keeping teaching groups small and university guidance personal. ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate)-inspected, it draws an internationally diverse cohort and holds a measurable record at the top of independent school league tables.
The college runs GCSE programmes over one or two years for students aged 14 to 16, and A-Level programmes across Years 12 and 13 for students aged 16 to 18. A-Level results in 2025 stood at 68% A*, 94% A*-A, 99.6% A*-B, and 100% A*-C. Those figures have placed the college at the top of the Independent Schools League Tables for over a decade. Alongside core subject teaching, students follow a structured UCAS Programme covering personal statement writing, interview preparation, and application strategy. IELTS preparation is also available — useful for the significant proportion of students whose first language is not English. University guidance runs through platforms including Morrisby and BridgeU, giving each student a data-informed view of realistic and stretch destinations. Work placement opportunities in sectors such as medicine, law, and engineering are built into the broader preparation framework, available in the UK and internationally.
The sixth form is the college’s primary programme. Students select A-Level subject combinations and are taught in small groups, with a clear expectation of independent study outside class. The UCAS programme runs in parallel throughout Years 12 and 13, with applications typically submitted in the autumn of Year 13.
A-Level results
68% A*, 94% A*-A, 99.6% A*-B, 100% A*-C (2025)
Boarding is available at both the Cardiff and Cambridge campuses. Full boarding fees for A-Level students at the Cardiff campus are £72,000 (2025/26). The college accommodates students from over 40 nationalities, and pastoral support is structured to reflect that diversity. Day places are also available: A-Level day fees at Cardiff are £31,050 (2026/27). For GCSE boarders, annual fees are £63,400 for a one-year programme or £62,200 per year for the two-year route (2026/27, Cardiff campus). A registration fee of £300 and a deposit of £9,500 apply on acceptance of a place.
The college offers societies, competitions, and enrichment activities oriented towards academic extension and leadership development. Students take part in debating, sector-specific competitions, and programmes designed to build critical thinking alongside subject knowledge. The relatively small student body means participation rates tend to be high. Co-curricular activity is chosen to complement academic work rather than compete with it, and students across both campuses engage with a shared programme calendar.
Cardiff Sixth Form College operates from two city-centre campuses. The Cardiff campus sits in the Welsh capital — a compact, walkable city with good transport links across the UK. The Cambridge campus places students in one of England’s most academically storied cities, with access to university libraries, museums, and research institutions. Both campuses are purpose-configured for sixth-form and GCSE study, rather than adapted from a traditional school estate.
Cardiff Airport is approximately 20 miles from the Cardiff city centre campus, around 30 to 40 minutes by road. London Heathrow is accessible by train via Cardiff Central in approximately two hours. The Cambridge campus is served by Stansted Airport (around 30 miles) and is within reach of Heathrow via direct rail services.
Annual tuition
£77,250 per year · full boarding · Sixth Form · A Level (Years 12-13)
Other tier breakdowns shown below.
| Stage | Year groups | Type | Audience | Fee / year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sixth Form | A Level (Years 12-13) | Full boarding | — | £77,250 |
| Sixth Form | A Level (Years 12-13) | Day | — | £31,050 |
| Junior | GCSE (1 Year) | Full boarding | — | £63,400 |
| Junior | GCSE (2 Year) | Full boarding | — | £62,200 |
| Junior | GCSE (1 Year) | Day | — | £34,000 |
| Junior | GCSE (2 Year) | Day | — | £32,800 |
| Sixth Form | A Level (Years 12-13) | Full boarding | — | £74,900 |
| Sixth Form | A Level (Years 12-13) | Day | — | £31,050 |
Additional fees
Deposit
£9,500
Registration
£300
Cardiff Airport approx. 20 miles from the Cardiff campus; Cambridge campus served by Stansted Airport (approx. 30 miles).
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The college accepts students from age 14 to 18. The GCSE programme is available for students aged 14 to 16, as either a one-year or two-year route. The A-Level programme runs across Years 12 and 13 for students aged 16 to 18.
Full boarding A-Level fees at the Cardiff campus are £72,000 per year (2025/26). Day A-Level fees are £31,050 (2026/27). GCSE boarding fees are £63,400 for one year or £62,200 per year for the two-year programme (2026/27). A registration fee of £300 and a deposit of £9,500 are also required on acceptance.
Full boarding is available at both the Cardiff and Cambridge campuses. Day places are offered at both sites as well. The boarding community draws from over 40 nationalities.
Cardiff Sixth Form College offers GCSEs and A-Levels. All students have access to the structured UCAS Programme for university application support. IELTS preparation is also available for those who need it.
In 2025, 68% of A-Level grades were A*, 94% were A*-A, 99.6% were A*-B, and 100% were A*-C. The college has ranked first in the Independent Schools League Tables for A-Level results for over a decade.
Yes. Cardiff Sixth Form College operates from two city-centre campuses: one in Cardiff, Wales, and one in Cambridge, England. Both run the same GCSE and A-Level programmes. A-Level boarding fees at the Cambridge campus are £74,900 (2026/27).
The college runs a dedicated UCAS Programme covering personal statements, interview preparation, and application strategy. Students also have access to Morrisby and BridgeU platforms for university matching. Work placement opportunities in fields such as medicine, law, and engineering are available in the UK and internationally.
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