Cardiff Sixth Form College has quickly shot up the ranks to become one of the most prestigious independent schools in the United Kingdom. For a second year, helping the Sunday Times achieve their best schools list. This iconic university is known for its academic rigor. It’s a model for the world’s most diverse student body, with as many as 80 percent of its students coming from outside the United States. Revenue families chasing the very top end of education are prepared to pay a lot, with annual fee levels over £30,000.
The Sunday Times rankings highlight Cardiff Sixth Form’s exceptional performance, placing it among the elite educational establishments in the country. Other notable schools in Wales include Westbourne School in Penarth, ranked 56th, St Michael’s School in Llanelli, ranked 58th, St John’s College in Cardiff, ranked 75th, and Cathedral School in Cardiff, ranked 88th. Most importantly, Cowbridge School has beaten the rest of the schooling establishments in Wales, ensuring a reputed place on the list.
Debra Thomas, the head teacher at Cowbridge School, credits the school’s success to a relentless focus on teaching development. She stated, “We avoid bandwagons and fashions that don’t suit us… and keep focus on the things that work – teachers and support staff following the best educational practice in the UK and globally.” Her dedication to educational quality has created a culture of learning with high expectations.
In the wake of this summer’s GCSE and A-level results, the Welsh government has hailed sustained progress in Wales’ education system. They do feel like it’s “moving in the right direction. They praised the overall improvement in 2024 attainment, especially in the highest grades and at A*-C. The most recent data from individual diagnostic assessments shows measurable gains in both reading and math, particularly for our early learners.
Tom Arran, principal of Cardiff Sixth Form, above, said the school was delighted to be recognised. He stressed its role within the broader context of Welsh education. He said it showed pride around Cardiff’s independent schools gaining national recognition. “It’s helping to put Cardiff on the map as a major city in the UK, with outstanding independent schools that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the land,” he stated. Arran added, “To get this recognition for Cardiff schools helps a lot.”
With their success evident through their achievements and national accolades, these schools are fostering a bright future for Wales’ education system. Parents looking for a world-class education for their children would have a hard time finding better choices than these elite schools.
