Cardiff Sixth Form College

Cardiff Sixth Form College, colloquially abbreviated as CSFC, is a private boarding school with campuses in Cardiff and Cambridge. It is one of the UK's most selective schools and is considered to be the most academically prestigious British boarding school.^[2] CSFC has ranked number one in league tables published by The Times and The Telegraph for four consecutive years,^[3] and number one in the UK for A-level results for 12 out of the past 13 years.^[4]

Cardiff Sixth Form College
Address
1-3 Trinity Court, 21-27 Newport Road Cardiff , CF24 0AA Wales
Coordinates	51.4844°N 3.1675°W / 51.4844; -3.1675
Information
Type	Sixth form college
Motto	Inspire, Reach and Achieve Academic Excellence[1]
Established	2004 (2004)
Department for Education URN	402394 Tables
Principal	Tom Arrand
Gender	Mixed
Age	15 to 19
Website	www.ccoex.com

The college also has a history of success in NASA engineering competitions and a notable legacy within the UK's debate scene.^[5]

History

97 Newport Road, Cardiff, the former Cardiff Sixth Form College

The college was established in 2004 as the Cardiff Centre of Excellence (CCOEX), and was originally intended as a private tutorial centre which met regularly in a local church. By 2008, it had become a private company limited by guarantee and had moved to a residential house on 97 Newport Road. In 2012, it was renamed the Cardiff Sixth Form College, and the college moved to its present site at Trinity Court.^[6] In 2017,^[7] the college was acquired by Dukes Education, becoming part of their group of schools.^[8]

New development

Cardiff Bay Development

Cory's Building, 57 Bute Street

Merchant Place, 1 and 3 Bute Place

During construction of the Cardiff Sixth Form Boarding Hub for student accommodation

In 2021, the college revealed plans to redevelop Merchant Place in Bute Place and Cory's Building in Bute Street and a new building at the rear. Both Merchant Place and Cory's Building are Grade II listed buildings and form an L shape.

Aims

The college caters for students studying for their A Levels and uses the WJEC exam board for all subjects, but the main emphasis is on providing students with the relevant experiences and skills to enter the university of their choice.^[9] It also offers summer school courses based at its UK campus in Cardiff.^[10][11] The college has also made significant outreach efforts to recruit students from other countries and regions, most notably Botswana, Hong Kong, Malaysia and China.^[12]

Since 2013, the college has come top amongst other independent schools in the UK in league tables.^[13][14][15] It also has a long history in the NASA Space Settlement Design Competition and in local debate competitions.^[16]

Inspections

The first inspection of the college by Care Inspectorate Wales took place in 2016. No areas were identified where the college exceeded National Minimum Standards. Twelve recommendations were made.^[17]

In November 2023 the college received an inspection from Estyn. The report summarised that "Pupils at Cardiff Sixth Form College achieve exceptionally high public examination results." and "The school has strong leadership that oversees the implementation of an appropriate curriculum, highly effective teaching, and strong pastoral care". The report made 3 recommendations for improvements.^[18]

In April 2025 the college's boarding accommodation was inspected by Care Inspectorate Wales. The report found "The arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare and well-being of children at Cardiff Sixth Form College are excellent."^[19]

Results

In 2019, 90% of students achieved A*-A grades, whilst 99% of students achieved A*-B grades.^[20]

Cardiff Sixth Form College has been ranked number one for A-Level results in league tables published by The Telegraph, The Times and best-schools.co.uk ^[21]

Legal issues

In November 2016, the former trustees of the college were the subject of an inquiry by the Charities Commission due to failure to submit their accounts on time. The Charity Commission has identified regulatory concerns about the charity's governance, financial management and significant related party transactions between the charity and some of its former trustees. An interim manager was appointed to oversee the running of the college over the course of the inquiry. South Wales Police were looking into potential fraud at the college by the former trustees.^[22]