Cardiff Sixth Form College (CSFC), established in 2004, may not be the oldest full-boarding school in the UK, but it has successfully attracted students from over 40 countries thanks to its innovative approach to education and outstanding university placement record.
This article will explore how Cardiff Sixth Form College supports students in securing places at top universities and competitive degree programmes. It will also provide a detailed overview of Cardiff Sixth Form College's entry requirements and tuition fees, helping you gain a comprehensive understanding of this prestigious boarding school.
Source: Cardiff Sixth Form College
Is Cardiff Sixth Form College a Good Choice?
Cardiff Sixth Form College (CSFC) offers exceptional teaching quality, modern campus facilities, and a well-supported boarding environment. Classes are conducted in small groups, allowing for personalised guidance tailored to each student’s needs. Through academic competitions, seminars, and workplace experience programmes, students develop critical thinking and build practical skills—enhancing their overall competitiveness.
Academic results also offer a clear indication of whether Cardiff Sixth Form College is a strong choice. The school consistently ranks at the top of UK A Level performance tables, with 90% of students achieving A-A grades and 96% achieving A-B in 2024**. [1] Over the past five years, more than 100 students have successfully gained admission to Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London, while over 20 students were admitted to the medical programme at the University of Hong Kong in 2024. [2] With a strong focus on academic excellence and university preparation, CSFC delivers targeted instruction in core subjects and exam strategies—making it a compelling choice for students and families aiming for top-tier universities.
Cardiff Sixth Form College – Programme Overview
Cardiff Sixth Form College offers both one-year and two-year GCSE programmes, allowing students to study between six and ten academic subjects. The two-year course is suitable for younger students (aged 14–15) looking to gradually build a solid academic foundation, while the one-year intensive option is tailored to international students (aged 15–16) with stronger English proficiency who wish to fast-track into A Level studies and prepare for admission to top UK or US universities.
Regarding the A Level programme, Cardiff Sixth Form College adopts a focused approach to teaching. Although subject choices are streamlined, this allows students to specialise more deeply in their chosen academic areas. Subject selection is guided by students' interests and university goals. The school offers 24 to 30 hours of instruction per week, along with one-to-one academic tutoring, ensuring comprehensive support for both academic performance and university admissions. [3][4]
Specialist University Preparation Programmes at CSFC
To help students navigate the university admissions process, Cardiff Sixth Form College provides dedicated classes in personal statement writing, mock interview preparation, and past paper practice led by experienced teachers—significantly improving students’ chances of admission. For those applying to Oxford or Cambridge, the college offers tailored support with subject-specific preparation and mock interviews conducted by alumni. Students aspiring to study medicine can join the Medical Preparation Programme, designed to develop the skills and knowledge required to pursue careers in medicine, veterinary science, or dentistry. [5][6]
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Cardiff Sixth Form College Entry Requirements
Cardiff Sixth Form College admits students aged 15 to 18 through a highly selective process, with rigorous academic and language standards. Applicants must demonstrate a strong foundation in English and achieve excellent results in the entrance examinations. In addition, all applicants are required to attend an interview, which can be conducted either online or in person.
Below is a detailed overview of the entry requirements for Cardiff Sixth Form College: [7]
GCSE Programme – Entry Requirements and Process
- Applicants must sit an entrance examination, which includes English, Mathematics, and a GL Assessment (logical reasoning test).
- Students are required to take the IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) test through the British Council in Hong Kong or an authorised centre.
- For the one-year GCSE programme, a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 is required; for the two-year programme, the minimum is 5.0. [8]
- An interview, either online or in person, is mandatory.
A Level Programme – Entry Requirements and Process (International Students)
- Applicants must select four intended A Level subjects to be assessed in the entrance exams, in addition to completing the GL Assessment.
- Candidates must sit the IELTS for UKVI and achieve a minimum overall score of 6.5.
- Students who meet the entrance exam standards and IELTS score requirement will be offered unconditional admission.
- An interview, either online or in person, is required.
A Level Programme – Entry Requirements and Process (Day Students)
- Applicants must take entrance exams in four intended A Level subjects and complete the GL Assessment.
- Students must have obtained six A grades in GCSE*, including all intended A Level subjects. English must be one of the subjects.
- GCSE results must be submitted by 12:00 noon on the results release day in August.
- An interview, online or in person, is also required.
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Cardiff Sixth Form College Tuition Fees
Cardiff Sixth Form College boarding fees cover academic tuition, accommodation, meals, bedding, exam fees, and IELTS group tuition. However, they do not include costs for uniforms, textbooks, extracurricular activities, or optional courses. International students are also required to pay for student visa application fees.
H3: Cardiff Sixth Form College 2024-25 Boarding Fees:
| Fee Item | Price |
| Registration Fee | UK & EU Boarders: £216, International Boarders: £300 |
| Deposit | UK & EU Boarders: £3,000, International Boarders: £9,500 |
| A Level Boarding | Shared Room: £62,640, Single Room: £68,185 |
| GCSE Boarding | £62,095 |
Cardiff Sixth Form College 2024-25 Non-Boarding Fees
| Fee Item | Price |
| Registration Fee | £180 |
| Deposit | £500 (Second Year Renewal: £500) |
| A Level Course | £26,210 |
| GCSE Course | £30,125 [9] |
Choose Cardiff Sixth Form College for Admission to Top UK and US Universities
The above has outlined the background and educational philosophy of Cardiff Sixth Form College, highlighting the school’s strong focus on student success and future development. Although the entry requirements are stringent and the fees are considerable, the comprehensive curriculum is designed to help students successfully enter their desired top universities in the UK and US. If you still have any questions about whether Cardiff Sixth Form College is the right choice, feel free to consult our professional study advisors. We are happy to provide more detailed information and advice.
Reference:
1. Cardiff Sixth Form College - Results
2. Cardiff Sixth Form College - University Destinations
3. Cardiff Sixth Form College - GCSEs
4. Cardiff Sixth Form College - A Levels
5. Cardiff Sixth Form College - Oxbridge
6. Cardiff Sixth Form College - Medical-related Degrees
7. Cardiff Sixth Form College - Admissions Process
8. Cardiff Sixth Form College - Visas And Immigration
9. Cardiff Sixth Form College - Fees And Immigration Fees