Cathedral School continues track record for excellence at A-level
FIRST-CLASS academic teaching, excellent facilities and an extensive co-curricular programme, underpinned by high-quality pastoral care and the school’s Christian ethos, give Cathedral School pupils and students the opportunity to reach their full potential, both academically and personally, in a vibrant and supportive environment.
Acknowledged by Estyn as “excellent”, the Cathedral School, with 780 pupils aged three to 18, is one of the top-performing co-educational schools in Wales at A-level and GCSE. The school was delighted that its A-level students achieved such outstanding results last week, following the introduction of sixth-form teaching in 2013. With a 100% overall pass rate, 82% of all grades were A*-B, with a third of the cohort achieving exclusively A*/A grades. Our students will progress to the most-selective and sought-after universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, Bath and Exeter.
Very high levels of inclusion in music, sport, outward bound activities (primarily the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award) are a reflection of the school’s commitment to ‘breadth’ as well as ‘depth’; standards of music performance are unmatched and the school is equally proud of its sporting tradition, being the most sport-centric independent school in South Wales.
Sixth-formers study and socialise in the dynamic, yet relaxed atmosphere of the Sixth Form Centre, which includes a common room, café and fully-equipped study area. With a full range of academic subjects available (England Pathway Qualifications), very-small classes, highly-experienced staff with close university links, the sixth form culture is ambitious and supportive in equal measure. The professional mentoring programme pairs students with leading figures in the areas of working life they are interested in for advice and guidance, and the school regularly welcomes inspirational-practitioners to address the sixth form and students are also able to network at Cardiff Business Club.
Work is almost complete to convert the Memorial Hall in Llandaff into a multi-purpose hall for younger pupils and to share with the local community, on a not-for-profit basis. The Memorial Hall will keep its name – something which the school feels strongly about. This project completes the extensive development programme the school has undertaken in recent years, including the renovation and extension of the Lodge (Infant School), the Sixth Form Centre, Pavilion and Woodard Building, a classroom provision for senior pupils.
School transport is offered along six routes from Castleton, Cowbridge, Caerphilly, Colwinston, Llantrisant and Lisvane. Working parents are helped by wrap-around care from 8am to 6pm and a holiday club for pupils and their siblings.
Financial support is available for bright pupils at Year 7 and 12 entry, with scholarships for especiallygifted children and means-tested bursaries. ■ A whole school open morning takes place on Saturday, October 1 2016, from 10am to 12.30pm where you will have the opportunity to meet the new head, Mrs Clare Sherwood. For further information, visit www.cathedral-school.co.uk or contact the registrar Mrs Pam Critcher on 029 2083 8504 or registrar@cathedral-school.co.uk to see what makes the Cathedral School such a dynamic and high-achieving place of learning.