All schools have had to adapt teaching and learning in the continued pandemic.
The thousands of pupils at Wales’ independent schools, and their teachers, have also had to adjust to online and blended learning. Some boarders have had to self-isolate in special rooms at school miles from home.
Parents pay huge sums for their children to be educated in small class sizes with the extensive facilities and opportunities private schools can offer.
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One school charges £38,700 for a year’s boarding fees and education. On average, independent school fees are more than £10,000-a-year. In return, children often enjoy class sizes of 15 or less
As schools return to more face-to-face teaching with Covid restrictions and infections easing, everyone is hoping for a better year.
The intention is for summer exams to run for the first time in three years. The last two years saw results awarded on teacher assessment thanks to the pandemic.
Many of Wales’ independent schools do England’s number graded GCSEs or a mix of those and Wales’ letter graded exams. The English curriculum at GCSE means pupils can achieve Grade 9, which some say is equivalent to an A**. There is no A** grade in Welsh GCSEs.
At sixth form, some independent schools also offer the International Baccalaureate in place of A levels.
With all eyes on education and how it’s changed during the pandemic we have taken a look at what independent schools in Wales offer and how they compare in price, ethos and fees
Westbourne School, Penarth
Founded in 1896, Westbourne takes pupils aged two to 19. It ranked first in the UK in smaller school league tables for five years in a row, and was named IB School of the Year 2019. It was referenced in the Sunday Times Best School Guide 2021 as "one of the most consistently high-achieving independent schools in Britain." Westbourne offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Sixth Form.
Pupil number: 350
Type: Day and boarding. Co-ed, 2-18 years
Religious affiliation: Non denominational
Ethos/motto: Westbourne is one of the UK’s leading academic schools, developing well-rounded, globally minded scholars who go on to the UK’s top universities. Graduates possess the skills, knowledge, confidence and character to become leaders of the future, and progress to secure top careers in fields including medicine, law, engineering and business.
Fees: From £2,840 a term for day Reception pupils to £4,990 a term for day pupils in Sixth Form.
Full boarding fees: £32,850 - £37,950
Little Westbourne Nursery accepts children from 2 years and is open for 51-weeks-a -ear from 7.30am until 6.00pm. Full day sessions: £63
Exam results 2021:
GCSE: 100% attained A*–C (9–4 under the reformed grading system), with 86% achieving the highest grades, A*/A (9–7)
International Baccalaureate Diploma (Sixth Form) 2021 : Students scored within the top 1% world-wide. 50% of Westbourne IB Diploma students achieved over 40 points (the equivalent of 4 A*s at A Level), with 85% attaining 7/6 (A*/A equivalent), and 96.8% 7–5 (A*–B)
Estyn verdict: Last inspected by Estyn March, 2018. It rated the school the highest excellent in all five categories looked at; standards, wellbeing and attitudes to learning, teaching and learning experiences, care, support and guidance and leadership and management.
Principal: Dr Gerard Griffiths
www.westbourneschool.com
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Cathedral School, Llandaff
Founded in 1880, this co-educational day school in Cardiff takes pupils aged three to 18
Pupil number : 802
Type: Day
Religious affiliation : Church in Wales
Motto/ethos: The school says: “There are five qualities and virtues that form the school ethos: achievement, care, opportunity, leadership and ambition.”
Fees: Nursery £2,820; Reception, Years 1 & 2 £3,284; Years 3 & 4 £3,746; Years 5 & 6 £4,220; Years 7 to 11 £4,605 and Years 12 & 13 £4,671 per term
Exam results 2021
GCSE
The school takes England’s numbered GCSEs.
9-8: 69%
9-7: 86%
A level
100% pass rate
A*-A: 85%
A*-B: 98%
Estyn verdict: Last inspected in September, 2018 the school was ranked the highest possible excellent in all five categories looked at; wellbeing and attitudes to learning, teaching and learning experiences, care, support and guidance and leadership and management.
Headteacher’s Name: Clare Sherwood
www.cathedral-school.co.uk
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Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools
The school in the Wye Valley has a new, fully co-educational prep school for boys and girls (aged 3-11); single-sex senior schools (11-16) and a co-ed sixth form. Monmouth Prep School launched in September 2021.
Pupil numbers: 1,238 (Boys, 672; Girls, 566).
Type: Day and boarding
Religious affiliation: Christian foundation.
Motto/ethos: Serve and Obey.
Fees: Day fees: From £2,648 a term or £7,944 annually to £5,533 a term or £16,599 annually. Boarding fees: From £6,999 a term or £20,997 annually to £10,489 a term or £31,467 annually. Sixth Form external entrants boarding: £11,389 a term or £34,167 annually.
Exam results 2021
GCSE
Pupils take a mixture of English and Welsh-style GCSEs
A*-A: 75.1 % or 9-7
A*-C: 99.1 or 9-4.
A level
A*-A 65.8%
A*-B 86.8%.
Estyn verdict: The last core inspection was in 2014. At the time inspectors said the school’s performance and prospects for improvement were both excellent.
Principal: James Murphy-O’Connor
www.habsmonmouth.org
Redhill High School, Pembrokeshire
Housed in historic Clynderwen House, near Narberth, Redhill High opened in September, 2018 with 24 pupils starting with years 7-10. This school year sees it complete with a year 13 and 90 children.
Alun Millington, previously head of St. Michael's School in Llanelli, runs the school with his wife Bethan.
Pupil number: 90
Type: Day
Religious affiliation: Non Denominational
Motto/ethos: Sapere Aude (Dare To Know)
Fees: £11,300 per year for Years 7-8, £11,700 per year for Years 9-11, £12,500 per year for Sixth Form
Exam results 2021 :
GCSE 2021
A*-A 93%
A*-B 100%
AS Level
A – 97%
A-B 100%
The school was founded in 2020 and has not had an A level results year yet
Estyn verdict: The school was inspected in April, 2020. Inspectors said: "The standards achieved by pupils are high; Throughout the school, pupils have positive attitudes to their learning; The care, support and guidance provided by the school are strong. Senior leaders provide clear direction and set out high expectations."
Headteacher's name: Alun Millington
www.redhillhighschool.co.uk
Christ College, Brecon
Founded in 1541 Christ College caters for girls and boys aged 7–18
Pupil number : 371
Type : Day/flexi boarding/weekly and full boarding
Religious affiliation Anglican Church in Wales
Motto/ethos: They achieve because they believe they can
Fees: From £16,278 to £31,110 per year (boarding)
Exam results 2021
GCSE
A*-A/9-7 grades. 46%
2021 A level results
A*-B grades. 78%
A*-A grades. 54%
E styn verdict: The school was last inspected in 2017. At the time it was rated excellent in all five areas looked at - standards, wellbeing and attitudes to learning, teaching and learning experiences, care, support and guidance and leadership and management.
Headteacher's name: Gareth Pearson
www.christcollegebrecon.com
Rougemont School, Newport
The school housed in Llantarnam Hall offers education for three to eighteen-year-olds.
Pupil number: 680
Type: Co-educational day school
Religious affiliation: Non-denominational
Motto/ethos: A School For Life
Fees: Termly nursery to sixth form from between £2,681 to £4,818 per term
Exam results 2021:
GCSE
A* 44%
A*-A 66%
A*-B 85%
A*- C – 97%
A Level
A* 44%
A*-A 77%
A*-B 89%
Estyn verdict: The school was last inspected in 2016. At that time inspectors rated the school excellent in standards, wellbeing and attitudes to learning, care, support and guidance and leadership and manageament. It was rated good for teaching and learning experiences.
Headteacher’s name : Rob Carnevale
www.rougemontschool.co.uk
Cardiff Sixth Form College
The College has students from around the world and provides local academic scholarships. It provides university entrance UCAS guidance including writing personal statements, interview technique, support for university admissions tests. It's results have seen it claim top place in the UK for A levels.
Pupil number: 370
Type: Day and boarding
Religious affiliation: Non denominational
Motto/ethos:
Fees: £19,600 per annum
Exam results 2021
A level
A*-A 98%
A*-B 100%
GCSE
A* 80%
A*-A 90.3%
A*-C 100%
Estyn verdict: Last inspected December, 2019. Inspectors said: "The standards achieved by pupils at Cardiff Sixth Form College are extremely high. Most pupils recall previous learning exceptionally well and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills successfully to new contexts.
Headteacher’s name: Gareth Collier
admissions@ccoex.com
Rydal Penrhos School
This independent day school in Colwyn Bay is the only Methodist school in the independent sector in Wales. It is located on multiple sites around the town with a site in the neighbouring village of Rhos-on-Sea.
Pupil number: 375
Type: Day
Religious affiliation : Methodist/Christian
Motto/ethos: Veritas Scientia Fides (Truth, Knowledge, Faith)
Fees: From £7,800 a year for nursery and pre-school to £9,000 in reception and years one and two to £9,600 from years three to six. Fees for years 7-9 are £13,800 a year rising to £15,600 for years 10 and 11 and £15,600 a year for years 12 and 13
Exam results 2021:
GCSE
A*-A or 9-7 equivalent 68.7%
A*-C or 9-4 equivalent 92.7%
A level
A*-A 70.5%
A*-B 84.1%
A*-C 92%
Estyn verdict: The school was last inspected in March, 2020. At that time standards, wellbeing and attitudes to learning and care, support and guidance were judged as good. Teaching and learning experiences and leadership and management were rated as adequate and in need of improvement
Headteacher's name: John Waszek (Executive Principal)
rydalpenrhos.com
Myddleton College, Denbigh
Myddelton College was the UK’s newest independent school when it opened in the autumn of 2016, is the only school in North Wales with a 5G network and is one of only four in Wales chosen as a Microsoft Showcase School.
The school has just received two prestigious prizes, for Outstanding International Involvement and for Outstanding Sport in a Small School, at the Independent Schools Association Awards where it was the only school in Wales to be honoured.
Pupil number: 281
Type: Day and boarding
Religious affiliation: Non-denominational
Motto/ethos: Resilience, Scholarship and Fellowship.
Fees: From £3,000 to £10,000 a term
Exam results 2021:
GCSE
A*- A 55%
A*-C 91%
Pass rate, 100%
A-level
A*-A 70%
A*-C 91%
Estyn verdict: An Estyn report in 2019 praised the way the school celebrates its diversity, said that pupils’ behaviour was “exemplary” and was also impressed by the high level of support and guidance provided by the “committed staff”. At that time Inspectors ranked standards and teaching and learning experiences as adequate and in need of improvement . Wellbeing and attitudes to learning were rated good as were care, support and guidance and leadership and management.
Headteacher's name: Andrew Allman
www.myddletoncollege.com
Ruthin School, Mold
One of the oldest schools in the UK, Ruthin was founded in 1284 and takes boys and girls from 11 to 19. The previous headteacher, Toby Belfield, was sacked with immediate effect in February, 2021, and a new head appointed. That came after a damning Care Inspectorate Wales report . The school is now working with Estyn and CiW.
Pupil number : 261
Type: 11-18, Day, weekly boarding, full boarding and some flexi boarding
Religious affiliation: None
Motto/ethos: Study. Thrive. Succeed.
Fees: Full boarding for the year £38 700 and annual day fees £12,400 - £15,000
Exam results 2021
Ruthin School completes English exam boards GCSE and some IGCSEs which are number graded. A levels are all English examination boards.
GCSEs
Grade 9: 21%
Grades 9/8: 39%
Grades 9/8/7: 59%
A level
A* 37%
A*/A: 68%
A* - C: 96%
Estyn verdict: The first line of the main findings at the last inspection in February, 2021, says: "Overall, the school continues to fail to meet standard 3 of Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2003. The Council of Management is beginning to respond suitably to the recommendations of the previous focused visit. The newly appointed chair to the Council, with the support of the trustee with special responsibility for safeguarding, is committed to establishing the necessary and significant change in the safeguarding culture of the school and ensuring the highest possible code of conduct from all staff." Estyn has been working with the school and its new head and governors since then.
Headteacher's name: Sue Frencham
www.ruthinschool.co.uk
Cardiff Academy
This sixth form college in the heart of Cardiff has among the best academic results in the UK. The first pupils started studying under the college’s new owner in 2019. Owner Sajid Ghaffar said results from the last two years put it top in Wales and second in the UK. Academic scholarships are provided to local students and the college also has a number of overseas students.
Pupil number: 61
Type: Day / International
Religious affiliation: None
Motto/ethos: The school says: "Cardiff Academy is an institution that puts the child first. Academic high-flyers excel in this system because our small class sizes allow them to engage in debate with teachers who are true experts in their respective subjects."
Fees: £13,500 for two year A Level course. Scholarship programme.
Exam results 2021
A level
A*-A 98%
Estyn verdict: In 2020 Estyn did a registration follow up visit. Inspectors said academic outcomes “are extremely high”. They added: “Nearly all pupils have a very positive attitude towards their studies” and teachers have “strong subject knowledge”. They recommended opportunities to engage in physical activities and a review of the curriculum offer to widen experiences.
Headteacher's name: Caroline Williams
www.cardiffacademy.co.uk
St John's College, Cardiff
This Roman Catholic school for children aged three to 18 was ranked first for academic results in Wales by the Sunday Times Independent Schools Guide 2022. With average class sizes of fewer than 16 pupils it takes children from a range of faiths. The curriculum includes sport, music and drama.
Pupil number - 548
Type: Coeducational 3-18 Day School
Religious affiliation - Roman Catholic
Motto/ethos: Ubi amor, ibi oculus (Wherever there is love, there is vision)
Fees: From £2,700 a term for nursery pupils to £4,383 a term for pupils in years seven to 11 and £4,641 a term in sixth form.
Exam results 2021:
GCSE
A* 68%
A*-A 85%
A*–B 97%
A level
A* 55%
A*-A 88%
A*-B 96%
Est yn verdict: Last inspected in 2018 the school was judged excellent in standards, wellbeing and attitude to learning and care support and guidance. It was ranked good for teaching and learning experiences and leadership and management.
Headteacher's name : Shaun Moody
www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com
Ffynone House School, Swansea
Swansea's only independent secondary school for boys and girls.
Pupil number unknown
Denomination None recorded
Motto/ethos Where individuals matter
Fees: From £12,240 a year to £12,840 from January to December, 2022
Exam results 2021:
GCSE
Numbered and letter graded English and Welsh GCSEs are taken
A** /9 35%
A* /8 59%
A/7 69%
A*-C/4 100%
A level
A* 55%
A*-A 84%
A*-B 98%
A*C 100%
Estyn verdict: In November, 2019, Estyn inspectors said, “the supportive and constructive working relationships between teachers and pupils, and teachers’ expertise and passion for their subjects contribute significantly to pupils’ progress in developing their knowledge, understanding and skills.”
Headteacher's name: Michael Boulding
www.ffynonehouseschool.co.uk
King's Monkton School, Cardiff
This school in the centre of Cardiff takes children aged three to 18. King's Monkton School was formed in 1994 from the amalgamation of two of Cardiff’s oldest schools – King's College and Monkton House – both of which were established in 1870.
Pupil number: Unknown
Type: Day
Religious affiliation: None
Motto/ethos: Be the best you can be
Fees: From £10,485 a year in reception to £15,320 a year in sixth form and international yearly fees of £16,000 in 2021-22
Exam results 2021
Estyn verdict: An Estyn monitoring report in June, 2019, said: “The school provides a nurturing environment where there are strong working relationships, and respect for others is demonstrated by all members of the school community. Leaders successfully promote a culture of inclusion and tolerance across the school. As a result, nearly all pupils develop positive attitudes about themselves and respect for others."
Headteacher's name: Paul Norton
www.kingsmonkton.org.uk
Howell's School, Llandaff
This day school for girls also takes boys in the sixth form college. Howell's takes girls aged three to 18 and for boys aged 16 to 18. The school's founder, Thomas Howell, wanted to create greater opportunities for young women.
Pupil number: 689
Type: Day school, girls only aged 3-16, co-ed 16-18
Religious affiliation: Non-denominational
Motto/ethos: Where Girls Learn Without Limits
Fees: Nursery: £8,172
Reception to Year 2: £10,491
Year 3 to Year 6: £10,701
Year 7 to 11: £14,055
Co-ed College: £14,820
Exam results 2021:
GCSE (the school runs both the Welsh letter graded and the English number graded GCSEs)
A*/level 9-8: 70%
A*-A/level 9/7: 86%
A level
A*:48%
A*-A: 78%
Estyn verdict: Last inspected in February, 2015 under Estyn’s old inspection regime. Estyn ranked the school’s performance and prospects for improvement the highest possible, excellent. Standards, wellbeing, learning experience, teaching, care support and guidance, learning environment and leadership were all deemed excellent.
Principal: Sally Davis
www.howells-cardiff.gdst.net
Llandovery College, Carmarthenshire
This day and boarding school for boys and girls was founded in 1848. Llandovery College offers an Elite Rugby Programme for boys and girls and works closely with the Welsh Rugby Union and its Regional partners - the Scarlets, Dragons and Ospreys.
The College has produced world class players including British and Irish Lions player George North and the world’s most capped player, Alun Wyn Jones. Fifty former students have gained over 550 international caps- a record that eclipses any other school in Wales.
Pupil number: 250
Type: Day, weekly and full boarding
Religious affiliation: Church in Wales
Motto: Gwell Dysg Na Golud - Our Education is Our Wealth
Fees: Day fees are from £6,360 a year rising to £18,780 for sixth form. Boarding fees are from £21,945 per year rising to £28,350 for Sixth Form
Exam results 2021:
GCSE
A*-A 41%
A*-C 96%
A Level
A* 24%
A*-A 51%
A*-B 74%
A*-C 91%
Overall pass rate: 100%
Estyn verdict: The college was last inspected by Estyn in March, 2021. Inspectors said it met all the required standards, noted a strong safeguarding culture, and recognised the numerous developments that have happened in the last few years.
Headteacher’s name: Dominic Findlay
Address: Queensway, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire. SA20 0EE.
www.llandoverycollege.com
St Clare's School, Porthcawl
Founded in 1938, St Clare's takes pupils from two and a half to 18. The school has been in the top 5% of top-performing A-Level schools in the UK for ALPS (A-Level Performance System) since 2018. St Clare’s School nursery holds the Daynurseries UK Top 20 Nursery (Wales) 2021 Award.
Type: Day
Pupil number: 260 (125 boys and 135 girls)
Religious affiliation : Non-denominational
Motto/ethos: Achievement Challenge Excellence. They say: “St Clare’s will always be small enough to ensure that it has a deep and valuable knowledge of every pupil but large enough to create meaningful communities and provide a wide and varied academic, pastoral, enrich and extra-curricular offer.”
Fees: From £4,030 a term in year 7 to £4,335 a term in years 12 and 13
Exam results 2021:
GCSE
The school teaches the English curriculum at GCSE
The equivalent lettered grades in 2021 were:
A*/A (7+) 56.8%
A*/C (4+) 99.1%
A level
A*-A 61.3%
A*-B 86.4%
St Clare’s is in the top 5% of top-performing A-Level schools in the UK for ALPS (A-Level Performance System) since 2018.
Estyn verdict: The School was last inspected in 2015 at which time performance and prospects for improvement were rated as good. Standards, learning experiences, teaching, care, support and guidance, learning environment and leadership were all also ranked as good.
Headteacher's name: Helen Hier
www.stclares-school.co.uk
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