MUCH like the contestants settling into Mastermind’s famous black chair, Britain’s schools show off their skills in a wide spectrum of specialist subjects. We find out about Christ College Brecon’s areas of expertise…


Set within the Brecon Beacons National Park, Christ College is an independent co-educational boarding and day school, founded in 1541. Today, there are 370 pupils on roll, between the ages of seven and 18.

Christ College has enjoyed a high-quality reputation since its creation, and the outstanding inspection report just received from Estyn, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, only confirmed the school’s excellence.

With strong academic provision at its core, the school provides high-quality, broad and balanced education.  In the Sixth Form, for example, for the last three years, around 50% of all A-Level grades were A/A*, and about 70 per cent were A*/B.

Underpinning its excellent academic results, Christ College Brecon has a friendly, nurturing atmosphere. Estyn reported that the quality of working relations is exceptional, and is reflected in the high level of enthusiastic pupil participation. Inspectors also found the leadership at all levels ‘contributes extremely well to the strong sense of community and commitment to shared values and aims that pervade the school’ and that staff are ‘effective role models for pupils’ social and academic skills’.

Estyn described co-curricular provision as outstanding as the school offers a broad range of activities to meet all its pupils’ needs. With dedicated professional coaches in rugby, hockey, tennis and cricket to name but a few, the school is delighted to have several U18 Welsh hockey squad members among its cohort and is a venue for Welsh Hockey’s 360 Academy. Rugby continues to strengthen, with several boys being selected for the Blues and Dragons regional academies.

Recently-appointed Head of Christ College, Gareth Pearson, said: “I love the strength of community in this school. Positive relationships, at all levels, underpin how our pupils develop into such well-rounded, humble and impressive young adults. We all share the same vision of education, and are hoping to make it available to even more pupils.”

Over the years, Christ College has developed its own parental satisfaction survey, incorporating best practice outlined by the Independent Schools Council. In 2016, the survey revealed outstanding parental satisfaction, with a Parent Advocacy rating of 96%. This is well above national benchmarks, indicating strong support and loyalty from parents.

Regularly investing in new facilities, Christ College recently inaugurated a refurbished Sixth Form Centre, located right in the heart of this historic school and the school’s recently refurbished swimming pool is now able to be used all year round.

Christ College is a school that offers excellent value for money on all fronts, having been voted No.3 in the Value for Money Boarding School, in the Good Schools Guide (2015).


Christ College Brecon’s next Open Day is  on Saturday 10th March, where families can tour the school, meet senior staff and pupils and discuss the next step in the admission process.  To register for the Open Day please contact the Admissions Registrar, Mrs Margaret Stephens, on 01874615440, or via email on admissions@christcollegebrecon.com

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