Christ College Brecon provides an all-round education for boys and girls, with day places from age 4+ and boarding from age 10–18.
Organisation. Christ College has approximately 400 pupils from ages 4–18, divided into three sections: Prep (ages 4–12), Senior (ages 13–15) and Sixth Form (ages 16–18).
About the school. Founded in 1541 by Henry VIII, Christ College Brecon has been a community of learning for nearly 500 years. Our motto, ‘They achieve because they believe they can’, remains as relevant today as ever. We emphasise developing personal confidence and a willingness to embrace new experiences, preparing pupils for life beyond school.
Located in the beautiful, safe surroundings of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the school provides the best of academic provision alongside excellent pastoral care, allowing children to grow up in a less pressurised environment than can be found in the big cities.
We believe that the purpose of our role as educators is to prepare our pupils for life beyond school. This incorporates so much more than just academic excellence, as important as this is. It means developing confidence, encouraging self-belief with ‘I can do it’ attitude, coupled with strong a moral compass, so that whatever the future holds for our pupils, they will be good, kind, responsible human beings.
One of the most special things about Christ College is the warmth of the welcome here and the quality of relationships throughout the school. Our community is a small, caring and compassionate one, where pupils learn to value kindness and service to others.
Our dedicated teachers are committed to far more than helping our pupils achieve their academic potential; they are also passionate about their character development, encouraging pupils to achieve their goals and to grow into confident and accomplished adults.
Boarding. There are five boarding houses on campus, with full, weekly and flexi boarding options available. Alway House is home to boys and girls aged 10–12, and for senior pupils aged 13–18 there are two girls’ houses (de Winton and Donaldson’s), and two boys houses (Orchard and School House). The Middle School Hub and Sixth Form Hub provide relaxing common areas for day pupils.
Pupils consider the school a home-from-home and quickly develop a sense of belonging. Our Houseparents know our pupils well, creating a welcoming family atmosphere, at a school where children have the support to discover and nurture their talents.
The school ensures excellent pastoral care and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities after school and on weekends. The on-site Welfare Centre provides medical and emotional support and is staffed by a nursing team, school counsellor, and Welfare Centre Manager. A school-run Host Family Scheme is available during half-term holidays using local families, many of whom are ex-parents and know the school well.
Chapel. Chapel services are conducted in accordance with the liturgy of the Anglican church, but entrance to Christ College is open to boys and girls of all faiths. The ownership of Chapel by the boys and girls, demonstrated through their participation in services and their singing both as a congregation and by being members of the Chapel Choir, is an important feature of the school. Pupils are given the option to prepare for Confirmation by the School’s Chaplain annually.
Curriculum. Pupils follow a balanced, varied curriculum during the Key Stage 3 years (Years 7–9). GCSE options are chosen at the end of Year 9, with most pupils opting to take 10 subjects including both core and specialist options. Our Sixth Form curriculum is a hybrid of traditional linear A level specifications, BTEC courses (Sport, Performing Arts & IT), and subjects which adopt a modular structure (notably Maths and each of the separate Science subjects). The EPQ is available to all pupils in the Sixth Form and is an optional qualification that can be pursued alongside A level courses.
Exam results. Pupils celebrated impressive exam results in 2024, reflecting the hard work and dedication of pupils.
2024 A level results
A*–A grade: 60% (2023: 40%)
A* grade: 26%
A*–C grades: 89%
Overall pass rate: 100%
Known for academic excellence in Mathematics and Science, alongside a balanced and varied curriculum of sport, creative arts and outdoor education, Christ College pupils performed superbly in STEM subjects and sport; Highlights include:
100% A*–A: Physics
100% A*–A: Further Mathematics
95% A*–A: Mathematics
90% Distinction*/Distinction: Sport
82% A*–A: Chemistry
2024 GCSE results
A*– A (9–7) grades: 34% (2023: 29%)
A*– B (9–5) grades: 74%
1 in 5 pupils achieved 6 or more A* grades (8/9)
A* (8/9) grades: 23%
Games. The main school games are rugby, cricket, hockey and netball. In addition, there are many other games on offer including tennis, basketball, football and golf at nearby Cradoc Golf Club.
Music. The Chapel Choir enjoys an excellent reputation. As befits a school in Wales, singing at all school occasions is committed and energetic. The school has a Chamber Choir, plus multiple wind, brass and string ensembles. Individual instrumental and singing lessons are delivered by visiting musicians.
Activities. In addition to sporting pastimes, a wide range of co-curricular activities are available to pupils, such as mountain biking, climbing, horse-riding, debating, chess and robotics, as well as opportunities to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and CCF.
Overseas travel. There are many opportunities to travel overseas, with exchanges to Japan, sports tours, ski trips and cultural or academic trips.
Entrance. We welcome day pupils from the age of four. Full, weekly, or flexi boarding options are offered for students aged 10–18. While our main entry points are Year 7 (age 11), Year 9 (age 13), and Year 12 (age 16), we also consider applications for other year groups when spaces are available.
Years 1–3: Children are invited to the school for a Taster Day, where they will spend the day getting to know their teacher and new classmates.
Years 3–6: Children are invited to the school for a morning or an afternoon where we will assess the pupils on reading comprehension, mental maths, writing, spelling and non-verbal reasoning. Pupils can work at their own speed in a relaxed environment and will also have the chance to enjoy the remainder of the day meeting their potential new classmates and taking part in lessons. A recent school report is also required.
Years 7–9: Pupils are invited to sit our entrance assessments in English and Mathematics. This will be followed by an informal small group interview with our Head, which allows us to find out more about your child’s interests. A recent school report is also required.
Sixth Form: Pupils applying for Year 12 must achieve at least 6 GCSEs at Level 5 (grade C) or above. Pupils should ideally have at least Level 6 (grade B) in the GCSE subjects they wish to study at A level. All applicants will be invited in for an interview with the Head, and a recent school report is also required.
Term of entry. Pupils are accepted in the Michaelmas, Lent and Summer terms.
Scholarships. Scholarships are available for entry at age 11, 13 and 16 and hold a maximum value of up to 20%. Process: interview and assessment.
Scholarships available: All-rounder, Academic, Sport, Art, Music, Drama, Outdoor Adventure, Science.
Bursaries are available from Year 7 onwards and are subject to a means test.
10% bursaries are available each year for the children of serving members of the Armed Forces in receipt of CEA (available from Year 9 onwards).
Fees per term (2024–2025). Years 1–6: Day from £3,644.40, Boarding (for Years 5 & 6) from £8,490. Years 7–11: Day from £6,769.20, Boarding from £11,206.80. Years 12–13: Day £8,088, Boarding £15,036.
Charitable status. Christ College, Brecon is a Registered Charity, number 525744. Its aims and objectives are to provide a fully rounded education for boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 18.