Founded and endowed by Dr Thomas Phillips in 1847 to provide a classical and liberal education for Welsh boys. It is set in a 50-acre wooded site, amidst magnificent countryside in the small market town of Llandovery. The extensive grounds, golf course, boating lake and playing fields run alongside the River Towy. The original buildings are handsome and well appointed and, with many recent additions and improvements, it is well equipped. Now fully co-educational, girls were first admitted in 1968. The staff:pupil ratio is about 1:13 and examination results are good. Music and drama are strong and involve the majority of pupils. Sports and games are compulsory and the college has an outstanding record (especially in rugby), with representation at county, regional and national level. There is considerable emphasis on outdoor pursuits which include fishing, canoeing, CCF and hill walking. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme features prominently, with an average of 30 gold awards each year.
Pupils: Age range 3-18; 300 pupils, 175 day (92 boys, 83 girls), 125 boarding (78 boys, 46 girls). Senior department 11-18, 210 pupils (130 boys, 80 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; for sixth form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements.
Academic scholarships (value up to 50% of fees), plus sports, rugby, music and drama scholarships. 3 pa means-tested scholarship (up to 100% of fees) for Welsh pupils entering Year 7, for duration of their time at the school. Bursaries, sibling and forces discounts available. Parents not expected to buy textbooks. Average extras £200 per term.
30+% live within 30 miles; 13% live overseas (international students capped at 13%).
Warden: Ian M. Hunt, appointed 2008. Educated at University College London (medieval and modern history), Bath University (PGCE). Previously Senior Deputy Headmaster at Wellingborough School, Senior Housemaster at Millfield and worked in the City. Teaching staff: 38.
GCSE: 35 pupils in fifth form: 89% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects (average 8.7 subjects). A-levels: 49 in upper sixth, most passing in 3 subjects.
Typically 99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course. 30% take courses in science, engineering and medicine, 48% in humanities and social sciences, 22% in sport, music or creative arts.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 27 AS-level subjects offered, 23 A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4-5 subjects at AS-level, 3/4 at A-level. All pupils take AS general studies. Vocational: Work experience available in both UK and internationally. Special provision: Special unit provides teaching for bright, mild to moderately dyslexic/dyspraxic pupils and those with ADHD or dyscalcula. Highly qualified staff; individual coaching for any pupil with learning difficulties; ESL for pupils from overseas. Languages: Greek, Latin, French, Spanish, Welsh and Mandarin offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Over 80% take GCSE in one or more languages. Regular exchanges to France. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject and incorporated into eg maths, English, science. Years 7-11 work towards a BTEC qualification. Computer access for all pupils (IT room open all day), all networked and with email and internet access; wifi throughout the school.
Music: Over 45% of pupils take instrumental or singing lessons and exams can be taken. Musical groups include school orchestra, chapel choirs, girls choir, senior choir and other ensemble groups. Drama: Drama offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Recent performances include West Side Story, Grease and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Regular year group and drama club performances. Art and design: On average, 15 take GCSE, 2 AS-level, 15 A-level. Design, pottery and photography also offered.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, netball, soccer, cricket, tennis, squash, badminton, golf, swimming, basketball, athletics, mountaineering, orienteering, kayaking, lifestyle training, fencing, horse riding, fitness, volleyball, dance, badminton. GCSE, AS and A-level PE may be taken. 63 boys capped at Welsh schools/youth level; 44 Welsh internationals are former pupils; national representatives in rugby, shooting, fencing, athletics, horse riding. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (30+ golds a year). CCF compulsory for 2 years at age 13, optional thereafter. Community service and charity projects encouraged. Range of clubs, including photography, chess, art, board games, dance, choir, public speaking, orchestra, music and Welsh club. Annual Eisteddfod keenly contested in a variety of cultural areas.
Uniform: School uniform worn during the working day; distinct gowned uniforms for prefects and a separate uniform for older girls. Houses and prefects: Houses arranged by age group. Head boy and head girl appointed by Warden; prefects appointed by staff and pupils; house prefects by housemaster. Religion: Church in Wales. Mulit-denominational chapel services. Social: Exchange scheme with school in France and South Africa. Regular visits to twinned town in Brittany. Expeditions include recent trips to Austria, Morocco and Sweden; sporting tour to Rome; regular ski trips. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike/motorbike by arrangement. Meals self-service. School shop. Alcohol allowed under staff supervision in sixth form common room on certain rights.
Pastoral and disciplining policy operated through individual tutors, house staff and school prefects. Successful rewards and sanctions scheme in place. Disciplinary measures range according to the severity of the offence.
Sixth form have own study bedrooms or share with one other. Houses of about 50. Resident qualified nurse. Pupils can provide and cook own food to limited extent. 2 leave-out weekends each term. Visits to the local town allowed, frequency depending on age.
Old Llanderovians, run by Mr J H Thomas, c/o Llandovery College.
A M Rees, Cliff Jones, Vivian Jenkins, Gwyn Jones, Craig Quinnell, Cerith Rees, Alun Wyn Jones, Andy Powell (international rugby players); Rachel Poolman (1st senior women rugby international); Major General P M Davies (Chief Executive, RSPCA); Peter Morgan (former Director General of Institute of Directors); Sir David John (former Chairman BOC).
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