What is St David's College like? 

Founded in 1965, St David’s College for boarding and day pupils, has pioneered teaching that enables pupils to reach their full potential. Integral to this they aim to develop every child’s character, enabling them to gain an extraordinary range of skills, to discover true self-confidence and appreciate a real sense of belonging.

As such, St David’s aims to develop ‘the whole person’, through a broad education founded on Christian principles, a wide choice of interests and activities and an achievable personal programme for each pupil. In 2018 they were recognised by the Independent Schools Association (ISA) as the best provider of extra-curricular education and this marries with a unique programme of A Level and BTEC qualifications. In 2020, they were again awarded by the ISA this time for Outstanding Sports Provision thanks to their sector-leading programme undertaken by their PE & Sports department.

Would St David's College be a good fit for my child?

Nestled between the mountains of Snowdonia and the Irish Sea, St David’s College’s 30-acre site lies only an hour away from Liverpool and Manchester by road and three hours from London by direct train. This unique location offers a playground for the adventurous but also a place of tranquillity for those of a more reserved nature.

Alongside academic success, the school values highly students’ connection to the outdoor world. Pupils arguably learn best with a variety of character-building experiences, where they develop resilience, confidence, skills, and talents which can then be transferred to the classroom and to real-world challenges.

Outdoor Education is at the core of the St David’s College curriculum with Years 5-10 having a full day every fortnight dedicated to it. The extensive programme includes conquering the mountains of Snowdonia through walking, orienteering, rock-climbing, bouldering, abseiling and expeditions; kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding and surfing on the Irish Sea and Snowdonia’s lakes; sailing a keelboat on the Menai Straits and learning to sail in the school’s fleet of dinghies at Llyn Brenig Sailing Club. The curriculum also includes caving and mine exploration, gorge walking, a local Conservation Project and skiing. 

The programme culminates in Year 10 with an adventurous, week-long expedition, which is very much planned by staff and pupils together. Further on in Years 11-13 although Outdoor Education becomes optional, most pupils continue their pursuits via the weekend activities programme. Pupils new to the school in Sixth Form are very much encouraged to get involved. Sixth Formers can undertake a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Outdoor Education.

For information about applying to this school, please submit an enquiry