The full list of Wales’ top ranking private schools

Wales Reveals Top Ranking Private Schools for A Levels

Some schools in Wales charge eye-watering amounts for boarding and teaching. But are they worth it? The Independent Schools Council recently released data showing the performance of fee-paying schools in Wales compared to those in England and Scotland. The top performer this year in A level results is in Wales. A remarkable 90.74% of A level results were graded A*-A, far surpassing the national average of 29.9%.

Here’s a look at how fee-paying independent schools in Wales stack up against each other and their counterparts in the UK:

  • Cardiff Sixth Form College (First in UK and Wales)
    • A*-A: 90.74%
    • Fees: £24,100 (excluding boarding fees)
  • St Michael’s, Llanelli (Third in UK)
    • A*-A: 86.8%
    • Fees: £15,225
  • The Cathedral School Llandaff (22nd in UK)
    • A*-A: 74.7%
    • Fees: £17,055

Other top-performing schools in Wales include St John’s College, Cardiff; Howell’s, Llandaff; Ruthin School; and Christ College, Brecon. In the UK overall, Cardiff Sixth Form College, Westminster School, and St Michael’s School, Llanelli, were among the top schools for A level results in 2024. These schools boast impressive percentages of A*-A grades.

The data provided by the ISC sheds light on the exceptional academic achievements of students in various independent schools. Not all independent schools in the UK submit their data to the ISC, so the rankings may not encompass all institutions.

In addition to the top schools listed above, individual schools like Rougemont, Newport; Rydal Penrhos; St Clare’s Porthcawl; Llandovery College; Redhill High School, Pembrokeshire; Myddleton College, Denbigh; and Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools achieved notable A level results in 2024.

The performance of these schools highlights the commitment to academic excellence and the dedication of both students and teachers. The latest A level results showcase the outstanding achievements of students in Wales’ private education sector, positioning them among the best in the UK.