Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge vs CATS Cambridge

	C Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom	C CATS Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year £31,050 - 74,900	Fees / year £16,980 - 32,100
Age range	Age range 14 - 18 years	Age range 14 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 11
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2004	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Cambridge campus: Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge, 89 Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1AW. The Cambridge campus is in the heart of Cambridge, a university city with historic colleges, museums, Botanic Gardens and river punting. London is about an hour away by train.	Location 1 High Street, Chesterton, Cambridge CB4 1NQ, United Kingdom. The campus sits near the city centre and close to the University of Cambridge. CATS Cambridge is described as being in the heart of Cambridge.
Stages	Stages A-level sixth form	Stages Ages 14 and above; UK High School Term; GCSE; Pre-A Level; A Level; University Foundation Programme (UFP).
School type	School type Co-educational boarding college	School type The school is an international boarding school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United Kingdom	Country affiliation United Kingdom
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Fees — Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge (Academic year 2026/27) Application / Registration Fees and Deposits - Registration Fee (on application): UK/EU boarders GBP 216; International boarders GBP 300. GBP 216 for day students registration. - Acceptance Deposit (payable when accepting a place): UK/EU boarders GBP 3,000; International boarders GBP 9,500; day students acceptance deposit GBP 500. The Acceptance Deposit is held against disbursements and is repayable net of any deductions after the student leaves, subject to the college's terms. Tuition and Boarding — Annual and Per-Term (Cambridge campus, 2026/27) - A Level Boarding (annual total): GBP 74,900. Per-term (three terms per academic year): GBP 24,967 (rounded). - A Level Day (annual total): GBP 31,050. Per-term (three terms): GBP 10,350. 18‑month A Level course (Cambridge) — January start fees (published examples) - January to July 2026 (2 terms): A Level Boarding GBP 48,000; A Level Day tuition GBP 20,100. For the full academic year September–June (three terms) standard annual fees apply. - January to July 2027 (2 terms): A Level Boarding GBP 49,900; A Level Day tuition GBP 20,700. For the full academic year September–June (three terms) standard annual fees apply. Other recurring and one‑off charges - Second‑year top‑up (where applicable): GBP 500 (applies to second year). - Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) (boarding/international student immigration administration): GBP 55 (single payment in August invoice). - GCSE sports kit (where applicable): GBP 60 (purchased from the college). School uniform is purchased directly by the student from suppliers; the college provides school tie and House T‑shirt with the cost deducted from the deposit where noted. Textbooks, stationery, some off‑campus activities, one‑to‑one tuition (academic, IELTS, music), guardianship and optional UCAS preparation are not included in standard fees and are chargeable separately. - Bedding pack: one complimentary bedding pack per year for boarding students. Weekly room cleaning and one complimentary airport pickup on specified dates are included for boarding students. What the fees include and exclude (summary) - Included for day students: tuition, group IELTS preparation (exam fee excluded), meals, use of college facilities, exam fees (excluding re‑takes). Exclusions include one‑to‑one lessons, uniform, certain off‑campus activities, gym membership, textbooks, and optional courses. - Included for boarding students: tuition, accommodation, meals (not during Christmas and Summer holidays), group IELTS preparation (exam fee excluded), exam fees (excluding re‑takes), use of college facilities, complimentary bedding pack and weekly room cleaning. Exclusions include CAS fee, guardianship, one‑to‑one tuition, uniform, textbooks, certain off‑campus activities and optional courses. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoicing: fees are invoiced bi‑annually on 1 June and 1 November and are payable within 14 days of invoice. Invoices are issued upon receipt of an application and contain secure payment links specific to the account. - Term payment requirement: fees for each term are due as cleared funds before the commencement of the College term to which they relate (separate instalment arrangements may be agreed in writing). The college recommends using the direct debit facility or an international payment platform for prompt payment. Failure to pay may lead to exclusion for overdue sums and additional charges. Payment methods and instalments - Accepted and recommended methods: direct debit and an international payment platform. International payments and credit/debit card options are supported via the college's international payment provider (Flywire), which facilitates bank transfers and, where available, debit/credit card payments in the payer's local currency. Instalment arrangements for fees can be made only by separate written agreement with the college. Refunds, cancellations and notice requirements - General refund rule: fees will not be refunded, reduced or waived except where there is legal liability or in exceptional circumstances at the Head's discretion. Specific non‑refund circumstances include pupil absence through illness, term shortening or vacation extension, early release before end of term, temporary college closure, and provision of remote education, unless exceptional circumstances apply. - Acceptance Deposit refund and cancellation rights: where an offer and its acceptance are made entirely at a distance (no face‑to‑face meeting), parents have a 14‑day cancellation right from the date after the college receives the completed acceptance form; in that case the Acceptance Deposit will be refunded and any fees paid will be pro‑rated for educational services already provided. Outside that 14‑day distance‑selling window, withdrawal by parents requires either one Semester's written notice (the Acceptance Deposit will be retained) or payment of one Semester's fees in lieu of notice. Expulsion and certain removals carry no refund of deposits or past/current term fees. Consequences of late or non‑payment - Late payment provisions: the college may charge interest, recovery costs and may exclude the pupil with three days' written notice for overdue fees; exclusion for 28 days will be treated as withdrawal without notice and a term's fees in lieu of notice becomes payable. The college reserves the right to refuse payments where it is not satisfied as to the payer's identity or source of funds. Summary of key published fee figures (Cambridge, 2026/27) - Registration fee: UK/EU boarders GBP 216; International boarders GBP 300. Acceptance deposit: UK/EU GBP 3,000; International GBP 9,500. A Level Boarding (annual): GBP 74,900. A Level Day (annual): GBP 31,050. Invoices issued 1 June and 1 November; payable within 14 days. Instalments require a separate written agreement. Fees and terms are subject to annual review.	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Registration (non‑refundable): £700 per student for courses (reduced to £600 where no CAS is required). - Course deposit (refundable subject to the School's terms): £2,500. - High School Term students (1 or 2 terms only) pay a reduced deposit of £700. - Registration fee is due when accepting the offer; the deposit is required to form the contract and is refundable only after all outstanding fees and charges have been cleared and after completion of the School's refund procedures. Tuition Fees (2026/27) — per year and per term by category - A Level (3 subjects), GCSE, Pre‑A level, University Foundation Programme: - International: £38,505 per year / £12,835 per term. - EU: £31,710 per year / £10,570 per term. - Domestic (UK): £22,080 per year / £7,360 per term. - Additional A‑level subject (per subject): £8,280 per year / £2,760 per term. - 5‑term A Level (January 2027 intake): - International: £29,450 per programme / £14,725 per term (applies to the first two terms listed; remaining terms follow the September fees schedule). - EU: £24,350 per programme / £12,175 per term. - Domestic: £16,980 per programme / £8,490 per term. - 5‑term GCSE (January 2027 intake): same structure and fees as the 5‑term A Level entry above. - Fast Track University Programme (UFP): - International: £32,100 per year / £16,050 per term. - EU: £26,430 per year / £13,215 per term. - Domestic: £18,400 per year / £9,200 per term. - Note: tuition fee amounts are published as both annual and per‑term figures; some intensive/5‑term programmes are charged according to the programme structure indicated above. Fees do not include examination fees or mailing costs. Billing schedule and payment terms - The annual tuition fee is divided into three equal parts and charged termly; fees payable for each term fall due for payment two weeks before the start of that term. - Fees are charged termly regardless of the actual length of any term; fees and any agreed supplemental charges will not be reduced or refunded for absence due to illness or other reasons except where expressly stated in the School's refund policy. - Interest on late payments: 2% per month is applied to overdue accounts; repeated failure to pay may result in suspension or cancellation of tuition and/or accommodation and the School reserves the right to require future advance payments. - A 3% charge applies to any pre‑agreed payment plan set up with the Finance Team; the School may require a credit check and the use of standing orders for some payment arrangements. - Deposit refund: the deposit is refunded only after all outstanding fees and expenses have been cleared; refunds are returned to the original payer by the original payment method and to the original bank account used for payment. Boarding / Accommodation fees (2026/27) — catered and self‑catered options - Catered accommodation (includes weekday breakfast, lunch and evening meal; weekend brunch and supper during term time): - Premium single, en‑suite (Elizabeth House): £22,335 per year / £7,445 per term — available to under‑16 and 16–17 year olds (not for 18+). - Single, en‑suite: £21,510 per year / £7,170 per term — available to under‑16, 16–17 and 18+ where indicated. - Self‑catered accommodation (single, en‑suite): £16,980 per year / £5,660 per term — available to 18+ students only; under‑18s are required by School policy to occupy catered accommodation. - School policy requires all students under 18 to be in catered accommodation; independent (off‑site) accommodation for students requires Principal approval. - Additional boarding charges: accommodation over Easter holidays (catered under‑18s) is charged per week; activity holiday programmes and holiday accommodation rates are charged separately as published. Other costs and compulsory extras - Compulsory items invoiced during the relevant term (examples and typical amounts): - UCAS application: £75. - IELTS test (where required): around £235 (students may need to retake tests and incur additional costs). - UFP exam fees: around £135 per subject. - GCSE exam fees: around £90 per subject. - Other academic exam fees: around £140 per subject (programme dependent). - Field trips (selected subjects): example £350 for Biology/Geography; KS4 residential trips ~£300. - Set textbooks: approximately £400. - School hoody and T‑shirt: approximately £60. - Replacement ID card: £10; replacement room key: £50; tampering with smoke alarm: £100; charges for damages as required. - Optional costs (payable in advance or charged when the activity takes place): - One‑to‑one lessons / additional learning support: £105 per hour. - Day or weekend trips: around £45 (day) to £460 (weekend) depending on destination and length. - Duke of Edinburgh Award: Bronze ~£315; Silver ~£340; Gold ~£860. - Half‑term/holiday trips (example): ~£1,155. - Exam remark / clerical checks: e.g. UFP full remark £345 per subject (refunded if mark changes); clerical check £85 per subject (refunded if mark changes). - Visa and immigration costs for international students are not included (e.g., Immigration Health Surcharge and visa application fees) and are charged by the UK government. Refund, cancellation and withdrawal information - Cancellation before studies: - More than 14 days before the first day of study: liability for deposit and registration fee only. - Less than 14 days before the first day of study: liability for deposit, registration fee, plus one full term's applicable tuition and accommodation fees. - If cancellation is due to visa refusal (through no fault of the applicant) the School will normally refund fees paid excluding the registration fee, subject to submission of written evidence. - Under UK consumer law a 14‑day cooling‑off period applies from receipt of the deposit: cancellation within that period entitles the payer to a full refund. - Withdrawal after studies have commenced: - One full term's written notice is required for withdrawal. Failure to give a term's notice results in charges for the current term plus one term's fees in lieu of notice (tuition and accommodation without discount). - Refunds will not be made for periods of absence due to illness, injury or other personal circumstances; parents/students are advised that fee‑insurance may be required to cover such risks. - Deposit refunds and other refunds are processed only to the original fee payer, by the original payment method and into the original bank account, after completion of the School's refund procedures and once all outstanding liabilities are cleared. Fee payment options - International and other electronic payments are processed via the School's Flywire payment partner. Flywire allows payment in over 150 currencies and accepts credit/debit card, bank transfer and multiple e‑wallet solutions (including China UnionPay and AliPay), with payment tracking and multilingual support. - The School also accepts standard bank transfers and will provide invoicing and account details via the Finance Team; some payment arrangements may require a standing order or specific payment plan terms. Notes on inclusions/ exclusions - Tuition and published accommodation fees exclude the additional compulsory and optional items listed above (examination entry fees, some trips, visas, specialist materials and some course‑specific costs).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Most students study four A Levels. An Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is available to all students. Extension activities include pre-university courses, TED Talks, research projects and critical thinking. A portfolio option is available for architecture or engineering to supplement A Level study.	Curriculum details GCSE; UK High School Term; Pre-A Level; A Level; UFP (University Foundation Programme). All school life is conducted in English.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Small classes with subject-specialist teachers.
Exam results	Exam results In 2025, 68% of grades were A, 94% were A-A, 99.6% were A-B and 100% achieved A-C. The college has topped league tables for more than a decade. Results reflect sustained high achievement.	Exam results Academic results are available upon request.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression In 2025, 55% of students progressed to Russell Group universities, 33% to G5 universities and 81% to Top QS universities. UK destinations include Cambridge and Oxford among others, with graduates also progressing to universities worldwide.	Higher education progression Progression to leading UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge; has university progression agreements and Oxbridge-related programmes.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1) Registration and initial data submission. Candidates complete a registration form on the College website that feeds into the admissions database Salesforce. An automated email requests academic information, a copy of the applicant's passport, and a birth certificate with certified English translation where applicable. A registration invoice is issued; after the registration fee is paid, an account is created and a parental/Agent portal is activated to view, edit, and track the application. Data checks are performed in Salesforce before moving to entrance assessments. 2) Entrance assessments and entry points. The College offers three entry points: GCSE 1 Year (age 15–16 on entry), GCSE 2 Year (age 14–15), and A Level (age 16–17). Admissions staff coordinate the timing of entrance tests with the family/agent/British Council/school, provide invigilation guidelines, and send exams to the named invigilator; external costs for entrance examinations are the applicant's responsibility. International entrants may present existing GCSE/IGCSE results; minimum expectations include relevant A‑level subject choices and a strong overall profile; additional tests may be required as deemed necessary. UK entrants take entrance papers in each chosen A‑Level subject plus a GL assessment or equivalent; an interview is also part of the process. 3) Interview and assessment. All applicants are interviewed unless they withdraw beforehand. UK residents or day students attend in person; international students may be interviewed at overseas education fairs or online. Interview details are logged in Salesforce and may require showing a passport for verification. Entrance papers, GL assessment results, and school reports are considered by the Admissions Manager and/ or the Principal; exact exam results are not shared with candidates/agents/parents. 4) Offer of a Place. The Registrar sends an offer letter via Salesforce outlining conditions, an acceptance form, parental consent form, and terms; if accepted, a deposit invoice is raised and payment is requested. The offer remains valid for one week, with extensions only in special circumstances. Conditional offers can be made, subject to an international student achieving the required IELTS qualification; all international offers state English language requirements (typically IELTS levels: 6.5 for September entry, 6.0 for August entry, 5.5 for GCSE). 5) Acceptance and enrolment. A candidate is accepted and the place confirmed when the acceptance form is completed and the deposit is cleared; Salesforce is updated to “Accepted” and parents/agents receive notification. Deposit transfers are verified by Finance and matched with Xero; data is prepared for transfer to the college MIS. 6) New joiners' documentation. New joiners' documents include an initial letter, Pre-Arrival Guide, Medical Questionnaire, Insurance Form, Guardianship information, and a Photographic permission form; CAS is not requested until these forms are returned. 7) Visa applications. For non-UK/non-Ireland applications, a CAS request is submitted to the Dukes Student Immigration Department; a CAS is issued in line with the college's visa policy. 8) Post-acceptance data handling. Accepted students' data are transferred to the Academic Data Manager for input into ISAMS; documents are uploaded and accessible to relevant college staff. 9) Pre-arrival and induction planning. A visa/BRP confirmation is issued; Travel arrangements are coordinated by the Travel Coordinator; accommodation and timetables are finalized by the appropriate college staff; first term fees are confirmed as paid; an invitation to the initial Parent Event is issued. 10) Induction and enrolment. A full student induction occurs, followed by a Parents' welcome event; students register with the College, receive the student handbook, complete international Student Data forms, undergo immigration checks, receive a Student ID Card, and are introduced to staff and peers; timetables are issued and health/safety briefings are provided.	Admissions Visit CATS Cambridge. Families considering CATS Cambridge are encouraged to visit in person to explore the areas of the school that matter to them, meet staff and students, and discuss opportunities available. If an in‑person visit isn't possible, an online conversation via Microsoft Teams can be arranged. Experiencing the school in action, viewing facilities first hand, and meeting staff and students is the best way to understand what a CATS Cambridge education offers. Apply Online. We accept direct applications to the admissions team or applications made through trusted educational agents in many countries. To begin the process, submit a copy of your passport and your most recent school reports for an initial assessment. No fee is required for submission. Offer Pack. For your application to be successful, entry requirements are detailed on the individual course pages. Offers may be conditional (subject to obtaining certain grades and/or meeting English language requirements or returning completed registration forms) or unconditional. An offer pack will usually include acceptance forms, fee information and joining instructions, together with a copy of the Terms and Conditions. Please be mindful of acceptance deadlines, as places are often limited. Acceptance and Enrolment. Students who receive an offer will be asked to accept their place by completing and returning an acceptance form and paying a minimum payment to secure a place. Admissions will send a Registration Pack with booking details and information about how to complete enrolment. Once all offer conditions are met, a final Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number for visa application or Confirmation of Enrolment letter (COE) is issued. You will be contacted with information about enrolment and induction before the start of the course, and travel itinerary may be requested to coordinate arrival.
Scholarships	Scholarships The Cardiff Sixth Form Scholarship programme is administered as a meritocratic process that considers academic achievement, performance at interview, and passion for the chosen career. Scholarship recipients are expected to maintain high standards of attendance (minimum 95%) and punctuality, and to achieve AAA grades with an 85% average in each subject in examinations (EPs). The college reserves the right to review a scholarship if sanctions are imposed or if performance falls below expectations. Recipients should attend the annual Cultural Event, Glee production, Sports Day, Eisteddfod, and other college activities; they should participate in college life and the house system and promote the scholarship program. AS examination results must contain a minimum AAA to retain the full scholarship; if results fall below AAA, a partial scholarship for the A2 year or withdrawal of the scholarship may occur if attainment drops below AAB. Scholarship maintenance is assessed across EP cycles and mock examinations, as well as conduct, attendance, and participation. The college normally requires at least four students to run a subject; if a subject has fewer than four students, the college may withdraw the subject or offer it on a separate charged basis. Parents are asked to support by assisting with promotional activities and work experience where appropriate; regular meetings with the Head of House monitor progress and compliance with scholarship conditions. The scholarship contract reflects these obligations and can be reviewed if conditions are not met.	Scholarships The school offers the Scholarship of Excellence for exceptional students who make a successful application to and attend the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge while studying A Level at CATS Cambridge. Eligibility includes joining or continuing A Level studies at CATS Cambridge. The Scholarship of Excellence reimburses the final two years of tuition and accommodation fees upon proof of acceptance and attendance of the first semester at Oxford or Cambridge. Recipients are expected to engage in marketing activities, events and provide a testimonial for promotional use. Assessments and interviews determine eligibility for the scholarship or bursary award. Scholarship recipients must maintain good academic and personal standing during their course, and misconduct may result in withdrawal. Details of scholarship terms are outlined in the school's policies and prospectuses.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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