Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge vs St Andrew's College

	C Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom	S St Andrew's College Cambridge, United Kingdom
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year £31,050 - 74,900	Fees / year £34,500 - 41,580
Age range	Age range 14 - 18 years	Age range 15 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 114
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 8
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2004	Opened 1976
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 Independent boarding and day school in central Cambridge, at 13 Station Road, Cambridge CB1 2JB. It sits in the heart of Cambridge, within walking distance of the train station and near the Botanic Gardens. The city-centre location provides easy access to Cambridge University libraries, museums and public lectures.
Stages	Stages A-level sixth form	Stages Ages 15 to 22; Sixth Form and pre-university programmes. Courses range from one-year GCSE through to A-Level and University Foundation Courses, including Pre A-Level and Year 13 A-Level retakes.
School type	School type Co-educational boarding college	School type Independent, co-educational. Boarding and day options available.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Over 30 nationalities represented on campus.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Pastoral care and safeguarding. The college welcomes students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, mental or physical health issues, and those with English as a second language.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United Kingdom	Country affiliation England (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 (application) fee: GBP 420 (non‑refundable). - Course deposit: GBP 2,500 (deducted from the balance of the first term's fees; refundable on successful completion of the course subject to deductions for outstanding charges). - Security deposit: GBP 350 (refundable at the end of the course less any unpaid fees, loss or damage). Tuition fees (per term) — 2026/27 academic year - One‑year GCSE, Pre A‑Level, Pre‑IB and University Foundation courses: GBP 11,500 per term (GBP 34,500 per academic year, assuming three terms). - A‑Level courses: GBP 13,860 per term (GBP 41,580 per academic year, assuming three terms). - Additional English course (for students with IELTS 5.0 or 5.5): GBP 1,200 per term (GBP 3,600 per year). - Individual tuition: GBP 95 per hour. All tuition fees include textbooks, exam fees (except IELTS), laboratory charges where applicable, clubs, sports and most standard activities, university‑application and Oxbridge/G5 support, and applicable taxes (VAT and levies). Accommodation & boarding fees (per term) - Superior single room (en‑suite): GBP 9,780 per term (GBP 29,340 per year). - Superior twin room (en‑suite): GBP 8,478 per term (GBP 25,434 per year). - Single room (en‑suite): GBP 8,478 per term (GBP 25,434 per year). - Single room (shared shower) / twin en‑suite: GBP 7,830 per term (GBP 23,490 per year). - All accommodation figures are for full‑board (three meals per day, seven days a week) and include half‑term accommodation; weekly laundry is included where specified for that accommodation option. Meals and pastoral support are included within the boarding fees. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are payable termly in advance. Fees are typically due one term in advance, at the start of each term. Pro‑forma invoices may be issued; in some cases, full‑course payment is required to support visa applications. One term's notice is required to cancel a course; the fee for the notice term remains payable. - A student's place is confirmed only after receipt of the required deposit. If the required deposit is paid and the course is then cancelled before the course start, the deposit may be non‑refundable depending on timing and the College's terms. If a deposit has been paid and a visa application is refused, the deposit will be refunded unless the refusal was due to missing/incorrect/fraudulent documentation or the application was made by an external third party. Other costs and routine extras - Items not covered by standard fees: personal spending money, optional residential trips outside the standard programme, IELTS examination fees, end‑of‑year summer ball, college hoodie purchases, optional private music lessons and optional sports tuition outside timetabled provision. - Additional routine charges and administration fees: a GBP 30 administration fee may be charged for certain changes (for example, changes to exams or subjects after forms have been submitted). Extra costs for vacation accommodation or optional activities may apply. Refund and cancellation details - Course deposit: refundable on completion of the course subject to deduction for outstanding charges and agreed procedures. The course deposit is generally not refundable if the student withdraws from the course before completion. - Security deposit: refundable at the end of the course less any unpaid fees and deductions for damage or loss; for A‑Level students the final refund may be delayed to allow for potential additional exam‑related costs. - Cancellation: one term's notice is required for cancellation once a student has started a term; fees for the notice period remain payable. If full fees for a term have already been paid and the student cancels, the notice rules still apply and entitlement to refunds is governed by the published terms. Fee payment options - Primary payment method: bank transfer in pounds sterling. International payments should allow extra time for currency conversion and processing. Instalment plans or alternative payment arrangements are available on request and are agreed with the College when an offer is confirmed. - Credit card payments: credit card payment may be accepted for some transactions; historical documentation and examination forms reference payment by credit card but may incur a surcharge (for example an historic 2% surcharge on card payments is recorded in older application materials). Card payment availability and any card surcharges are applied in line with the College's current billing procedures. How to compute an annual cost (example) - Tuition annual cost (three terms): multiply the per‑term tuition by three. Example: A‑Level tuition GBP 13,860 x 3 = GBP 41,580 per academic year (tuition only). Accommodation annual cost (three terms): Superior single en‑suite GBP 9,780 x 3 = GBP 29,340 per year (boarding only). Combine tuition and chosen accommodation to build the total annual cost. Summary of immediately chargeable items on acceptance - Registration/application fee: GBP 420 (non‑refundable). Course deposit: GBP 2,500 (deducted from first term; refunded on completion subject to terms). Security deposit: GBP 350 (refundable less deductions). First term fees and boarding (where applicable) are due in advance according to the billing schedule.
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 The school offers Sixth Form, A-Level, University Foundation, GCSEs, and Pre A-Level or Pre IB courses for students aged 15-22.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
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 100% onto university. 80% onto top universities for their courses.
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 Foundation year students progressed to University of Exeter, King's College London, University of Manchester, University of Sheffield, and University of the Arts London.
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 Step 1: Apply Online. Begin your journey by completing the online application form. After submission, send your latest school report, passport, and birth certificate to registrations@standrewscambridge.co.uk. The Admissions Team confirms receipt and guides you through the registration fee payment via Flywire. Entry requirements vary by course, but the core requirements include a minimum age of 15 for GCSE, 16 for sixth-form, and 16.5 for University Foundation; two academic references; academic transcripts for the past two years; and an IELTS score appropriate to the course; course-specific entry requirements are listed on each course page. Step 2: Assessment & Interview. After registration, complete a short online assessment in Maths and English. Foundation students should also provide an IELTS Academic UKVI certificate. You'll then be invited to a friendly interview with a member of our Senior Academic Team to discuss your goals and interests and to review course fit, including boarding, fees, and daily life at St Andrew's. Step 3: Offer and Enrolment. Successful applicants receive an offer of a place. To accept, return the acceptance forms and pay the deposit. Once your place is confirmed, our Dukes Education Visa Team will assist with the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) process and provide guidance for your student visa. Before arrival, pre-arrival documents including travel, medical, and guardianship forms are shared to help prepare for the move to Cambridge.
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 scholarships up to 35% off tuition across selected courses, with three levels: Level One (10%), Level Two (20%), and Level Three (35%). Availability is limited, and awards are determined through a scholarship assessment that includes Mathematics, English, and a subject paper or portfolio, followed by a scholarship interview for shortlisted candidates. Scholarships are renewable annually, with continuation requiring an AAB in the first year of A-level and at least 95% attendance, plus ongoing representation of the college; scholarships are not guaranteed and are awarded at the college's discretion. Scholarships are open to UK and international applicants; international applicants may take the online scholarship assessment from any country and should apply early, as funds are limited.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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