UWC Atlantic College

UWC Atlantic College is located at St Donat's Castle on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast in south Wales. The castle dates from the 12th century and sits in extensive grounds overlooking the Bristol Channel. The nearest town is Llantwit Major. Cardiff, the Welsh capital, is about 25 miles east, with Cardiff Airport nearby. Bristol and London are accessible by road and rail.

The college offers a two-year programme exclusively at sixth form level (ages 16-19). All students follow the IB Diploma Programme. The Systems Transformation Pathway is an additional learning strand alongside the IB.

UWC Atlantic is a residential (boarding) co-educational international college. All students board on campus. It is part of the United World Colleges movement, a global network of 18 schools in 18 countries. The college is a registered charity.

Students come from over 90 countries, making UWC Atlantic one of the most internationally diverse schools in the world. The deliberate mixing of nationalities is central to the UWC mission. No single nationality dominates, as places are allocated through over 150 national committees worldwide.

The Teaching and Learning Centre provides support for students with Additional Learning Needs. EAL (English as Additional Language) support is also available through the centre.

UWC Atlantic College has no religious affiliation. It welcomes students of all faiths and none, from over 90 countries and all socio-economic backgrounds.

All students follow the two-year IB Diploma Programme. UWC Atlantic was instrumental in the development of the IB Diploma, having been closely involved in its creation. The Systems Transformation Pathway (STP) is a pioneering programme running alongside the IB, equipping students with skills to reimagine systems and drive social change. The academic programme is deeply connected to the college's mission of international understanding and sustainability.

UWC graduates are highly sought after by universities worldwide. University guidance is provided to help students navigate applications to institutions across multiple countries. The UWC brand is well recognised by admissions teams at top universities globally.

Each student is assigned a tutor who provides pastoral and academic support. The residential setting means wellbeing support is available round the clock. Living with peers from over 90 countries develops social and emotional skills including empathy, communication, and resilience.

The Teaching and Learning Centre provides support for students with Additional Learning Needs. The extent of support available should be discussed with the admissions team during the application process.

EAL support is provided through the Teaching and Learning Centre. Given that the vast majority of students are non-native English speakers, the college has extensive experience in supporting language development alongside academic study.

Wellbeing services are available for all students, supported by dedicated tutors. The close-knit residential community provides a supportive environment. The intensity of the two-year programme is managed through pastoral structures and community support.

1. Students apply either through their national committee (over 150 worldwide) or via the Global Selection Programme for those not requiring financial aid.
2. National committee applications typically open in late summer or autumn. The process varies by country but generally includes written responses and interviews.
3. The Global Selection Programme involves written responses to prompts, followed by an online selection day with individual interviews and group activities.
4. Selection is based on academic potential, commitment to the UWC mission, and personal qualities. Students are selected regardless of socio-economic, religious, national, or ethnic background.
5. More than 65% of national committee applicants receive full or partial scholarships based on demonstrated financial need.

UWC Atlantic has one of the most comprehensive scholarship programmes in the world. Over 65% of students applying through national committees receive full or partial scholarships based on financial need. The college actively works to remove financial barriers to attendance, supported by the Fettes Foundation and other donors.