Founded by Henry VIII, 1541. Reconstituted by Act of Parliament, 1853.
Christ College, Brecon lies in a setting of outstanding natural beauty at the foot of the Brecon Beacons on the edge of the small market town of Brecon, two minutes’ walk away on the opposite side of the river.
The school was founded by King Henry VIII in 1541 when he dissolved the Dominican Friary of St Nicholas. The 13th Century Chapel and Dining Hall are at the centre of school life and the school’s mix of important, historic buildings and modern architecture represents the continuity of education at the school.
In 2017, when the school was last inspected by Estyn it was rated ‘Excellent’.
Organisation. Christ College has on average 400 pupils from 4-18 divided into three
sections - Prep (4-13), Senior (13-16) and Sixth Form (16-18).
Pupils aged 4-11 are based in St Nicholas House and are mainly day pupils. 11-13 year old pupils are based in Alway House which is for both day and boarding pupils.
There are two senior girls boarding houses (de Winton & Donaldson’s) and two senior boys boarding houses (Orchard & School House) along with a Middle School Hub for 13-16 year old day pupils and the Senior Hub for Sixth Form day pupils.
Pupils can choose to be day pupils, flexi boarders, weekly boarders or full boarders. We run a comprehensive daily minibus service for pupils who wish to travel in each day.
Chapel. Chapel services are conducted in accordance with the liturgy of the Anglican church, but entrance to Christ College is open to boys and girls of all faiths. The ownership of Chapel by the boys and girls, demonstrated through their participation in services and their singing both as a congregation and by being members of the Chapel Choir is a feature of the school. Pupils are given the option to prepare for Confirmation by the School’s Chaplain annually.
Curriculum. Pupils follow a balanced, varied curriculum during the Key Stage 3 years (Years 7-9). GCSE options are chosen at the end of Year 9 with most pupils opting to take 10 subjects including both core and specialist options. Our Sixth Form curriculum is a hybrid of traditional linear A-Level specifications, BTEC courses (Sport, Performing Arts & IT) and subjects which adopt a modular structure (notably Maths and each of the separate Science subjects). The EPQ is available to all pupils in the Sixth Form and is an optional qualification that can be pursued alongside A-Level courses.
Games. The main school games are Rugby, Cricket, Hockey and Netball. In addition, there are many other games on offer including tennis, basketball, swimming and golf at nearby Cradoc Golf Club.
Music. The Chapel Choir enjoys an excellent reputation. As befits a school in Wales, singing at all school occasions is committed and energetic. The school has a Chamber Choir, plus multiple wind, brass and string ensembles and its pupils play a prominent role in the South Powys Youth Orchestra. There are many other opportunities to play in ensemble groups throughout the school. Individual instrumental and singing lessons are delivered by visiting musicians.
Activities. In addition to sporting pastimes, a wide range of activities are available to pupils as part of the 2nd curriculum as well as opportunities to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and CCF.
Overseas Travel. There are many opportunities to travel overseas with exchanges to Japan, sports tours, ski trips and trips associated with academic study.
Entrance. Pupils are admitted to the prep school between the ages of 4-10 years.
Pupils enter the school aged 11, 13 or 16. Pupils are admitted to other year groups after discussion with the Head and Deputy Head Academic.
Pupils entering at 11 and 13 are expected to take entrance tests in Mathematics and English. A school report is requested.
Pupils entering at 16 are expected to gain 6 GCSEs at Level 5 (grade C) or better. Pupils should ideally have at least a Level 6 (grade B) in GCSE in the subjects they wish to take at A Level. A report from the previous school is also requested.
Term of Entry. Pupils are accepted in the Michaelmas, Lent and Summer terms.
Scholarships. Scholarships are available for entry at age 11, 13 and 16 and hold a maximum value of up to 20%.
Scholarships available: All-rounder, Academic, Sport, Art, Music, Drama, Outdoor Adventure, Science.
Process: Interview and Assessment.
Bursaries are available from Year 7 onwards and are subject to a means test.
10% bursaries are available each year for the children of serving members of the Armed Forces in receipt of CEA (available from Year 9 onwards).
Fees per term (2023–2024). Years 1–6: Day from £3,304, Boarding (for Years 5 & 6) from £6,329; Years 7–11: Day from £6,139, Boarding from £9,973; Years 12–13: Day £7,335, Boarding £13,382.
Charitable status. Christ College, Brecon is a Registered Charity, number 525744. Its aims and objectives are to provide a fully rounded education for boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 18.