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UWC Atlantic College

United Kingdom, Llantwit Major

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 16 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 380
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1962
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP)
Typical class size 10
Strengths Service and Sustainability, Academic Enrichment, Languages
Clubs Community and Service, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Sixth Form
Introduction

UWC Atlantic College is a residential international sixth form college in Wales, founded in 1962 as the first of the United World Colleges. Set in the 12th-century St Donat's Castle and its grounds on the south Wales coast, the college brings together around 350 students from over 90 countries for a two-year IB Diploma programme. More than 65% of students applying through national committees receive full or partial scholarships. The college pioneered the IB Diploma and is part of a global network of 18 UWC schools across 18 countries. Alongside the IB, the college offers a Systems Transformation Pathway focused on building skills for social change. Students participate in CAS, Project Week, conferences, and the GoMakeADifference programme. The Teaching and Learning Centre provides EAL and additional learning needs support.

St Donat's Castle, Llantwit Major, CF61 1WF, Wales

The Essentials

UWC Atlantic College has 380 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location
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.

Stages
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.

Type
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.

Pupil Nationality Mix
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.

Additional learning support
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.

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

Boarding Arrangements
All students at UWC Atlantic College are residential. Students live on campus at St Donat's Castle and its surrounding buildings. The boarding experience is central to the UWC mission, with students from over 90 countries living and learning together. The two-year programme is fully residential.

Governance and Ownership
UWC Atlantic College is part of the United World Colleges (UWC) movement, a global network of 18 schools and colleges. It is a registered charity governed by its own board. The UWC movement was founded on the belief that education can unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
Fees
UWC Atlantic College has one of the most comprehensive scholarship programmes in the world. More than 65% of students applying through national committees receive full or partial scholarships based on demonstrated need. Fees cover tuition, boarding, meals, and the full residential programme. The college encourages all prospective students to apply through their national committee regardless of financial circumstances. Specific fee amounts should be confirmed directly with the admissions office at +44 (0) 1446 799000 or through the relevant national committee. A Global Selection Programme route is available for students who do not require financial aid.
Academics

UWC Atlantic College teaches IB (DP) for students aged 16 to 18.

Curriculum
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.

Higher Education Progression
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
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.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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.

Mental Wellbeing
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.
Parent Experience

History
UWC Atlantic College was founded in 1962 as the first United World College, established by educationalist Kurt Hahn. The college was instrumental in developing the IB Diploma Programme. It is housed in St Donat's Castle, a 12th-century castle donated by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst's estate. The UWC movement has since grown to 18 schools across 18 countries.

Community
The college brings together around 350 students from over 90 countries, creating one of the most diverse school communities in the world. The residential model means students live, study, and participate in activities together. The UWC mission of international understanding and peace shapes every aspect of community life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The college is housed in and around the 12th-century St Donat's Castle on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. The castle and its grounds provide a unique campus setting overlooking the Bristol Channel. Facilities include academic buildings, residential accommodation, and outdoor spaces within the castle estate.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) programme is central to student life. The campus's coastal location supports outdoor and marine activities. The college has facilities for arts, sports, and community service projects.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Systems Transformation Pathway extends learning beyond traditional academics, challenging students to think about systems change and sustainability. Conferences and guest speaker events bring external perspectives to campus.

Arts & Creative
Creativity is one of the three pillars of CAS, with students expected to engage in creative activities throughout their two years. Arts and performance opportunities are part of the co-curricular programme.

Cultural & Language
With students from over 90 countries, cultural exchange happens naturally every day. Cultural events, national celebrations, and language sharing are integral to campus life. The diversity of the student body is one of the college's defining features.

Community & Service
Service is a core pillar of both the IB and UWC philosophy. Project Week sends students on community projects. The GoMakeADifference programme provides funding for student-led social impact projects. The Prentis programme offers further opportunities for hands-on community engagement.

Leadership & Professional
The UWC experience is designed to develop future leaders and changemakers. The Systems Transformation Pathway specifically builds skills in leadership, systems thinking, and driving change. Student governance and peer leadership are embedded in residential life.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Activity is one of the three CAS pillars, requiring students to engage in physical pursuits. The coastal campus location supports outdoor activities. Wellbeing services with dedicated tutors are available for all students.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. The Teaching and Learning Centre offers EAL support for students whose first language is not English. With students from over 90 countries, the college is a naturally multilingual environment. IB Diploma students study languages as part of their subject groups.
Reputation

Accreditations
IB World School — One of the founding institutions of the IB Diploma Programme, authorised to deliver the qualification.
United World Colleges (UWC) — The first of 18 UWC schools worldwide, part of a global movement for education, international understanding, and peace.
Registered Charity — Operates as a charitable institution with a mission-driven approach to education.
Admissions

Admissions
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.

Scholarships
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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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