A Levels

St David’s College has established a strong reputation for its A Levels programs throughout Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, and Caerphilly.

St David’s Catholic Sixth Form College is unwavering in its commitment to educational excellence, which drives teaching practices and standards. Teachers focus exclusively on students aged 16 to 19. Specialising in this age group allows teachers to dedicate all their time, knowledge, and resources to these learners.

We reflect our commitment to excellence in the outstanding results our learners achieve. At St David’s Catholic Sixth Form College, we prioritise value-added data to acknowledge and celebrate every student’s progress. Regardless of their backgrounds, students consistently perform well above national averages for A levels, showcasing the effectiveness of our teaching methods, the integration of blended learning strategies, and the support of our community.

Find our A level courses listed below, each linked to detailed information and requirements.

Spanish A Level - Study at St David's Catholic Sixth Form College

BTEC Levels

BTEC Level courses at St David’s College offer numerous advantages, resources and support from reputable organisations such as Pearson and WJEC.

These courses emphasise practical learning, allowing learners to engage in hands-on experiences that closely mirror real-world scenarios. Learners will develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which prepare them for post-college challenges.

St David’s Catholic Sixth Form College dedicates itself to educational excellence, focusing solely on students aged 16 to 19. This specialisation allows teachers to invest more time and resources in learners. Every student is unique, and at St David’s College, teachers tailor their strategies to help each learner thrive.

We make an effort to provide specialised support and welfare programmes for those with learning challenges, ensuring that everyone stays included. The Learner Support Centre provides an inclusive and individualistic learning experience for neuro-diverse learners. This includes a place for support and advice for students struggling with any aspect of College Life, including those with Additional Learning Needs.

The BTEC pathway remains flexible, enabling learners to progress to higher education, apprenticeships, or direct employment. Employers and educational institutions highly value qualifications from Pearson and WJEC, improving prospects for St David’s students. This versatility helps learners to strive towards their career aspirations and academic goals.

Below is our list of BTEC Level courses, each linked to detailed information and specific entry requirements.

Student at St David's College seeking support and welfare through their computer

WJEC Diplomas

WJEC Diplomas at St David’s Catholic Sixth Form College offer numerous advantages, especially with resources and support available from WJEC.

St David’s Catholic Sixth Form College dedicates itself to educational excellence, focusing solely on students aged 16 to 19. This allows teachers to fully invest their time and resources in these learners. Every student is unique, and at St David’s College, teachers tailor their strategies to help each learner thrive.

We make an effort to provide specialised support for those with learning challenges, ensuring that everyone stays included. The Learner Support Centre provides an inclusive, individualised learning experience for neuro-diverse learners. This includes a place for support and advice for students struggling with any aspect of College Life, including those with Additional Learning Needs.

The WJEC Diplomas open pathways for learners to progress to higher education, apprenticeships, or direct employment. Employers and educational institutions highly value qualifications from WJEC, improving prospects for St David’s students. This versatility helps learners to strive towards their career aspirations and academic goals after leaving St David’s Catholic Sixth Form College.

Below is the list of our current WJEC Diploma courses, each linked to detailed information and specific entry requirements. For more information on Entry requirements, scroll to the bottom of the page or visit our Entry Requirements page.

St David's students looking at some work together

International Study Programmes

Cultural Immersion Experience

Students experience everyday life and local culture through homestays with host families, opportunities to practise the language and cultural activities, including visits to historical sites. By taking part in daily routines and engaging with the local community, students gain a deeper understanding of different ways of life while developing their confidence and communication skills.

Benefits of Cultural Immersion

Cultural immersion encourages personal growth, independence and adaptability. Students develop language skills, build lasting friendships and gain a greater appreciation of different cultures and perspectives. These experiences also encourage empathy, challenge cultural assumptions and broaden students’ understanding of the world and their place within it.

Cardiff Castle

Study Abroad Experience

St David’s Catholic Sixth Form College offers international students the opportunity to experience the UK education system through an immersive academic programme in Cardiff. Students can study for one academic year to complete AS examinations in their chosen subjects, or two years to complete a full set of A levels (known as A2 in Wales), providing a pathway to higher education in the UK and beyond.

Through focused subject study, engaging lessons and dedicated teacher support, students develop their academic knowledge, English language skills and confidence. Their experience may also include seminars, educational visits and cultural activities that bring learning to life and help them discover Wales. Students are encouraged to develop independent study skills, explore their academic interests and learn alongside peers from different backgrounds.

Benefits of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad allows students to experience a different education system, broaden their academic perspectives and prepare for future university study and careers. Learning in an English-speaking environment can strengthen language skills, while living in another country encourages independence, adaptability and intercultural understanding. Students also have the opportunity to build lasting friendships, discover a new culture and gain valuable skills and experiences that will benefit them in the future.

Things to Consider

When planning to study abroad, students should consider their academic interests, programme length and costs, and any entry or language requirements. Preparing in advance, including researching the destination and understanding any visa requirements, helps ensure a smooth and successful experience.

Politics A Level

Progression to University

Each year over 500 students progress to university. We are here to support you through making that step, and there are many opportunities available to you, to make a good decision.

Students with their hands up in a Welsh lesson

During your first year at St David’s you will have career and university advice available to you. This includes progression advice from your Pastoral Tutor, access to opportunities through the Launchpad, and support on beginning your UCAS application towards the end of your first year.

By the end of your first year, you should begin researching courses and universities, familiarise yourself with the websites and resources, and begin creating your UCAS account.

In the Upper Sixth, you are allocated a Progression Mentor. This member of staff is responsible for helping you make decisions about your progression and if applicable, guiding you through the university admissions process. They will help you create drafts of your personal statement and support your online UCAS application.