Just past the school grounds is a purpose-built log cabin with a fully equipped activity store. It's got everything the outdoor education team needs to make learning safe and exciting.
Turning potential into success
Meet Thomas Pearce. Born with Pfeiffer Syndrome, Thomas has faced more challenges than most. But he’s never let that slow him down. Thomas has achieved outstanding results in his GCSEs: 4 grade 9s; 5 A*s; 1 A; plus a distinction in Additional Maths. He's also won the prestigious Lexden Prize for Remarkable Sixth Former, beating dozens of entries from schools across the UK. What drives him? His 40+ surgeries and St David's College, an independent co-educational boarding and day school.
“St David’s has helped with my confidence hugely over the past few years. It’s an absolute honour to be nominated for this award, but to win it really is incredible."
Freedom to flourish
At St David’s, every learner’s journey matters. That’s why its curriculum is designed to meet students exactly where they are — whether it be traditional academic routes like General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and A Levels or the practical, hands-on Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) L2 & L3 qualifications.
Start your journey here:
As an independent school, it follows the National Curriculum while also expanding it with enriching subject choices that enable students to broaden their horizons and develop a well-rounded skill set.
Learning that works for everyone
Struggling with traditional classrooms? St David's does things differently. Every lesson here is taught using dyslexia-friendly methods, designed to help all students, including non-native English speakers, feel confident, capable, and included.
The Cadogan Learning Support Centre
Every child deserves the chance to succeed, but some face challenges that make that path more difficult. These struggles can hold them back academically, limit their confidence, and influence how they see their future.
With the right guidance and support, those same challenges can become turning points. The Cadogan Centre offers specialised tutoring that empowers students to move past barriers and discover what they’re truly capable of.
Student Support
At the GWC Transfer Center, student support doesn’t just start and end with mere conversation. The team takes you on university field trips, where you tour and learn about a particular campus, meet distinguished faculty members, and receive a presentation on transfer admission.
There’s more to come. You’ve got transfer workshops each semester, where you’ll be walked through the whole transfer process from application to deadlines. The center offers one-on-one advising, and connects you with a member of your selected university so you won’t have to settle in alone.
If you’re studying abroad at GWC, the International Student Program is the place to go if you seek guidance through visa processes, registering for classes, housing, and more.
Get outside and explore
Learning at St David’s is not confined to the classroom. Outdoor education is a key part of its curriculum.
“It’s more than a school, it is an experience in learning, fun, and respect. Unlike some teenagers, my son’s ethos and confidence have grown. He is happy at St David’s. They educate and bring out the best in the individual.”
Parent at St David’s
- Years 5 to 10 students spend a full day every two weeks immersed in nature, learning new skills and building confidence.
Years 5 to 10
- This journey leads to a special highlight in Year 10: a week-long expedition. What makes it even more meaningful is that it’s planned by staff and pupils together. St David’s pupils have recently returned from a husky sledding expedition in the Arctic Circle.
Year 10
- While outdoor education becomes optional from Year 11, many students choose to continue through the weekend activities programme.
Years 11 to 13
#24 in QS Full Time MBA: Global 2022
CBS MBA graduates see a 50% average salary increase three months post-graduation
Dr. Edgar Whitley’s project, commissioned by Women in Identity, examined the economic costs of identity exclusion, providing insights into how organisations can foster inclusivity and reduce financial inefficiencies.
Dr. Nadia Millington and MSc Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship graduate Franziska Golenhofen looked into the mindset traps that hinder sustainability initiatives, helping leaders break free and achieve transformative progress.
Professor Alexander Pepper provided critical insights into the UK’s executive pay debate, drawing on academic theories to unpack complex economic and political dynamics.
Dr. Dorottya Sallai challenged traditional perceptions of Generative AI, encouraging a shift toward embracing its opportunities.
The outdoor education team comprises highly qualified professionals, all of whom are also certified teachers. Their unique mix of skills means they understand how to support every child — both in their learning and in their well-being.
They also partner with academic departments to design cross-curricular activity days for students to learn in fun and fresh ways.
They also partner with academic departments to design cross-curricular activity days for students to learn in fun and fresh ways.
From land to water, St David's outdoor facilities support every kind of adventure. They include a bouldering wall, a fleet of sailing dinghies, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and powerboats (pupils can take the RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling Course at the school). All activities come with the necessary gear, expert instruction and safety equipment.
Few schools can match the outdoor opportunities offered by St David’s. Situated on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park and just a short drive from North Wales’s coastline, the college is perfectly placed for adventures. Plus, with a fleet of minibuses ready to go, students can explore a wide variety of environments beyond the leafy campus.
St David’s is one of the few schools in the UK to hold the AHOEC Gold Standard, an accreditation usually awarded to specialised outdoor learning centres. This means families can trust that St David’s provides quality, safe, and innovative outdoor education.
At my previous school, I was told that I was going to be unsuccessful in my GCSEs because of my dyslexia. I just wasn't going to go very far. At St David’s, however, I took three of my GCSEs early and I achieved all 8s.
St David's has proven to me that I can go as far as I want. They let me learn in the way I need to learn. I feel really lucky to have come here because I feel like it has built me as a person, and it's given me a lot of confidence that I never would have had at my old school.
Will Greenhalgh
Sixth Form pupil
Isobel Hardy
Sixth Form pupil
I felt at home in the first week; I was able to make friends so easily. In the girls' boarding house, Augusta, it feels like one big family. There are 25 of us and it’s absolutely amazing.
I love that they provide opportunities and activities all day, every day — even on weekends. St David’s has such a strong sense of family and community that I don't think I would have had that at my old school.
Scott Hewitt
Head Boy, 2023 to 2024
I can’t pinpoint one specific thing. This school has given me independence, a home away from home, and a place I know I can return to whenever I need advice — somewhere I’ll always feel welcome. I wish I hadn’t spent my Years 7 and 8 in another school. I wish I’d come here straight away when I left primary school. There are so many teachers I could thank, but in particular the Head of Sixth Form, for his mentoring, guidance, and for nurturing my passion for geography and business. He’s had a significant effect on my journey at St David’s.
Hear from the students
At my previous school, I was told that I was going to be unsuccessful in my GCSEs because of my dyslexia. I just wasn't going to go very far. At St David’s, however, I took three of my GCSEs early and I achieved all 8s.
St David's has proven to me that I can go as far as I want. They let me learn in the way I need to learn. I feel really lucky to have come here because I feel like it has built me as a person, and it's given me a lot of confidence that I never would have had at my old school.
Will Greenhalgh
Sixth Form pupil
Isobel Hardy
Sixth Form pupil
I felt at home in the first week; I was able to make friends so easily. In the girls' boarding house, Augusta, it feels like one big family. There are 25 of us and it’s absolutely amazing.
I love that they provide opportunities and activities all day, every day — even on weekends. St David’s has such a strong sense of family and community that I don't think I would have had that at my old school.
Scott Hewitt
Head Boy, 2023 to 2024
I can’t pinpoint one specific thing. This school has given me independence, a home away from home, and a place I know I can return to whenever I need advice — somewhere I’ll always feel welcome. I wish I hadn’t spent my Years 7 and 8 in another school. I wish I’d come here straight away when I left primary school. There are so many teachers I could thank, but in particular the Head of Sixth Form, for his mentoring, guidance, and for nurturing my passion for geography and business. He’s had a significant effect on my journey at St David’s.
Hear from the students
2025
- #93 in the Financial Times’ 2025 Global MBA Rankings
2024
- #24 in QS Global MBA Rankings 2024
- CBS MBA graduates see a 40% average salary increase three years post-graduation
- #95 in the Financial Times' 2024 Global MBA ranking
2023
- #24 in QS Global MBA Rankings 2023
- CBS MBA graduates see a 67% average salary increase six months post-graduation
- #24 in QS Full Time MBA: Global 2022
- CBS MBA graduates see a 50% average salary increase three months post-graduation
2022
Hear from the graduates