IB Learning in a 12th-Century Castle by the Sea
Majestically perched on the cliffs of Wales’ southern coast, 12th-century St Donat’s Castle looks more like the setting of a historical film than a school. Yet behind its ancient walls lies one of the world’s most modern, international and forward-thinking learning environments.
As the founding college of the global UWC movement, UWC Atlantic has a truly distinctive character. The unique combination of rugged coastline, sweeping sea views and centuries of history creates an atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on young people. All 380 students live on campus, and with around three quarters coming from abroad, the college is home to an exceptionally diverse community where intercultural exchange is not just encouraged but part of everyday life. Academically, the school focuses entirely on the International Baccalaureate, delivered here in a particularly practical and future-oriented way.
The 50-hectare campus includes its own woodland areas, swimming pools, a modern sports centre and contemporary learning facilities – an inspiring setting for vibrant boarding life. Direct access to the coastline and surrounding nature encourages exploration, while the nearby capital city of Cardiff and the charming town of Llantwit Major offer attractive options for weekend outings.
Akademis makes history – A Triple Award-Winning Consultancy (2023, 2024 & 2025) 🏆
Akademis has been recognised three years in a row by StudyTravel for excellence in the education sector:
2025 & 2024: Winners of the StudyTravel Secondary School Award (Best Western European Agency)
2023: Winner of the StudyTravel Star Award
(Best Western European Agency)
The StudyTravel Awards are among the most prestigious honours in international education, recognising outstanding quality, client focus and trusted partnerships. Being the first consultancy ever to win for three consecutive years is something we are deeply proud of. For us, these awards highlight our commitment to offering the very best guidance, personal service and long-term support for families embarking on this exciting journey.
Quick Overview
Total number of students: 380
Age of students: 16–19
Boarding students: 100%
International students: 75%
Students in the Sixth Form: 380
Boarding fees for senior school: £58,100 per year
The most important sports on offer in addition to traditional team sports: Football, rugby, kayaking/stand-up paddling, climbing, swimming, volleyball, badminton, tennis, tai chi
Nearest airports: Cardiff Airport (20 min), Bristol Airport (90 min), London Heathrow (240 min)
Key Strengths at a Glance
Historic campus set in a 12th-century castle
A unique learning environment shaped by the sea, nature and heritage
Innovative IB Diploma including the Systems Transformation Pathway
100% boarding – a close-knit, supportive community
UWC Atlantic College – Photo Highlights
UWC Atlantic in Detail
Academic life
At the heart of the curriculum is the International Baccalaureate – but with a distinctly practical twist. Students who want to explore real-world impact can opt for the innovative Systems Transformation Pathway, a course that replaces two standard IB subjects and focuses on global challenges such as biodiversity, energy or migration. Instead of simply studying problems, students learn how to design meaningful solutions. Three experienced university counsellors guide students individually throughout the programme, and the college’s track record of offers from leading global universities shows the strength of this academic approach.
Arts & Music
Creativity thrives at UWC Atlantic. The newly refurbished music department features soundproof practice rooms, a recording studio and an iMac suite, enabling students to develop ambitious projects. Music is everywhere on campus — in choirs, bands, ensembles and informal groups. The visual arts department is equally vibrant. Light-filled studios invite students to explore a wide range of techniques, often with views of the castle’s dramatic architecture providing added inspiration.
Life & Community
Boarding life at UWC Atlantic is immersive, dynamic and truly international. With all students living on campus, a close, almost family-like atmosphere develops naturally. In the eight boarding houses, four students from different cultural backgrounds share each room – a setup designed to promote understanding, independence and friendships that often last a lifetime.Each house is supported by two House Mentors, while the Wellbeing Centre provides additional care through counsellors, a nurse, a psychologist and a regularly visiting doctor. The historic castle setting and direct access to the coastline create an environment that combines safety, inspiration and a deep connection to nature.
Sports & Outdoor Education
The school’s coastal location and proximity to natural parks make it ideal for a rich outdoor education programme. Students can try climbing, caving, kayaking, surfing, mountain biking and hiking – activities integrated into everyday school life. There is also a wide range of student clubs, including the Student Lifeguard Service, Campus First Responders, Debate Club, Book Club and various sports and dance groups. The modern sports centre, two swimming pools and extensive playing fields support more traditional sports such as football, swimming, volleyball, badminton and tennis.
This is UWC Atlantic College
UWC Atlantic College Fees
Annual fees at UWC Atlantic College are £58,100 per year (approx. USD 77,000–78,000).
For the full two-year IB Diploma Programme, the total cost is between USD 150,000 and 160,000.
What our clients say about us
Get a free consultation and find out more about UWC Atlantic College
Conclusion
UWC Atlantic College is a truly exceptional place – academically, personally and culturally. The combination of the IB programme, an international community and a one-of-a-kind setting in a historic castle creates a learning environment that is hard to find anywhere else.
We are confident that, together, we can find the right boarding school for your child. We’re also happy to advise you on other boarding schools in England. You’ll find an overview on our Boarding Schools in England page.
Benefit from:
- Effortless, friendly communication
- Guidance on visa questions
- First-hand insights and authentic school impressions
- Increased admission success thanks to our strong relationships with partner schools
What Makes Akademis Stand Out?
- We remain your trusted contact throughout your child’s stay, well beyond the placement process.
- We provide support with guardianship, visa applications and recognition of qualifications within your home country’s education system.
- We offer fully tailored advice. Our school recommendations are unique to each child and can run to 40 pages in length.
- Families receive our 30+ page boarding school guide, packed with practical tips and insights.
- We prepare your child thoroughly for entrance exams and interviews to maximise their chances of success.
- We arrange school visits, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience each school first-hand.
Every boarding school has its own character and ethos. Having personally visited more than 100 schools, we understand these nuances. We also work with schools that do not pay commission, ensuring that our advice remains independent and always in the best interest of your child.
Our roots lie in the UK. For years, we have placed 200–300 families annually into British boarding schools. While our portfolio now includes schools beyond Britain, the UK remains at the heart of what we do.
Our tailored approach results in exceptional acceptance rates. For example, in 2022/23, all seven students we placed at the highly selective Malvern College received offers – a 100% success rate.
We arrange for prospective families to speak with our current students to hear first-hand accounts of life at a UK boarding school.
