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What the Cathedral School offers
The Senior Section at the Cathedral School welcomes boys and girls from 11 years of age. A traditional academic education is offered, with inspirational teaching leading to excellent examination results. Pupils and parents receive updates each half term on their progress, and pupils are encouraged to involve themselves in a wide range of other activities and interests beyond the classroom.
Our core subjects up to GCSE (England-pathway GCSEs in every subject) are: Religious Studies, Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Spanish, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Pupils then choose a number of additional subjects from a wide range (12 currently offered).
Examination results are outstanding, the school being regularly placed in performance tables amongst the top 5 schools in Wales at A Level and GCSE, and at a very high ranking in UK-wide terms also.
What our pupils say...
Parents send their children to The Cathedral School in order to give them the life chances that are born of confidence
Representing Wales and England at U15 and U17 level in international football have been my biggest achievements so far. At times, it can be challenging to manage training and homework, but school has really helped me to find a good balance. Playing sport is fun, enjoyable and helps to keep you fit as well as giving you transferable qualities such as competitiveness, perseverance and team work.
Ellen, Year 11
It has been really exciting moving into Year 3 and there are lots of new things to enjoy including drill night, going to the library at lunchtime and a trip to Stonehenge! Being a good friend is something we all try to do, in the classroom and in the playground. I completed the Digital Leaders’ course in Year 2, so I’m now able to share internet safety tips with Years 3-6 to help them be safe online.
Archie, Year 3
Having started playing the guitar in Reception, I wanted to take up a woodwind instrument in Year 4. My teacher encouraged me to try them all before I chose the bassoon. It is a hard instrument to learn but fun at the same time. I also enjoy dance, skiing, swimming and all sport. We started girls’ cricket last year and although
I wasn’t too sure at first, I was really glad I gave it a go. I try to get involved in as much as I can, as I don’t want to miss out on anything!
Imogen, Year 6
There is a real sense of being encouraged to try new things and not to be afraid if they don’t always work out. Since joining in Year 7, I have really enjoyed making new friends, playing competitive sport, being part of the cast of High School Musical and Blood Brothers, learning a new instrument and so much more. One day you can be singing a chart song for House Singing and then the next, rehearsing a classical piece with 100 members of Senior Chamber Choir in the Royal Welsh College or the Wales Millennium Centre.
Tommy, Year 9
The Bonding Weekend was such a good way for everyone to get to know each other before the start of Year 7. As a Senior pupil, there are even more opportunities to try out. I play the violin, piano and saxophone so have really enjoyed performing in new ensembles. I love writing and in Year 4, I wrote a children’s book that was published and last year I entered the National Young Writers’ Award and was the Regional Winner for Wales. I always strive to do the best that I can…there’s no point in doing it otherwise.
Janvi, Year 7
As a runner, I always aim to finish each race in a better position. Determination and focus help me to achieve this as well as giving me the drive to do my best in everything else I do. Studying for my GCSEs has meant I have had to learn how to use my time more effectively to fit everything in – training, school work, playing
the saxophone and practising for Jazz Band. The supportive culture encourages the right kind of ambition and the aspiration to aim high.
Francesco, Year 11
I think that the remote learning is going very well. We have the right balance of time relaxing and doing schoolwork. I think the teachers have put out both fun and challenging tasks and are always online for you to ask any questions. They are doing brilliantly in these hard times.”
Year 5 Pupil
A big thanks to the teachers for doing an amazing job.
Year 3 Pupil
Leadership is supported throughout the whole School and we are encouraged to create our own leadership opportunities. As Head Girl Chorister and Head Girl,
I have really appreciated and enjoyed being able to make a difference and to inspire younger pupils. Helping to establish the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) Society has meant that as Sixth Formers, we have shared our enjoyment of Science as well as developing our communication, organisational and team working skills.
Olivia, Year 13
Last year, we set up Rewind Fast Forward, a school news show for the pupils. Using the School calendar, we plan items, interview pupils and staff on serious and not so serious topics and capture footage weekly to show in assembly. It is great to create something that the pupils and teachers appreciate and enjoy so much. I am also a Boy Chorister and feel very lucky to be able to sing in such a beautiful place as Llandaff Cathedral.
Joseph, Year 6