Cardiff Sixth Form College Officially Opens Landmark New Campus

Professor Robert Winston officially opens Cardiff Bay campus and new Science Department

Cardiff Sixth Form College has officially opened its landmark new campus in Cardiff Bay, marking a major new chapter for one of the UK’s highest-performing independent schools and a significant investment in education in Wales.
The new campus was formally opened on Saturday 24 October by renowned scientist, medical doctor and broadcaster Professor Robert Winston, who also officially opened the College’s new Science Department.

Students, parents, staff, partners and invited guests gathered at the new campus in Merchant Place in Cardiff Bay, to celebrate the opening and explore the state-of-the-art facilities created for the College’s growing community of UK and international students.
Located opposite the Wales Millennium Centre and close to the Senedd, the new campus brings Cardiff Sixth Form College into the heart of one of the capital’s most vibrant districts.

Designed for up to 500 students, it combines the historic setting of Merchant Place and Cory’s Building with contemporary teaching and learning facilities. These include advanced science laboratories, modern classrooms and an auditorium overlooking Cardiff Bay, alongside communal social spaces, a gym, basketball court, and medical centre.

A new-build 17-storey boarding house – the tallest building in the Bay and the largest boarding house in the UK – is located a five-minute walk from the College, providing modern en-suite accommodation for students and a home away from home environment.
Professor Winston’s opening of the new Science Department reflects the College’s strong commitment to science education and to preparing young people for further study and careers in science, medicine, technology and related disciplines.
A pioneer in fertility treatment and genetic screening, Professor Winston is Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College London. He has also presented numerous BBC television programmes, including The Human Body and Child of Our Time, and is a passionate advocate for science and education.

Tom Arrand, Principal of Cardiff Sixth Form College, said:
“Today represents an enormously important moment in the history of Cardiff Sixth Form College. Our new campus gives our students an exceptional environment in which to learn, live and fulfil their ambitions, while keeping us firmly rooted in the city that has been our home throughout our development.
“We were particularly honoured to welcome Professor Robert Winston to officially open both the College and our new Science Department. His distinguished contribution to science, medicine and education makes him an inspiring figure for our students, many of whom have ambitions to pursue these fields at the world’s leading universities.

“This campus represents far more than a new building. It is a statement of confidence in Cardiff, in Wales and in the future of international education here. Our students come from all over the world, and we have created an environment that reflects the ambition, excellence and opportunity that defines their experience at Cardiff Sixth Form College.”
The opening follows a significant investment by Dukes Education that will support the College’s continued growth and further strengthen Cardiff’s reputation as a destination for international education.
Cardiff Sixth Form College has established a global reputation for outstanding academic results and university progression. For over a decade, it has led the UK league tables for A-level results, securing over 91% A*-A grades in 2026.
The College combines its academic focus with award-winning pastoral care and an emphasis on students’ wider personal development. Its new campus has been designed to bring these elements together, creating spaces for academic study, collaboration, wellbeing and social life within a single College community.

The development is expected to deliver wider benefits for Cardiff and Wales by attracting students and families from around the world, supporting the local economy and contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
Cardiff Sixth Form College, together with its sister college in Cambridge, continues to build on its reputation as one of the UK’s leading independent schools, combining academic excellence with a strong focus on student wellbeing, personal development and preparation for the world’s leading universities.