
Christ College
CCBChristian, Founded 1541
Updated July 2026
Languages
Christ College Brecon is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school located in the Brecon Beacons National Park, providing a holistic education for pupils aged 4 to 18. It combines a historic heritage with a forward-thinking approach to academic and character development.
Term structure
Teaching approach
Founded in 1541, the school operates under the motto 'They achieve because they believe they can,' emphasizing the development of personal confidence and the willingness to take on challenges. It promotes a holistic educational experience characterized by an 'Atmosphere of Care,' where dedicated staff focus on both academic potential and character development within a close-knit, compassionate community.
Programmes
The curriculum is structured into three stages: Prep (Reception to Year 8), Seniors (Years 9-11), and Sixth Form (Years 12-13). Academic departments are organized into six faculties: Creative Arts, English, Humanities, Science, Modern Languages, and Mathematics & IT. The school offers a range of GCSE subjects and A Level qualifications, with small class sizes and a focus on both academic and holistic skill development.
Outcomes
The school reports strong academic results, with 72% of A Level grades at A-B, 100% of Further Maths grades at A-A, and 40% of GCSE grades at 9-7. Pupils are prepared for university applications and future careers through a balanced curriculum and specialized subject options in the Sixth Form.
Student support
Learning support
Every pupil is assigned a dedicated Academic Tutor responsible for their welfare, organisation, and academic supervision. Weekly meetings between tutors and pupils are used for target setting and progress reviews. The school also provides additional learning needs support and English for Academic Purposes (EAP).
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Christ College offer?
- Christ College offers National Curriculum (England), Cambridge A-Level and IGCSE.
- What ages does Christ College teach?
- Christ College enrolls students aged 4 to 18.
- Is Christ College a day or boarding school?
- Christ College is a day and boarding school.
- Is Christ College co-educational?
- Christ College is a co-ed school.
- Where is Christ College located?
- Christ College is an international school in Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
Christ College Brecon welcomes day pupils from age 4 and offers full, weekly, or flexible boarding for students aged 10-18. Main entry points are Year 7 (age 11), Year 9 (age 13), and Year 12 (age 16), though applications for other year groups are considered when space permits. The admissions process involves an open event or individual tour, an online application, and entrance assessments tailored to the age group, including taster days for younger pupils and subject-specific assessments for older students. Sixth Form entry requires 6 GCSEs at Level 5 or above, with at least Level 6 in subjects intended for A Level study.
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term structure: Michaelmas, Lent, and Summer. Terms typically begin in early September, early January, and mid-April, respectively, with half-term breaks scheduled in each. The academic year concludes in early July following Prize Day.
Facilities
About the campus
Set within 40 acres in the Brecon Beacons National Park, the campus includes historic medieval friary buildings alongside modern facilities. Key amenities include a 13th-century chapel, a modern theatre (The Memorial Hall) with tiered seating for 168, a dining hall, a library with interactive displays, and various IT suites. Sports facilities comprise rugby and football pitches, a 3G astroturf pitch, hard court tennis/netball courts, an 18m swimming pool, a squash court, and a sports hall. Residential accommodation is provided in five boarding houses.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide-ranging 'Second Curriculum' designed to suit every talent and interest. Key areas include sports (such as rugby, football, cricket, and swimming), music (including choir and instrumental opportunities), drama, and outdoor education. The outdoor programme features the Beacons Challenge for Years 4-12, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, and the Combined Cadet Force.

- Mr Gareth PearsonHead of Christ College Brecon
Mr Pearson was educated at Loughborough University (BEng Mechanical Engineering) and served as a captain in the Royal Marines. He held teaching and leadership roles at Millfield School, Wellington College, and Lord Wandsworth College before becoming Head of Christ College Brecon in 2017.
- Mr Simon HillDeputy Head (Pastoral)
Mr Hill holds a BA (Hons) in Geography from Kings College London and a PGCE from the Institute of Education. His prior experience includes teaching at King Edward’s School, serving as a Senior Housemaster at Glenalmond College, and working as Director of Boarding at Brisbane Grammar School before joining Christ College in 2016.
- Mr Harry MackridgeDeputy Head (Academic)
Mr Mackridge holds a First Class MA in History from the University of Cambridge. He has taught at Kingswood School, Merchant Taylors’ School, and Shrewsbury School, where he also served as Head of Academic Innovation, before joining Christ College in September 2022.
- Mr Gareth BuftonHead of Prep School
Mr Bufton studied Sports Science and holds a PGCE from Birmingham City University. He previously served as Housemaster and Assistant Head of Prep at Llandovery College before joining Christ College in 2021.
- Mrs Rowan Elliott-JonesBursar
Mrs Elliott-Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours from the University of Birmingham, along with professional diplomas in Accounting and School Business Management. She has over thirteen years of experience in education management, including a period at Rendcomb College, and previously served as a Chair of Governors for a state infant school.
- Ms Gemma RobertsDirector of Marketing and Admissions
Ms Roberts holds a First-Class Honours degree in Graphic Communication from the University of Wales, Cardiff. She has professional experience in marketing and communications from an academy trust in London and the City of London Freemen’s School, joining Christ College in March 2024.
- Jonathan LingDirector of Music
Mr Ling attended Shrewsbury School as a Music Scholar and holds a degree in Music from the University of Exeter and a PGCE from Worcester College of Higher Education. He has extensive experience as a Director of Music in the UK and overseas and joined Christ College in 2013.
National Curriculum (England)
Cambridge A-Level