In this Parent Profile, a local family share why they chose the College, and how their son has flourished inside and outside the classroom. With their daughter preparing to join in September, they reflect on community, pastoral care and the breadth of what's on offer.
- Year groups
- Year 8 (Year 9 from September 2026) and Year 7 (joining September 2026)
- Time at the College
- 2 years
- Pupil type
- day pupils
- Location
- approximately 15 minutes from Llandovery
What first attracted you to Llandovery College?
We live around 15 minutes away from Llandovery, so I have been aware of the excellent reputation of the College for many years. One of my close friends completed her A-levels at Llandovery in the 1990s and always speaks very fondly of her time there. Our children attended primary school in Llandeilo, and their head teacher is one of the governors at the College.
When we started to think about options for secondary school, we were keen to explore Llandovery because of its great reputation, the small class sizes, and the wide range of educational and extra-curricular activities on offer. We attended one of the open days and immediately fell in love. The culture, the history, the feeling that the whole school community is one family, the exceptional staff, and the emphasis on providing a well-rounded education were all immediately evident - and exactly what we wanted for our children.
What makes Llandovery College different from other schools?
For me, Llandovery College stands out on a number of levels. There is a strong emphasis on values and behaviours, alongside educational excellence. This is apparent in the way different year groups interact with each other, with older students encouraged to support younger age groups, and in how pupils represent the school. They are exceptional ambassadors - polite, articulate and confident.
Small class sizes ensure individual pupil needs can be met, and it is evident that teachers are absolutely invested in getting the best out of their students. Educational and behavioural standards are consistently high, and the wide range of sporting and other co-curricular activities on offer is fantastic.
How has your child benefited from a Llandovery education?
My son has had a wonderful two years at Llandovery. He has formed strong bonds with other students and has been supported and encouraged to achieve his full potential.
He has benefited from a wide-ranging and engaging curriculum, with exposure to the sciences, languages, music, art and drama, alongside maths, English and many other subjects. He has particularly enjoyed Design Technology and ICT - key skills for the modern world.
He has been able to take part in a wide range of sports, including rugby, athletics, golf and judo, as well as a great variety of co-curricular activities including drumming lessons, Gardening Club and debating. He has loved taking part in House competitions and had a wonderful time on the ski trip earlier this year.
Most importantly, he has been happy and has grown hugely in confidence. I'm grateful to everyone at the College for the role they have played in helping him thrive.
Why would you recommend the College to other families?
I would recommend Llandovery College to other families looking for a small, family-orientated school with exceptional care for students, excellent educational standards, a strong focus on community, values and behaviours, and a wide range of co-curricular opportunities.
Compared to other independent schools, I have not seen any elitism at Llandovery College; it is not an "exam factory". Staff genuinely care about the wellbeing of their pupils, and I have been delighted with the support, challenge and opportunities my son has been offered since joining.
