Boarder

Hi! I'm Holly and I boarded at Christ College for 5 years.

I chose the school initially because of its location, and after visiting the school, and seeing all the friendly faces, I decided that this was somewhere I really wanted to go. Living in Brecon means we have access to the town itself and we can take full advantage of the fantastic countryside in the Brecon Beacons. The school frequently has trips to the Llangors Rope Centre, and one of the sports options is kayaking on the River Usk, which runs alongside the school.

As a boarder, I really enjoyed having breakfast, lunch and a lovely evening meal in the Medieval Dining Hall, but you can cook extra snacks in the House kitchens. You have your own space, whether you’re in a room on your own, or sharing with friends, and I can honestly say that I have met some of the most incredible people here.

Boarding also means you get to experience a home away from home, and over time the boarding houses become like family. As a house, we also have parties, a memorable one being an 80’s night which celebrated the 20th anniversary of the de Winton Boarding House. There is never a dull moment, there is always something to get involved with, and the wide range of academic subjects and extra curricular activities means that no one misses out!

Day Pupil

Hello. I'm Tom. I'm 15 and I’m a day pupil at Christ College and came here when I was 11 years old, joining in Alway Junior House. I came here because my parents used to run one of the boarding houses at Christ College. We were attracted by the size of the school and the beautiful scenery.

Compared to the boarders, day pupils get the same opportunities. I really enjoy singing in the chapel choir, and participating in the school play – we recently performed the musical ‘Oliver’. I also take part in a lot of sport; this term it’s been mainly rugby.

Even as day pupils we are able to do our homework, called prep, in school rather than at home, and get the support of older prefects and staff as tutors. This means that once I am home I don’t have to think about homework! The range of academic subjects and extra- curricular activities are both very good and I enjoy it all.

Brecon is a very nice place to live in – it’s a lovely size and has enough interesting shops to make it worthwhile going up to the town for the occasional visit. The Brecon Beacons provide wonderful scenery … it rains occasionally but the people are nice!

Day Pupil

My name is Megan and I'm in the Lower Sixth. Christ College is located in the rural town of Brecon; a picturesque and tranquil setting close to the Brecon Beacons. On leaving primary school I knew Christ College was where I wanted to be. I started as a day pupil in January 2003 and began the best years of my school life. Christ College is based on traditional values and solid foundations, with a strong sense of community and work ethic. It gives encouragement to excel, reach for new horizons and be challenged to think beyond the norm.

Although Christ College is predominantly a boarding school, as a day pupil I feel totally involved in, and part of, all aspects of school life. Personally I enjoy all of the activities, the opportunity to participate in sport and drama, and getting my ‘prep' done with the support of the teaching staff, should I need it, and then have time with my family. I appreciate the structure of Christ College, and its record of academic achievement encourages me to do my best and achieve all I can in such an outstanding environment.

I will make the most of the excellent opportunity my family has given me and as a result we work harder at ‘family' and value our time together. I would recommend anyone to come and see for themselves what the school has to offer, and be part of the adventure and challenge that is Christ College Brecon.

Boarder

Ed Gallagher was a boarder at Christ College until 2008. He wrote these words of reflection ahead of the Leavers' Service.

The support and guidance offered by all helps to fulfil the school motto: “they achieve because they believe they can”.

This confidence is passed on to each new pupil and is a binding force for the school as all unite under this wholly appropriate maxim. All are one yet everyone is their own person as all fulfil the school's motto while also fulfilling their own individual goals and dreams.And all of this was brought about by one king who, almost 500 years ago, decided that it was a good time to get a divorce!

Now, in the present day, the school has endured through centuries, through peace and war time. The school has seen pupils arrive as children and grow into adults; it has seen them return through the years, each time older; it has seen their deaths mourned and it too has mourned. It has outlived all and yet it lives those who were once here continue to live; it retains a part of them within its bricks and mortar.

All leave their mark whether it be a memorial upon the chapel walls, a few words on a page in a history book, an old school photo, a name on a team sheet, the etchings on a desk or just the footsteps as they clatter down the chapel path worn by the footprints of previous pupils. It forgets no-one and will be forgotten by no-one.

Day Pupil

My name is Ellis and I'm a Day Pupil in Alway House.

I'm coming to the end of my 2nd year at Christ College. It has gone really quickly. The best thing about Christ College is the people. The staff and the pupils, are really nice and I get on with them all.

I settled in really quickly and have made loads of new friends. I've found the lessons to be much harder than my previous school but I have learnt so much more.

My Houseparents Mr & Mrs Shannon really look after us. I have so much opportunity to play sport which I really enjoy. It's such a beautiful school but it is the people here that make it so special.

I keep telling my Mum that today was the best day of my life!

Boarder

I'm Sam and I have been at Christ College now for five years. I board weekly, spending my weekends at home.

I choose to come to Christ College in the first place because it had been so highly regarded by my previous school, also there was the extra bonus of the school only being a short drive away. I had never boarded before and didn't like the idea of it but since I have been here I have loved it, It has opened up more opportunities for me, I have taken part in rigging school plays, helping the local mountain rescue and just playing sport on the fields.

The boarding has also helped me to socialise more, I have become much more open over time, and I think this has been a great benefit to me as a person. 

As far as extra curricular activities are concerned, I am part of the CCF (Combined Cadet Force) and take part in competitions such as Cambrian Patrol and Cadsaam, and also I am undertaking my D of E award.

For anyone thinking of coming to Christ College I say do! It is a beautiful location surrounded by countryside and it has helped me develop and mature in all ways.