Founded and endowed by Dr Thomas Phillips in 1847 to provide a classical and liberal education in which the Welsh language and the study of Welsh literature and history were to be cultivated, it is set on a fine site amidst magnificent countryside in the small market town of Llandovery. The extensive grounds and playing fields run alongside the River Towy. The original buildings are handsome and well appointed and, with recent additions and improvements, it is well equipped. Now fully co-educational, girls were first admitted in 1968. The staff:pupil ratio is about 1:8 and examination results are good. Welsh is compulsory for all pupils in the first two years and special provision is made for beginners. Music and drama are strong and involve the majority of pupils. There is an annual programme of visiting artists and lecturers. Sports and games are compulsory and the college has an outstanding record (especially in rugby), with representation at county, regional and national level. There is considerable emphasis on outdoor pursuits which include fishing, canoeing, CCF and hill walking. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme features prominently, with an average of 15 gold awards each year.

Pupils: Age range 4-18; 323 pupils, 176 day (106 boys, 70 girls), 147 boarding (93 boys, 54 girls). Senior department 11-18, 270 pupils (168 boys, 102 girls). Entrance:à Main entry ages 4, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 80% main intakes plus 90% to sixth form.

15-20 academic scholarships, value 500-3000: 6 sport, 5 music. Bursaries available. Parents not expected to buy textbooks. Average extras 200 per term.

30+% live within 30 miles; 10% live overseas.

Warden: Peter Hogan, appointed in 2000. Educated at Bablake Grammar School, and the universities of Liverpool, Leeds and the Open University. Previously Deputy Head at Sunderland High School, Head of Economics at Trent College and at Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School and Assistant Master at Leeds Grammar School. Teaching staff: 30 full time, 7 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 40.

GCSE: 35 pupils in fifth form: 93% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 56. A-levels: 37 in upper sixth: 16% passed in 4 subjects; 78% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 313.

Typically 99% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course. 30% take courses in science, engineering and medicine, 48% in humanities and social sciences, 22% in sport, music or creative arts.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 subjects offered (including Welsh). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level excluding general studies. 30% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 40% both. Vocational: Work experience available in both UK and France. Special provision: Special unit provides teaching for bright, moderately dyslexic pupils, with a fully qualified teacher in charge; individual coaching for any pupil with learning difficulties; ESL for pupils from overseas. Languages: àGreek, Latin, French, Spanish, Welsh and Mandarin offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Over 80% take GCSE in one or more languages. Regular exchanges to France. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject and incorporated into eg maths, English, science. Years 7-11 work towards a BTEC qualification. Computer access for all pupils (IT room open all day), almost all networked and with email and internet access.

Music: Over 45% of pupils take instrumental or singing lessons and exams can be taken. Musical groups include school orchestra, chapel choirs, girls choir, senior choir and other ensemble groups. Drama: Drama offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Recent productions ofà Lord Of The Flies, My Fair Lady; series of small group performances. Art and design: On average, 15 take GCSE, 2 AS-level, 15 A-level. Design, pottery and photography also offered.

Sport: Rugby, hockey, netball, soccer, cricket, tennis, squash, badminton, golf, swimming, basketball, athletics, mountaineering, orienteering, fencing, horse riding, fitness, volleyball, dance, yoga. GCSE, AS and A-level PE may be taken. 63 boys capped at Welsh schools/youth level; 44 Welsh internationals are former pupils; national representatives in rugby, shooting, fencing, athletics; British Junior Show Jumping Champions at Royal Hickstead. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (usually 15 golds a year). CCF compulsory for 2 years at age 13, optional thereafter. Community service optional. Range of clubs, eg photography, chess, art, board games, dance, choir, public speaking, orchestra, music and Welsh club. Annual Eisteddfod keenly contested in a variety of cultural areas.

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout, during the working day. Houses and prefects: Houses arranged by age group. Head boy and head girl appointed by Warden; prefects appointed by staff and pupils; house prefects by housemaster. Religion: Church in Wales. Attendance at religious worship compulsory. Social: Exchange scheme with school in France and South Africa. Regular visits to twinned town in Brittany. Expeditions eg to Patagonia 2003, Kenya 2004; regular ski trips. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike/motorbike. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco; alcohol allowed under staff supervision in sixth-form common room.

Pastoral and disciplining policy operated through individual tutors, house staff and school prefects. Pupils failing to produce homework once might be asked to repeat it in own free time by next day; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises can expect expulsion.

is run by Mr J H Thomas, c/o Llandovery College.

A M Rees, Cliff Jones, Vivian Jenkins, Gwyn Jones, Craig Quinnell, Cerith Rees, Alun Wyn Jones (international rugby players); Rachel Poolman (1st senior women rugby international); Major General P M Davies (Chief Executive, RSPCA); Peter Morgan (former Director General of Institute of Directors); Sir David John (former Chairman BOC).