Second year International students recently celebrated their A2 Graduation at our Sketty Hall Business School.
Welcome to Gower College Swansea
The leading A level College in Wales
Gower College Swansea is one of the highest performing colleges in the UK and is located in the UK’s first designated area of outstanding natural beauty. We are renowned for our A Level programme, with outstanding results and progression rates to the UK’s finest universities.
View our International Prospectus to see why you should study A level at Gower College Swansea!
Excellent pass rates for International A Level students
An amazing 76% of the 2023 cohort of international students achieved A or above
Over 90% of international students in the last 6 years progressed to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
See the university destinations of our international students from 2016 to 2022
Aim Higher!
We run specialist university preparation programmes for gifted and talented students. There are specific entry requirements and costs associated with these programmes.
Please contact the international office for further details: international@gcs.ac.uk
I enjoy the course and the atmosphere very much at Gower College Swansea. The International Office is very supportive and helped with my decision to switch my course from A-levels to BTEC. The facilities are fantastic and support is readily available if you need any assistance. Gower College Swansea is helping me pursue my dream of being a motorsport mechanic. "
Moniroth “Nick” Vutha, Cambodia BTEC L3 in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering - Motorsport
It’s been a fascinating experience. I received great support with my university application, including preparation for aptitude tests and interviews. I honestly don’t think I would have been accepted by Cambridge if it wasn’t for the amazing support and guidance I received from staff at Gower College Swansea."
Haolin Wu, China Achieved 4 A*’s in Economics, Physics, Chemistry and Maths Progressed to Christs College, University of Cambridge to study Land Economy.
Gower College Swansea has been a great experience. I have made lifelong friendships and the teachers are extremely knowledgeable. They always look to develop our passion for our subjects which transcends beyond the confinement of the textbook."
Yuzhe Zhang, China Achieved A*A* and A in Chemistry, Physics and Maths Progressed to Imperial College London to study Geology and was awarded a £180,000 scholarship from the Rio Tinto Mining company.
I have been at Gower College Swansea for nearly two years now and have really enjoyed my time here. The college is filled with laughter and excitement! I have been able to meet many new friends and all lecturers are very kind and always happy to help. I always enjoy going to my lectures as I like to gain more knowledge about my favourite subjects."
Ryan Yung, Hong Kong A* A B in Doubles Maths and Accounting. Progressed to study Accounting & Finance at Durham University.
Gower College Swansea is an excellent college with superb support for students. I discovered my interest in Linguistics through the Oxbridge program and have since been offered a place to study the subject at the University of Cambridge."
Shannon, USA A* A A in Mathematics, Psychology and English. Progressed to study Linguistics at Cambridge University.
It has been such an amazing two years studying at GCS for me. There is a wide range of subjects available for students to choose from. In regards to international students, the international office is always kind and helpful which made it easy for me to adapt to life in Swansea. Swansea is a peaceful city and is located by the beach, as far as I’m concerned it is one of the most suitable places to have a studying experience."
Shaoxuan ‘Michael’ Cheng, China Achieved A A C C in Maths, Chinese, Further Maths and Physics. Progressed to the University of Warwick to study Engineering.
The International Team are lovely and organised trips to beautiful cities in the UK such as Cambridge and Oxford. My homestay was perfect and my caring host made my time in the UK happy. Swansea is a great city with lots of fab restaurants and it was a pleasure to meet people from all over the world."
Gieun Cho, South Korea
A* A* A* A* in Double Maths, Economics and Geography
Progressed to study Geography at University College London (UCL).
I loved my time at Gower College Swansea. The teachers were so helpful and helped me to achieve the grades I needed to get into my first choice university. The international office also gave me a lot of support which helped me to settle in Swansea very quickly. This also gave me the confidence to focus on my studies. I would highly recommend this college!"
Chan Kim, South Korea A B B in Electronics, Geography and World Development. Progressed to study Geography at Southampton University
My experience has been very enjoyable. The teaching has been very effective and has helped me and my peers to achieve amazing academic results. The college facilities are also superb and have allowed me to reach my fullest academic potential. In addition, I would not have been able to gain offers from world top universities without the outstanding support provided by the HE+ programme and its organisers Felicity Padley and Neris Morris."
Xuanyuan Han, China A*, A*, A*, A* in Double Maths, Physics and Computer Science Progressed to study Computer Science at Churchill College, University of Cambridge
My lecturers are all approachable and helpful, without whom I wouldn’t have progressed so much academically. The members of the staff at the International Office are also friendly and have given me lots of support. Indeed, it is an unforgettable experience to have lived in Swansea and studied at such an amazing College."
Jiacheng ‘Charles’ Gong, China Achieved A* A* A in Law, Maths and History. Progressed to study Law at the University of Manchester
English Academy
General English
This course offers entry at various competency levels and gives students the opportunity to expand their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Useful English is taught in realistic situations for students to learn and practice language in everyday life. The course is taught Monday to Friday for 16 hours a week.
Assessments are carried out when students have reached the required standards to achieve the City and Guilds modules in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students are able to apply for A Level or higher level courses at Gower College Swansea once they have reached the appropriate competency level for their chosen study programme.
IELTS and A Level preparation course
This course will develop a student’s performance across all key English Language skills to maximise their success in IELTS exams. Its engaging content provides ample practice in fundamental study techniques for the transition to A Level learning. Students have an opportunity to trial subjects of their interest and benefit from College buddies. Inclusive social and cultural activities complement lesson topics and give a real insight into student life in the UK.
The course has three, six or nine month duration options, depending on individual learning requirements. Regular classroom hours with additional extra-curricular activities. Students are guaranteed entry onto A Level programmes at Gower College Swansea once they have met the minimum required IELTS standard.
Academic English
Academic English is an extra curriculum course available to Gower College Swansea A Level students who would benefit from language support. The course leader liaises closely with curriculum staff to identify students’ specific development areas. The classes incorporate one-to-one review sessions as well as generic language progression tasks. Comprehensive practice helps students to succeed in both their academic studies and IELTS preparation.
The course runs once a week for 2.5 hours throughout term time and students are expected to complete allocated self-learning activities and assignments. Extra support is offered through the College’s book a librarian system where one-to-one subject research and language organisation is available.
International foundation programme
This one year programme is designed for 17-19 year olds who would like to progress to university in the UK. Students will follow the Level 3 Access Programme which is available in a range of subjects including business, applied computing, humanities, law and science. In addition to this, students will receive English tuition which is tailored to the individual’s needs, ensuring students achieve the required level of English for successful progression to university.
Students attending this programme will not be tied to a particular university. Instead, every student will be given excellent individual careers guidance to enable them to choose the right university to suit their particular interests. Most universities in the UK accept our international foundation programme students, however acceptance will depend on the final result, English language level and UCAS application. Students have recently progressed to Cardiff University, Swansea University and Bangor University, to name but a few.
To be eligible, students should have a minimum of 5.5 IELTS.
Accommodation
Gower College Swansea takes the safety, wellbeing and happiness of our students very seriously. We place all of our students, aged 16 – 18, with one of our carefully selected and approved host families for the duration of their studies.
We offer homestay accommodation for all our international students. This accommodation is with a local family in a safe and private environment. Living in a Gower College Swansea-approved homestay will provide a truly unique experience. Students will have the opportunity to experience British culture, improve their use of the English Language and receive advice and guidance about living in Swansea, Wales and the United Kingdom.
Gower
Gower College Swansea takes its name from the Gower region, Britain’s first designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Gower is home to some of the most beautiful bays and beaches in the UK and has also featured in many TV programmes and movies. We regularly take our students to the Gower region for outdoor activities such as walking, climbing and surfing.
Social Programme
A Great Day Out in Oxford!
International students from our 1st and 2nd Year cohorts really enjoyed spending some quality time together in Oxford this half term. The day’s activities included a visit to the spectacular Divinity School, exhibitions at the Weston Library, group lunch and an afternoon tour of Christ Church College. Our current students come from right across the globe from countries including: Botswana, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Taiwan, Thailand & Vietnam.
The group are certainly making global connections and it’s wonderful to see such special friendships forming.
Social Programme
Group visit to Rhossili Bay
Our 1st Year students enjoyed a gorgeous day out at Rhossili Bay. It’s a popular location for its spectacular views and coastal paths. The blue skies and geographical features were most impressive.
The day’s activities included a walk down the peninsula followed by team games on the beach.
Social Programme
Group walk to Worm’s Head, Rhossili Bay
A fun moment shared by our international students during a visit to Rhossili Bay.The group relished stories told to them about the famous Worm’s Head island.
Rhossili is voted one of the best beaches in the UK and a popular location with both locals and tourists.
Social Programme
Rhossili Beach
International students admire the clear sea at Rhossili Bay. Sunshine made this a perfect day to relax at the seaside. In the foreground is Tony from China who said this is one of the best beaches he’s ever visited!
Social Programme
Group walk at Rhossili Bay
International students appreciate the scenery during a walk back up from the beach at Rhossili. Their activities included time for team games on the sand. The sunny day out was completed with ice creams for all.
Social Programme
The Royal Crescent, Bath
International students take time to admire one of Bath’s iconic architectural landmarks. The views from the Royal Crescent down to the Royal Victoria Park are really impressive with blue skies above. Other sights during the trip included the Roman Baths and Christmas Market.
Pictured here are students from Bahrain, mainland China, Hong Kong, Korea & Singapore.
Social Programme
The Roman Baths, Bath
A walk around the roof terrace during a visit to the Roman Baths, Bath. Students enjoy looking at Bath Abbey and other famous monuments of this charming historical city.
Pictured here are Vincy, Nettie & Iris who are all from China.
Social Programme
The Roman Baths, Bath
Maguie, from Bahrain, is delighted to meet a Roman Lady and her slave. A visit to the Roman Baths lets our international students gain a real sense of this city’s history. Other trip activities include a walk through the city centre and visiting the Christmas Market.
Social Programme
The Roman Baths, Bath
International Students make the most of the views in Bath despite the rain. The group’s itinerary also included a visit to Bath’s famous Christmas Market and time to see the beautiful city centre.
Pictured here are Nadia, Emily & Anita, all from Taiwan.
Social Programme
Christmas Shopping in Bath
Our International Students were thrilled to have time to shop at Bath’s famous Christmas Market and boutique shops. Other highlights of the trip included a visit to the Roman Baths, and a walk around some of the city’s other iconic landmarks.
The group includes students from Bahrain, China, Hong Kong & Taiwan.
Where is Swansea?
Driving times to Swansea
3 hour to
London
2¾ hour to
Birmingham
1½ hour to
Bristol
4 hour to
Manchester
With its links to the wider transport network, Swansea is strategically located for access from the UK, Europe and beyond.
On the Roads
The M4 motorway connects London with Swansea and is a 3 hour drive. The national bus company operates a direct hourly service from Swansea to all London international airports.
By Train
Direct trains are available every hour from Swansea to London and take 3 hours.
By Air
It takes just under 3 hours to drive from London Heathrow Airport to Swansea. It takes 1.5 hours to drive from Bristol International Airport to Swansea. It takes about an hour to drive from Cardiff Airport to Swansea.
