Pupils come from all over South Wales to St. John's College, Cardiff, which is the largest independent school educating both boys and girls from the ages of four to 18.

Most important for pupil development however, is the sense of a secure and supportive school environment, where effort and achievement are recognised and applauded. As a result of this approach, St. John's College has an established track record of excellence in GCSE results in subjects from Mathematics and English Language and Literature through to Economics, Chemistry, Latin, Music and Physical Education to name just a few.

By the age of 14, each pupil will have arrived at an individually chosen programme of study, leading to a balanced set of GCSE qualifications, in as many subjects as will encourage the best quality of achievement of each individual. Particular support is provided for pupils for whom the target of five GCSEs or more represents a potentially stressful goal.

The College itself is a superb Grade II listed building set in a landscaped grounds in the conservation area of Old St. Mellons. Its geographical location, very close to both the M4 and the A48M is ideally suited in this regard.

Headmaster Dr. David Neville has steered St. John's College through its crucial years of infancy and mature development, establishing the entire secondary range through to GCSE and A level, whilst consolidating and strengthening the infant and junior department.

The College is a registered charitable trust and is the only Catholic independent day school in Cardiff. Whilst a majority of children come from practising Catholic homes, parents of other faiths and backgrounds choose the school for its sound nurturing of a framework of traditional moral and spiritual values.

Great emphasis is also placed on giving every girl and boy the opportunity to maximise development in physical fitness, skill, and a positive attitude towards sporting activity. Children are encouraged to participate in a broad range of sporting activities during their physical education lessons, and in after-school training for teams.

All children in the primary school are taught to swim during their PE lessons, and many also join the thriving Gym Club. The climax of the sporting year is the College Sports day in June when all children have the chance to compete for their house in a range of events.

This is a splendid family day, and a fitting framework within which to witness the sporting talent and flair of children of all ages.

Care for the pupils' happiness is fostered in a family atmosphere of security and the enjoyment of a wide range of activities and interests, in and out of the classroom.

Children with special educational needs are identified early, and assistance from the Dyslexia Institute, which runs a programme in conjunction with the school, provides vital support to those pupils.

Sixth formers at St. John's College enjoy a separate common room and library provision of an area of quiet study. Students are encouraged to take an active part in all the opportunities which present themselves at sixth form level.

The staff share the common purpose of making St. John's College a centre of excellence in every apsect of its work. Their dedication to the progress of each pupil is therefore paramount. The College has an enviable record of examination results and top university admissions. St. John's also has a reputation for music and drama and offers opportunities to boys and girls to participate in choirs, orchestras and the annual drama productions.

Says Headmaster Dr. Neville : "We think the best way for you to experience St. John's College is to visit the school and come and talk with us.

"We want our pupils to be happy, to enjoy their years with us, contributing and giving themselves freely, so that they may take away lasting memories of their school days as they move on to leading universities and successful careers."

Parents are invited to telephone for an appointment to meet the Head and/or his senior colleagues. Please contact the Admissions Officer, Mr Andrew Johnson on 02920 778936.