Atlantic College (AC) is a school where selected students from all over the world live and study together for the last two years before attending university. The majority of students come on scholarships from their governments, from companies and from other public bodies, and increasingly from our own ex-student community: the aim is to allow entry to the College regardless of means.

Founded in 1962 by Kurt Hahn, Atlantic College was the first of the by now ten United World Colleges (UWCs) that exist throughout the world. The campus, providing a home for the 350 students and 40 staff, is an estate with the medieval St Donats Castle at its heart, on the south coast of Wales, some 30 km from Cardiff.

(Other AC sites:
www.atlanticcollege.org, www.uwcac.org.uk.)
The ten UWCs share an educational philosophy, which consists of three essential elements:

a strong academic programme: All students study for two years for the diploma of the International Baccalaureate, a demanding course which is the most widely recognised qualification for university entry worldwide. This enables students to continue their studies in renowned institutions and to put into practice in later life what they have learnt at the College.

international understanding: "How can there be peace without people understanding each other; and how can this be if they don't know each other?" Lester B. Pearson "The principles and values that UWC-students share are more relevant than ever before to the well-being of the earth and its human family." HM Queen Noor of Jordan, UWC President

community service: "There are three ways of trying to capture the young. One is to preach to them – this is a hook without a worm. The second is to coerce them and to tell them 'You must volunteer' – that is of the devil. The third – an appeal which never fails: 'You are needed.'" Kurt Hahn

Through international education, experience and community service, United World Colleges enable young people to become responsible citizens, politically and environmentally aware and committed to the ideals of peace and justice, understanding and cooperation, and the implementation of these ideals through action and personal example.

(Website: www.uwc.org.)