Founded and endowed by Dr. Thomas Phillips in 1848, the College is beautifully sited admidst magnificent countryside in the small market town of Llandovery. The extensive grounds and playing fields run alongside 2 miles of the River Towy. It was founded to provide a classical, liberal and scientific education. The original buildings are handsome and well appointed and there has been a steady programme of development leaving the College very well equipped.
There is daily worship in the recently refurbished College Chapel a weekly celebration of the Eucharist. Academically - as in other respects - Llandovery is one of the most distinguished schools in Wales. The staff:pupil ratio is about 1:9. Academic standards are high and results consistently good. A special unit for able, dyslexic children was opened in 1992. A high percentage of pupils proceed to universities and other colleges of tertiary education.
Sports and games are compulsory and the college has outstanding record especially in Rugby Football with frequent representation at county, regional and national level. There is considerable emphasis on outdoor pursuits and with a high success level in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
There is an annual programme of visiting artistes and lecturers with good participation in music and drama. A major development programme over the last seven years to provide a new Sports Hall, two Computer Networks, a Library and a Design Technology Centre is complete. Work is currently in progress on constructing a performing arts centre and an all-weather playing surface the completion of which will be celebrated during the 150th anniversary year in 1997/98.
