A Cardiff school whose sixth form is based on a business park has been named the top independent school in Wales by the Sunday Times newspaper.

St John’s College Cardiff, a 3-18 day school based in Old St Mellons, won the award on the strength of its GCSE and A-level results between 2017 and 2019.

But it was its A-level results that particularly stood out, with more than 98 per cent graded A*-B in 2017 – the best in the UK.

Deputy head Joanne Gordon-Smith said: “This is a wonderful achievement for the College, as historically, we have always been recognised for our A level results alone. We are really proud that the hard work we have put into improving outcomes at GCSE has been recognised in this way.

“This award is also a reflection of the work that goes on in the Nursery, Infant and Junior schools in preparing pupils for academic success in their later years.”

The school’s 87-strong sixth form is housed on a university-style campus in Cardiff’s Eastern Business Park, which Joanne Gordon-Smith said had helped contribute to its success.

“Having the campus on the business park gives our students a greater level of freedom and independence,” she said. “Being in that business environment where they are surrounded by professionals shows them the standards expected. It’s like a stepping stone between school and university that helps prepare them for the next phase of life.”

John Jones, Senior Asset and Development Manager for Robert Hitchins Limited, which owns Eastern Business Park, said:

“We are proud to host St John’s College Cardiff’s sixth form at Eastern Business Park. The campus style environment which includes the Milk & Sugar restaurant and Energie fitness gym provide the students with a real-world business environment, from which they have flourished both academically and socially. We congratulate them on their well-deserved award.”