The United World College of the Atlantic, more commonly referred to simply as Atlantic College, is an internationally-prestiged private boarding school in Wales, United Kingdom. It was the first of the United World Colleges founded in 1962 by the German educationalist Kurt Hahn who also set up Gordonstoun School in Scotland and the Salem School in Germany.
The school's mission is to enable students "to become positive agents of change through action and life choice, fulfilling individual potential and recognizing individual responsibilities as global citizens". Students from over 80 countries participate in Atlantic College's rigorous two-year programme in which they combine academic studies with activities and service, most on either partial or full scholarships. Admission, and scholarship awards, are decided by individual UWC committees around the world, which also send students to the other United World Colleges.
Atlantic College is located at St. Donat's Castle, a 12th century castle near the town of Llantwit Major on the South Wales coast, overlooking the Bristol Channel. The extensive grounds also include the 12th century St. Donat's Chapel and the historic terraced gardens, as well as preserved woodland, farmland and heritage coastline. St. Donat's Castle is the impressive main building of the school housing the Gothic Dining Hall, The Great (Bradenstoke) Hall, the Tudor Hall, extensive Library and certain academic departments. Students live in 7 accommodation houses named after Welsh counties and benefactors: Dyfed, Morgannwg, Powys, Gwynedd, Whitaker, Tice and Sunley.
Lessons take place in modern academic blocks and converted Medieval estate buildings. Next to the castle are the Social / Gymnasium blocks and the 12th Century Tithe barn (used by the college and open to the public as a theatre, arts centre and cinema). This building with its contemporary glazed extension by notable local architect Chris Loyn, has received much praise in the UK architectural community as well as from groups interested in building conservation.
Since 1972 the sole academic programme has been the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The College was influential in the creation of the International Baccalaureate and continues to be actively involved in its development. The average pupil at Atlantic College scores 37 in their IB diploma, a full 10 points higher than the worldwide average. This high level of academic attainment is reflected in the destinations of the school's graduates.
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