Noisy Students Disturb Peace in Quaint St. Donat’s Village
St. Donat’s, a picturesque village nestled in the Vale of Glamorgan, is known for its tranquility and charm. However, local residents are fuming over a growing issue – the disruptive behavior of students from the renowned Atlantic College, often dubbed the “Hippie Hogwarts,” where tuition fees can reach a staggering £67,000 per year.
This unique institution, situated within a 12th-century castle, hosts a diverse student body, including European royalty. On weekends, these students descend upon the St. Donat’s Horseshoe Inn pub in boisterous groups, causing disturbances that have irked the village’s long-standing inhabitants.
One elderly farmer lamented, “They’re a blinking nuisance. Every Friday evening, they pile out of school in huge, noisy gangs and march off to the local pub, the Horseshoe Inn.” Despite being required to wear high-visibility vests, the students’ loud presence poses challenges for local drivers.
Moreover, their return to the school after a night of revelry is equally disruptive. Anthony Morrison, a local headteacher, shared the sentiments of frustrated villagers, stating, “The older locals who have lived here all their lives are not so positive about them. They also complain about the loud music and noise coming from inside the school when they put on events, such as celebrations.”
Atlantic College’s prestigious alumni list includes European royals such as Princess Leonor de Borbon, Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, and Princess Raiyah of Jordan. King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia even visited the village for Princess Leonor’s graduation in 2020.
Founded in 1962 by German educator Kurt Hahn, the school is known for its unconventional curriculum, offering courses in subjects like Tibetan literature and the “theory of knowledge.” The school’s alumni often describe it as a place where individuals from all over the world come together to foster global understanding.
Despite these challenges, St. Donat’s remains a peaceful village with only 500 residents. Atlantic College, with its 122 acres of coastal woodland, offers a unique educational experience, attracting students from 155 countries worldwide. Scholarships are available for some students, while others, like the royals, pay substantial fees.
The school’s diverse curriculum extends beyond academics, with students participating in activities such as Tai-Chi, Zumba, kayaking, and community service projects. UWC Atlantic College maintains a commitment to fostering harmony with its neighbors, organizing litter picks and other initiatives to give back to the local community.
While occasional noise complaints have arisen over the past year, the college administration is actively working to educate students about their impact and the importance of being mindful of their neighbors. St. Donat’s remains committed to maintaining its idyllic charm while accommodating its unique neighbors from Atlantic College.