Founded in 1860 as a school for girls, the school was built by the Drapers’ Company from the endowment left in 1537 by Thomas Howell, son of a Welshman, merchant of London, Bristol and Seville and a Draper.

Howell’s School Llandaff is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust GDST, the leading network of independent girls’ schools in the UK. As a charity that owns and runs 25 schools and two academies, it reinvests all its income in its schools.

Founded in 1860, Howell’s has long been known for its academic excellence, its vibrant community, and its commitment to empowering young people. We are modern, innovative, and forward-looking, preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing world.

The most recent ESTYN inspection, in 2024, found that:

"Howell’s School is an extremely happy school community built upon a culture of kindness and the humble pursuit of excellence. Collectively, senior leaders, governors and staff have fostered an environment which values learning, opportunity and growth.

At Howell’s, our purpose is clear: to inspire each individual to discover what they love, to nurture their confidence, and to equip them to achieve their goals. Ambition looks different for every student, and we celebrate and support that individuality. We take the time to know our students personally, enabling them to flourish both inside and outside the classroom.

Our school is a kind, inclusive and welcoming community. We are outward-facing and connected and this spirit of connection strengthens us and ensures that Howell’s students grow into confident, compassionate, and curious young people.