* Exclusively for women (historically): Many Carmel Colleges, particularly the ones in the UK with a long history, were founded and operated exclusively for women. This provided a unique educational environment and fostered a strong sense of community among female students. Note that this may have changed in some instances.
* Religious affiliation (often Catholic): Many Carmel Colleges have strong ties to the Catholic Church and integrate faith-based values into their ethos. This is reflected in their history, values, and sometimes their curriculum.
* Emphasis on values and character development: Beyond academic excellence, these colleges often place a significant emphasis on developing students' character, moral values, and social responsibility.
* Small size and close-knit community: The overall size often contributes to a very close-knit community, where students and faculty know each other well. This fosters a supportive and nurturing environment.
* Specific academic strengths (depending on the college): While the focus on character is common, different Carmel colleges may have particular strengths in certain academic areas.
Therefore, "special" depends on the specific Carmel College you mean and what aspects are important to you. To get a more precise answer, specifying the location of the Carmel College you're interested in would be helpful.