Coleg y Cymoedd is today (16^th August) celebrating another year of strong A-level and vocational results which will see learners head across the country to study at some of the UK’s top universities.

The college’s Sixth Form Centre, based at Nantgarw, has seen another year of exceptional exam results, with an overall 98 per cent pass rate, and with 15 of the college’s 22 subject areas achieving a 100 per cent pass rate, including further maths, history, geography, law and English language and literature.

The number of learners achieving A*-C grades has also increased significantly, up 13% on last year, demonstrating the college’s commitment to continually improving the quality of the teaching and learning it provides.  

As a result, learners from across Rhondda Cynon Taff and the Caerphilly borough are now able to take the next step towards their dream careers through achieving places at leading universities in their chosen fields.

The day’s outstanding achievements include eighteen-year-old Chloe Jones, from Rhondda, who will be heading to Cardiff University to study Sociology after achieving A*AA grades in sociology, psychology and English.

Nineteen-year-old maths learner Harriet Hooper, from Church Village, is set to study at Economic at Exeter University after achieving A*AB grades in maths, history and further maths. The aspiring investment banker is well on her way to achieving her career goal after securing her place at the prestigious university.

Harriet said: “I’ve worked really hard for my A-levels so I’m thrilled with my results today. The exams were really hard so I was a bit concerned, but to hear I’ve got into university had made me really happy. I’m extremely thankful to my tutors – they’re real specialists in their subjects and have provided me with a lot of support, helping me to achieve the results I needed. I’m really excited to head off to university and to start my dream career.”

Also championing Coleg y Cymoedd is humanities learner Kirstyn Evans, 19, who will be off to Bristol University in September to complete a course in English after achieving A*AB in religious studies,  English language and literature, and history respectively. 

Meanwhile, Gethyn Long, 21, from Beddau, is looking forward to studying Archaeology and Medical History at Cardiff University.  Gethyn returned to college as a mature learner following three years out of education while training for the army. After a heart condition prevented him from pursuing his original plans to become a combat medic, Gethyn decided to head to college where he fell in love with history.

The aspiring historian achieved ABC grades in history, English and criminology and hopes to pursue a career researching Welsh history throughout the ages.

Gethyn said: “I’m really happy with my results today and thankful I returned to education after my setbacks. It was challenging coming back after a few year years out but so worth it! College has set the foundations for me to do everything I want to do and enabled me to get on my dream course. I’m looking forward to kick-starting my career looking into Wales’ history. From the fall of the Roman empire to today, we know very little about our country’s development, so this is an area I am very passionate about!”

In addition to impressive A-level results, the college is also celebrating a year which has seen the best ever results for vocational learners, enabling them to progress to university level or the workplace.

Judith Evans, Principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “Today’s results mark another year of exceptional academic achievements for both our A-level and vocational learners at Coleg y Cymoedd. These results are the much-deserved reward for the hard work and dedication learners have applied to their personal development, and are also testament to the high quality of teaching and pastoral support provided by our team.

“We are committed to providing the highest quality of education possible to the South Wales Valleys and today’s successes highlight the real value that Coleg y Cymoedd brings to the region.

“We are very proud of all of the learners receiving their results today and would like to congratulate each and every one of them. We wish them the very best for the future, whatever they decide to do, whether that is to head to university, an apprenticeship, further education or training, or taking their first steps on the career ladder.”

Established in 2012, the college’s Sixth Form Centre offers learners the choice of 21 AS and A-level subject options, as well as 6 BTEC Level Three options to choose from.  With over 165 A2 and 177 AS learners receiving results today, Coleg y Cymoedd is the largest A-level provider in Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

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