What Learners Say

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A Levels
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Euan Balman
“I have loved photography for as long as I can remember and knew I wanted to make a career out of photography; opening my own studio has always been the ultimate dream. I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped make this possible including my tutors at Coleg y Cymoedd.”
Euan Balman
Level 3 Creative Media Technology
Matthew Brown
“There are a number of benefits to studying at Coleg y Cymoedd including the lecturers that are always ready to help you with your work, nothing was ever too much trouble and they are all super friendly. They have also made the course as practical as possible by organising visits to local businesses so that students can talk to entrepreneurs about their experiences with the process of starting a new business. Matthew is studying Business and Management at the University of South Wales ”
Matthew Brown
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business
Rio Griffiths
“I’d definitely recommend Coleg y Cymoedd. It’s a great place for creative minds. It’s a friendly environment and you meet so many new people. I am now studying Law at the University of Bristol.”
Rio Griffiths
A-Levels
Aled Evans
“The college is recognised nationally as a fantastic establishment for developing successful athletes, and individuals. The college provided me the opportunity to develop friendships to who I am still friends with 7 years on.”
Aled Evans
BTEC Level 3 in Sport
Callum Haggett
“My results were such a relief and is a real testament to the work I’ve put in over the last couple of years. I really can’t thank Coleg y Cymoedd enough for their support. They’ve really gone the extra mile to make sure I got the results I needed, from organising additional tutoring to allowing me extra time to fit in my rugby career.”
Callum Haggett
A Levels
Leah Morgan
“It has been difficult studying through Covid, especially during the lockdowns, but when I received my conditional offer from Swansea University, it showed me that I could make the grades and gave me the motivation I needed. I have to thank the tutors who have provided so much help and support throughout the course." Leah achieved four A* grades in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics and secured a place at Swansea University to study Nuclear Medicine. She is one of a handful of learners in Wales to be awarded an NHS Bursary, which will see her tuition fees paid for by NHS Wales and Welsh Government, and a job working in nuclear medicine guaranteed upon completion of her degree. ”
Leah Morgan
A-Levels in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Brittany Whitcombe
“Completing qualifications while being a young carer hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to work extra hard to ensure I met the deadlines and completed work to a good standard while taking care of my younger sister and family friend. The college has been incredibly supportive and understanding. My tutors encouraged me along the way and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, I’m so excited to get started on my journey to becoming a primary school teacher.” Brittany has started towards her dream job of becoming a Primary School Teacher, securing a place at Cardiff Metropolitan University; after successfully completing Level 3 Childcare. ”
Brittany Whitcombe
Level 3 for Children’s Care
Kai John Ward
“I really enjoyed the bike maintenance. It was great to be given the opportunity to take part in hands on practical work that taught us helpful new skills outside of the classroom environment.”
Kai John Ward
Bike Maintenance /Duke of Edinburgh
Adele Elliott
“Coleg y Cymoedd is a fantastic college with amazing tutors. They were so patient and adapted to my individual needs. I am so grateful for my training and I am now following my passion of running my own business as a Reflexologist. It’s never too late to start something new. Adele has open her own business, ‘Cariad Holistic Therapies’, based in Treorchy, Rhondda. ”
Adele Elliott
Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology
Ffion Williams
“I have always loved science and I’m really interested in pursuing a career in vaccine development and research. I also love netball and have enjoyed playing for Coleg y Cymoedd over the last couple of years so I’m really hoping to play it alongside my degree." Ffion achieved AAA in A level Biology, Geography and Maths as well as a Distinction* in Level 3 Sport. A keen netballer, Ffion is part of Coleg y Cymoedd’s Netball Academy and has represented the college in numerous tournaments. Ffion secured a place at Exeter University to study Biomedical Science. ”
Ffion Williams
A Levels
Connor Paskell
“I would definitely recommend Coleg y Cymoedd and the courses on offer, it is a nationally-recognised college with excellent facilities. It has good access, knowledgeable and experienced tutors as well as helpful learning resources which are free for all learners to access.”
Connor Paskell
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering
Caitlin Morris
“The staff are approachable and easy to talk to and made the college a great environment to be in. Having such a practical element in the course also aided me in getting coaching jobs as I had already had a lot of hands-on experience coaching at college.”
Caitlin Morris
BTEC Level 3 in Sport
Sophie Davies
“The Health & Social course has helped me to achieve my ambitions because it has provided me with an alternative route of getting into university. It has also given me a great amount of teaching in a wide variety of subjects that I will be able to apply in my midwifery practice in the future.”
Sophie Davies
Level 3 Health & Social Care
Tracey Dobbs
“It was absolutely amazing to find out I’d won not just one, but three awards. I’m not the most confident person so getting this recognition has been a huge confidence boost for me. As a photographer, the awards have helped to build my credibility professionally and enabled me to get my name out there. My course tutors, Jessica Emanuel and Ian Burgum have been brilliant, encouraging me to enter the awards, and supporting me throughout the whole process.”
Tracey Dobbs
Foundation Degree Photography
Jamie Jones
“I’m really happy to have been awarded the Apprentice Endeavour award that recognises and appreciates the hard work I’ve put in. Coleg y Cymoedd and FSG Tool and Die have been incredibly supportive.”
Jamie Jones
Level 2 and VRQ Diploma in Engineering; Apprenticeship with FSG Tool and Die
Ellie Jones
“I would recommend Coleg y Cymoedd and the course to others as it is filled with lots of opportunities and plenty of support. The course has helped me achieve my ambitions by giving me the knowledge I need for the future and allowing me to gain UCAS points and the grades I need to go to university.”
Ellie Jones
Level 3 for Children’s Care
Ciara Bibey
“Ciara balanced college studies with a part-time job at McDonald’s. She said: “Trying to juggle shifts with college work was quite hard but worth it and my tutors were all really supportive. I’ve always wanted to do something with dentistry, but didn’t want to be an actual dentist because of the five years it takes at university. I was speaking to my orthodontist, who said his wife was a dental hygienist and therapist and loved her job. I researched it and thought ‘I want to do that’!” Ciara has headed off to the University of Birmingham to study Dental Hygiene and Therapy after receiving two A*’s in Biology and Psychology and two B’s in Chemistry and Welsh Baccalaureate. ”
Ciara Bibey
A-Levels in Biology, Psychology, Chemistry and Welsh Baccalaureate
Benjamin Phillips
“I would recommend Coleg y Cymoedd as the course I studied gave me experience in a lot of areas in the music industry and access to excellent facilities. I achieved a Distinction in my course and I’m going on to study a Music Production course at University of South Wales.”
Benjamin Phillips
Rock School Level 3 Music Practitioners
Maria Francis Jones
“I chose Coleg y Cymoedd as it was the best college in Wales for me to pursue my football career. I gained my first International Women’s Senior Welsh cap whilst playing and studying. I have signed for Manchester City F.C. and will study at Manchester Metropolitan University.”
Maria Francis Jones
Level 3 in Sport
Emma Blackburn
“I never really enjoyed a school environment and wanted some more independence with my studies. I was really impressed at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Open Day and how friendly the tutors were, so I decided to study there for my A Levels.”
Emma Blackburn
A Levels
Booker T Skelding
“I recently won Gold in Wales Skills with a set of seascape images taken around Wales (as part of the Visit Wales Campaign). My lecturer, Jessica Emanuel, saw my potential and suggested I put myself forward. I remember Jess looking at my Landscape photographs in Year 1 and saying to me how talented I was and referred to me as ‘a photographer’. She noticed my potential and has helped me to understand complex procedures connected with photography. I am inspired by Jess’s commitment and relentless dedication she applies to her role, she makes it her life and puts her heart and soul into developing her students and her department into a success. I have 19 years experience of being supervised as a Police Officer and 11 years experience of being a network analyst. However, during that time, I’ve not met a Supervisor, Sergeant, Inspector or Team Leader that has developed me or other peers like Jess has. She is an absolute credit to Coleg Y Cymoedd/University of South Wales, and her passion for sharing her expertise and knowledge in Photography and the Industry is second to none. ”
Booker T Skelding
Foundation Degree Photography
Carrie Seymour
“I had always enjoyed doing painting and decorating projects such as renovating my children’s bedrooms or helping friends put up new wallpaper. Seeing the finished work would make me feel really proud and I knew that it was something that I wanted to pursue further career wise, and Coleg y Cymoedd has helped to achieve that.”
Carrie Seymour
Painting & Decorating
Verity-Ann Lewis
“I have to thank my tutors for the support and encouragement they have given me. The college has provided fantastic facilities and tuition, which has enabled me to achieve my goals.”
Verity-Ann Lewis
Level 3 Patisserie and Confectionary
Michael Coggan
“It’s been wonderful to return to the place where I developed my love for patisserie in the first place, to give a masterclass to the learners. Without the support and opportunities I received at the college, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I want to thank the tutors for the support I received when I was a learner myself. My dream was to own my own business which I now have.” Michael is co-owner of Gin & Bake in Cardiff Bay with another former learner, Andrew Minto; they are also winners of Channel 4’s ‘Bake Off: The Professionals’ ”
Michael Coggan
Level 3 Professional Cookery
Megan James
“I chose Coleg y Cymoedd as I attended an Open Event and the tutors were so passionate about the course that I was interested in. I’ve had a great experience and learnt a lot of new skills. One of the highlights has been working alongside a professional photographer to see how my work translates on to camera. My dream career would be to work onset as a make-up artist.”
Megan James
Level 3 Hair, Make-Up and Special Effects
Ellie Wilkins
“I really enjoyed my time at the college, the course was the perfect qualification - it’s given me the skills, knowledge and confidence to work in the industry. It is such a friendly environment and the facilities are excellent. I am so excited to start working at Celtic Manor Resort, a 5 Star Spa Hotel – a big thank you to all at Cymoedd.”
Ellie Wilkins
Level 3 Beauty Therapy
Jacob Mansell
“I’m really excited to be studying Prop Making at the college, the links with Screen Alliance Wales will provide valuable work experience and the opportunity to work with professionals; which will be crucial to boosting my employment opportunities in the creative industries.”
Jacob Mansell
TV and Film Prop Making
Emily Poole
“Coleg Y Cymoedd supported and encouraged welsh speaking students and this was a huge benefit for me. Studying at the college provided me with practical experience and life skills, which meant I had more confidence and I was more ambitious when I left for New York.”
Emily Poole
BTEC Level 3 in Sport
Andrew Williams
“I cannot recommend this college enough, I feel that alongside the academic success I’ve had during my time here I have also grown a lot personally thanks to my personal tutors who have helped me learn to take confidence in my abilities, aim as high as I want, and to pay no attention to any prejudices that I may face.”
Andrew Williams
A Levels
Sarah Clode
“Thank you Coleg y Cymoedd for the amount of opportunities offered at the college. Through my course I realised my dream career goal. I achieved Triple Distinction* and will be studying at the prestigious Italia Conti, London.”
Sarah Clode
Level 3 Performing Arts
Owain Jones
“I am so thankful to Coleg y Cymoedd for introducing me to Future Elite Sports, as well as for my tutors Phil Thomas, Daniel Thomas and the football coaching staff for helping me achieve this goal of mine. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today with regards to my football knowledge and confidence. To be able to secure a place to study abroad is something I’m proud of. I’m so excited to see what this opportunity has in store for me and can’t wait to take part in the top-class training Jamestown Community College Athletics in Chautauqua, New York has to offer. Owain, secured a place at New York-based Jamestown Community College. ”
Owain Jones
Level 3 in Sport
Megan Evans
“The encouragement you get from your tutors is incredible, I always felt that if I needed help, my tutors were always there to give me advice and support. There is also a sense of freedom at college and you feel more responsible for your own work. You get back what you put into your work and I was always happy with my results thanks to the guidance from my tutors and peers.”
Megan Evans
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business

Aberdare

Wellington Street
Aberdare
Rhondda Cynon Taff
CF44 8EN

Nantgarw

Heol y Coleg
Parc Nantgarw
Cardiff
CF15 7QY

Rhondda

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Tonypandy
Rhondda Cynon Taff
CF40 2TQ

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Twyn Road
Ystrad Mynach
Hengoed
CF82 7XR

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