Today (14th August) is a landmark for education in the South Wales Valleys as the first A-level students to study at south Wales’ newest college celebrate their top results.
Overall, the first students to study at Coleg y Cymoedd’s new A-level Centre secured a 99 per cent pass rate at A-level.
The college also secured a rate of over 70 per cent A*-C grades with 21 out of the college’s 25 A-Level subject areas achieving a 100 per cent pass rate in subjects including  maths, English, chemistry, physics and history.
The largest provider of A-levels in Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf, the college’s A-level Centre officially launched in 2012 with the opening of the £40 million Nantgarw campus.
Currently over 600 students study at the centre, which offers the choice of 28 A/AS-level subjects, and operates as a partnership between the college, St David’s Catholic College Cardiff and Cardinal Newman Roman Catholic School in Pontypridd.
Notable individual A results achieved by Coleg y Cymoedd students include Shannon Britton, 18 from Ferndale who achieved A* grades in English and law and an A in history. She will be going to Oxford University’s Exeter College to study English. Chloe Ratcliffe, 18, from Treharris, who achieved three A grades in English, History and Maths and will be going to Kings College, London to study history. Jodie Hartley, 18, from Caerphilly achieved an A grade in Business Studies and B grades in History and Sociology. She will be going to the University of Gloucester to study early childhood studies.
Shannon Britton said: “I am so relieved to have achieved the grades I needed and am really excited to be heading to Oxford. I had hoped to do well but really didn’t expect the A* grades. I’m so grateful to Coleg y Cymoedd for all their support, especially in helping me to fast track my A-levels to complete them in just one year.â€
Chloe Ratcliffe said: “Unfortunately my grandfather passed away on the morning of my history exam so I really thought I had messed it up. My tutors were fantastic and helped in keep me positive, making sure I was focussed on getting through the exams. My grandfather would be so proud of my grades and what I’ve achieved.â€
Judith Evans, principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “Today marks Coleg y Cymoedd’s most significant milestone since the creation of the A-level Centre. Our exceptional performance at A-level is the deserved reward of two years’ hard work by the students and staff who support them.
“Our students’ personal and collective successes are a demonstration of Coleg y Cymoedd’s mission to strengthen the South Wales Valleys through excellent academic provision, delivered through south Wales’ broadest A-level curriculum.    Â
“On behalf of all the staff at the college, I would like to congratulate all A-level and AS students and wish them continued success as they progress with their college studies, move on to university, or take their first steps on the career ladder.
“At AS level Coleg y Cymoedd, saw a nine per cent increase on last year’s results which is extremely encouraging ahead of our A-level results in 2015.â€
Well done Chloe Ratcliffe, a Coleg y Cymoedd student who achieved 3 As at A-Level and will go to Kings College London to study History
Congratulations to student Aimee Lewis who is heading to the University of South Wales to study Business Management with Marketing
Congratulations to learner Rhys Davies who is heading to Swansea University to study Welsh and Spanish
Congratulations to talented student Owen Edwards who is heading to the University of South Wales to study Sound Technology
Congratulations to happy student Jodie Hartley from Caerphilly who achieved grades ABB and is heading to The University of Gloucester
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