Coleg y Cymoedd celebrates another year of outstanding learner success

13 August 2026

Learners and tutors across Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf have been celebrating as Coleg y Cymoedd boasts another year of successful A level and vocational results, with hundreds gaining places at their first-choice universities, securing apprenticeships and entering employment.

The college, the largest provider of A levels in Caerphilly and RCT, has reported another year of excellent academic outcomes, maintaining a pass rate of over 99% with continued strong A*-C grades at A-Level , as well as high pass rates across vocational qualifications.

Following the success of recent years, Coleg y Cymoedd continues to go from strength to strength, with this year’s results building on a sustained trend of high performance and progression.

The college’s Nantgarw-based A level Centre has seen another year of strong results, with 16 subject areas – including biology, physics, further mathematics, english literature, geography and history reporting 100% pass rates.

Alongside academic success, learners completing vocational qualifications have also achieved impressive outcomes, with over 900 students completing Level 3 courses in subjects including health and social care, construction, creative arts, sport, computing and engineering. These results reflect the college’s commitment to delivering high-quality technical education in line with local and national workforce needs.

As in previous years, the college’s commitment to learner wellbeing and personalised support has played a key role in helping learners overcome personal, financial and academic barriers to reach their goals. Initiatives such as the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), extensive wellbeing support and tailored pathways ensure every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

From aspiring scientists and mathematicians to performers, carers and entrepreneurs, Cymoedd learners continue to take up places at top universities and workplaces across the country.

Among  this year’s success stories is Dylan McCarthy, 18, from Coed Ely (Tonyrefail), who has overcome significant challenges throughout his education and is now preparing to take up a place at the University of Oxford, after gaining a place to study Experimental Psychology at St Catherine’s College.

Diagnosed with ADHD and autism at the age of six, Dylan faced significant difficulties throughout his early education. Primary school proved particularly challenging, resulting in permanent exclusion from two schools. The transition to secondary education was equally difficult, and by Year 8 he had transferred to a specialist Pupil Referral Unit that provides trauma-informed support for young people aged 11 to 16.

Despite the challenges he faced, Dylan remained determined to continue his education and make the most of every opportunity available to him.

When Dylan attended his interview at Coleg y Cymoedd, staff quickly recognised his maturity, intelligence and determination. He was offered the opportunity to study A Levels and embraced the chance to prove what he could achieve.

Now, he is preparing for his next challenge after receiving an offer achieving outstanding grades of A*A*A*A (including Welsh Baccalaureate) to study Experimental Psychology at St Catherine’s College, University of Oxford.

It was identical results and destinations for Matthew Goodwin and Iwan Matthews from Caerphilly. Both gained AAA and will study Medicine at Bangor University.

Twins, Erin and Madeleine Wakefield, 18, from Mountain Ash are also celebrating after their results will see them head on two different paths.

Erin achieved AAA and will study Politics and International Relations at Cardiff University, with Madeleine gaining A*AA to study Politics at Edinburgh University.

The former Mountain Ash comprehensive pupils have shared much of their educational journey together. Now, their futures are taking them in different directions.

Another set of twins celebrating are James and Sam Jones, 18 from Caerphilly. Both achieved Triple D* in their BTEC Construction and Built Environment course and will now complete their education journey together at Cardiff University to study Architecture.

Another learner celebrating is Wales’ leading table tennis star, Toby Harwood, from Caerphilly, who will study Physiotherapy at Sheffield Hallam University.

Toby gained AABB grades, which is even more impressive given that, during his time at Coleg y Cymoedd, Toby enjoyed remarkable success on the table tennis circuit.

Through the support of the college’s TASS programme, Toby was able to pursue his sporting ambitions without compromising his studies. He said: “Being part of the TASS scheme has enabled me to balance studying four A Levels while continuing to develop in my sport. During my time at college, I’ve been fortunate to win national titles, make my senior Welsh debut, and be selected for the Team Wales Commonwealth Championships Games 2026 squad.

Connie Dolloway, 18, from Caerphilly, becomes the first member of her family to attend university after securing impressive AAAA grades to study Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at University of Nottingham.

One of the highlights of her college experience was being able to study a unique combination of subjects that reflected her interests, including Welsh, which is a key part of the suite of A level subjects offered at the college.

Coleg y Cymoedd Principal, Jonathan Morgan, said: “We are immensely proud of our learners and their achievements this year. These results reflect not only their hard work and resilience but also the unwavering support of our dedicated tutors and support teams.

“Whether learners are progressing to university, higher-level apprenticeships, or straight into employment, we know they leave us with the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in their chosen fields.”