Oxford offer on the table for Cymoedd learner

A Learner from the Valleys has just been told he has a place at Oxford University next year following the completion of his A-levels this summer. 

Kristian Hallett, 18, a Cardinal Newman Catholic School student from Ystrad Mynach, is currently studying at Coleg y Cymoedd’s A-level centre in Nantgarw, which operates in close partnership with Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Pontypridd.

He first set his sights on a place at the prestigious university last year, when he and four of his classmates were invited to attend Oxford’s sought after summer school programme.

During that week Kristian was given the chance to experience what life as a student at Oxford had to offer and spent his time attending lectures, seminars, workshops and social life at the university.   

Shortly after he returned from his visit, Kristian learned that he had excelled at AS-level, scoring 100 percent in his History exam. At that point he made the decision to apply to Oxford.    

Kristian is currently studying for his exams in psychology, history, English language and literature at Coleg y Cymoedd’s A-level centre, which is based at its Nantgarw campus.

Kristian has now received a conditional offer to study Ancient and Modern History at the University of Oxford’s Regent’s Park College. Talking about his plans for the future at Oxford, Kristian said: “I’d never considered Oxford to be an option until I moved into the Sixth Form. My pastoral tutor encouraged me to give Oxford some serious thought and suggested I apply for the university’s summer school. It was good advice, because that week on the campus showed me that my goal was achievable. Oxford felt like a good fit for me.

“Receiving the offer took me a bit by surprise. I knew that some of the friends I’d made during my visit had received their offers, but I still hadn’t received an email. One day I came home to find a letter waiting for me, it looked like any other mail until I opened it and saw the good news.”  

Kristian will sit his A-level exams this summer, but like all students in the UK, he will need to wait until the 18^th August to finally confirm his place at Oxford.        

Commenting on Kristian’s Oxford offer, Judith Evans, principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “We are extremely proud of Kristian. Securing an offer to attend Oxford requires true dedication and hard work; we are thrilled to see that his efforts and potential have been recognised by Oxford University and we will support him all the way. 

“Learners like Kristian exemplify the talent that exists in the South Wales Valleys. As a college it is our mission to ensure that every learner in our catchment has access to the very best education, skills and training opportunities.”

Coleg y Cymoedd’s A-level centre operates as a partnership between the college, Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Pontypridd and St David’s Catholic College Cardiff, making it the largest provider of A-levels in Rhondda Cynon Taff and Caerphilly.

Justin O’Sullivan, Head Teacher at Cardinal Newman Roman Catholic School, said: “We are delighted that Kristian has received an offer from Oxford. He is a first-class, yet unassuming,  student who has always shown true potential, which he enhances with hard work. He deserves his wonderful results and Oxford offer. ”

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