THE COLLEGE Merthyr Tydfil is celebrating another successful year of A-level and vocational results with an overall A level pass rate of 98%. The results come at the same time as the college marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of innovation and outstanding learner achievement.
An overall A*-E grade was achieved by 98% of learners, with 23% attaining the very highest A*-A grades. Additionally, 78% of pupils achieved A*-C grades which equates to a 2% improvement of the college’s 2023 results.
Vocational learners also performed exceptionally well with many learners achieving the very highest distinction and distinction star grades.
Results highlights:
- Caitlin Jones – achieved an A* in Biology, A* in Maths, A* in Psychology and an A* in Chemistry and is the first person at the college to progress on to study a science related discipline at Oxford University.
- Sam Owen – achieved four A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics and will progress on to study a Maths and Physics Degree at Warwick University
- Isobel Strong – achieved A*s in Maths, Biology and Physics and is progressing on to study Natural Sciences at Exeter University.
- Jess Bird – achieved an A* in Government & Politics an A in Sociology and an A in Business Studies. Jess has been a key stakeholder in reforming Welsh GCSEs and Member of the Learner Advisory Group for Qualifications Wales. She will now go on to study a joint Politics and Sociology Degree at Cardiff University.
- Thomas Lancaster – achieved the highest possible D*D*D* in his sports course, overcoming barriers including being partially sighted. He will progress on to Cardiff Metropolitan University.
- Ethan Orton – Ethan also achieved D*D*D* in his sports course and will progress on to Derby University. Ethan previously represented Great Britain in badminton at the Special Olympics.
- Charlotte Hook – studied a Level 3 Travel and Tourism course and has overcome significant barriers to successfully complete her course and progress into employment at Penderyn Distillery.
- Iwan Davis – achieved a fantastic D*D*D in his BTEC Level 3 Information Technology course. Iwan is part of the college’s first cohort of Cyber College Cymru graduates and will now progress on to Swansea University to study Computer Science.
- Oliver Greenway – achieved the highest possible grades D*D*D* and will now progress on to study a Degree in Football Coaching and Performance at USW. He has also secured a part-time coaching role with Swansea City Academy.
- Past Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun pupil Thomas Lancaster has overcome lots of barriers, including being partially sighted, to achieve the highest possible D*D*D* in his Sports course. He is now progressing on to study a Sports Degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
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After months of hard work learners celebrated with family and friends as they opened their results envelopes and received their final university offers.
Lisa Thomas, principal at The College Merthyr Tydfil, said: “The college is incredibly proud to celebrate our tenth year of A level and vocational results, marking a decade of commitment to educational excellence and vocational advancement.
“Today’s results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of both our learners and staff.
“As a college, we pride ourselves on ensuring that our learners are well prepared for the ever-evolving demands of the workplace. I am so pleased to see not only the achievements of our A level learners but also the achievements and progression of those learners studying on our vocational programmes linked to key sector priorities, including health and care, nursing, engineering, digital and cyber technologies.”
One of the learners eagerly awaiting her results and confirmation of her place at the University of Oxford was former Cyfarthfa High School pupil Caitlin Jones. Caitlin achieved an outstanding four A*s in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Psychology and will now go on to study Biomedical Science at St Catherine’s College. Caitlin, who is the first person at the college to receive an offer to study a science-related discipline at Oxford University, has had a passion for science since taking part in a joint college and Merthyr Tydfil secondary schools Project Aspire programme when she was 11 years old. She is also a keen runner and has represented Wales in mountain and cross country championships.
“I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of studying science A levels at college,” Caitlin said. “The lessons were always engaging and informative and the support from the tutors has been fantastic. Through the support of my tutors, I’ve had the opportunity to attend and engage in a wide variety of extra-curricular work experience and scientific research placements, including an In2Science placement at the Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics at the Cardiff University Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge Selwyn College Summer school and the Cambridge STEM Smart programme. All of these opportunities really helped me with my application to Oxford.”
Sam Owen achieved A*A*A*A* in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics and will now go on to study a Physics and Maths Degree at Warwick University.
Sam said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry at Merthyr College. The college has enriched my learning through educational visits and events. My tutors across all my subjects have been very supportive throughout my A Level journey. They provided essential support in identifying suitable universities for my future educational journey.”
Celebrating excellent achievement in sport is Thomas Lancaster and Ethan Orton. Past Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun pupil Tom overcame numerous barriers, including being partially sighted, to achieve the highest possible D*D*D* in his sports course. He is now progressing on to study a sports degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Thomas said: “My course was very much suited to me because it was physically active and also used theory work within that which made it much easier to understand for myself. The college helped me tremendously as I was able to access the accessibility team who aided me with work.”
Ethan, who has represented Great Britain in the Special Olympics in Badminton, also achieved D*D*D* and is now progressing on to Derby University.
Millie Rae Hughes achieved an A in Biology and Chemistry and a B in Maths. Katie achieved an A* in Welsh and a B in Biology and Chemistry. Both girls are now hoping to progress on to study medicine.
Commenting on her time at college, Millie said: “I have enjoyed studying A level Biology, Maths and Chemistry during my time at Merthyr College. I feel my teachers have been extremely supportive and encouraging throughout both years. I have received advice from teachers for my personal statement which led me to get three offers to study medicine, I couldn’t be more grateful for all of the support.”
Isobel Strong is a former Hawthorn High School pupil who achieved a fantastic four A*s, providing her with the grades she needs to progress her studies in a STEM subject at university.
She said: “My time at college has been really enjoyable. The atmosphere is very friendly and my tutors have been so helpful over the past two years. One of the highlights was a visit to CERN which has inspired me to progress to studying a degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Exeter.”
Past Blessed Carlo Acutis pupils Mateusz Winmuller and Gabriella Latham achieved fantastic results. Mateusz achieved an A* in Biology and an A in Chemistry and Physics. He is now progressing on to study Biomedical Science at Cardiff University.
Gabriella achieved As in Maths and History and a C in Physics.
Humanities learners also performed exceptionally well. Former Tredegar comprehensive pupil Jess Bird achieved an A* in Government and Politics, an A in Business and an A in Sociology. She is now heading to Cardiff University to study a Politics and Sociology joint honours degree. As well as being an active member of the college’s Learner Senedd, Jess has also been an instrumental member of the Learner Advisory Group for Qualifications Wales, having a key input into the recent GCSE qualifications reforms.
She said: “Studying A-levels at Merthyr College for the last two years has been engaging, interesting and fun. The quality of learning and support from the staff is amazing and my lessons have encouraged me to continue my studies within Politics and Sociology at university.”
Ioan Rees, past Cyfarthfa High School pupil, achieved three A*s in Sociology, History and Psychology and a B in Maths. He is now heading to Warwick University to study History and Politics.
Ioan said: “My time at Merthyr College has been a brilliant learning experience. My tutors were all extremely supportive and always pushed me to achieve the absolute best I could. I am grateful for the opportunities this college has given me and I am now going to the University of Warwick to study History and Politics.”
Past Afon Taf learners Ryan Taylor and Elise Edwards achieved fantastic results. Ryan achieved A*s in History and Geography and an A in English Literature and Elise achieved a B and two Cs.
Ryan, who is now progressing on to study a History degree at York University, said: “I have enjoyed making friends at college as well as studying in an engaging environment whilst learning. The college has equipped me with the tools and skills I need to move on to study at university.”
Gabriella Lewis, past Blessed Carlo Acutis pupil, achieved a fantastic A* in Sociology, A in History, A in Religious Studies and an A in Government and Politics.
Computing learner and past Cyfarthfa High School pupil Noah Williams achieved an A* in Computing and Bs in History and Mathematics and is now heading to Cardiff University to study Applied Software Engineering. He said: “I have enjoyed studying at Merthyr college, my courses provided a groundwork to improve my skills in my degree. The staff have been very welcoming and made sure that I got the best out of my time here.”
Digital Technology learners achieved a fantastic 100% A-C pass rate across the board, with past Afon Taf pupil, Logan Hannah, achieving the very highest A* grade alongside an A in his Business Studies course.
Vocational learners have also celebrated another year of fantastic results.
Sports learner Oliver Greenway, achieved the highest possible grades, three Distinction Stars and will now progress on to study a degree in Football Coaching and Performance at USW. He has also secured a part time coaching role with Swansea City Academy.
Oliver volunteered with his local football club, Penydarren, to coach the under 8s team and has volunteered at FAW events. He will continue his coaching role alongside his degree.
This year marks the first year of completion for the Cyber College Cymru scheme, which has led to many learners gaining offers for apprenticeships and university places.
Iwan Davis, past Cyfarthfa High School pupil, achieved a fantastic D*D* D in his IT course and Cyber College Cymru programme and will now progress on to study computer science at Swansea University.
Charlotte Hook, studied a Level 3 Travel and Tourism course and has overcome significant barriers to successfully complete her course and progress into employment at Penderyn Distillery.
She said: “I enjoyed studying travel and tourism in college and all the amazing opportunities the course offers. When I first started college I didn’t have any confidence or motivation especially after not passing GCSE Maths, however my time at college and the travel tutors really supported, inspired and helped me move on to my next destination. This year in college my tutor found me work experience in Penderyn distillery that led to employment with them as a tour guide. Thank you to all travel tutors for everything!”
Bonnie Evans, also a Travel and Tourism learner, achieved a fantastic triple distinction and has successfully secured an apprenticeship with Tui.
Learners studying on the college’s Unformed Public Services course achieved a great set of results. Past St John The Baptist pupil Isaak Watson achieved the very highest triple distinction star grades with Cory Pearce and Connor Hardy achieving triple distinctions.
It has also been another successful year for The College’s Nursing Cadet Scheme. The programme helps young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds access nursing qualifications, addressing the UK shortage of nurses.
One of those students, Madison Wathan, past Blessed Carlo Acutis pupil, achieved BCC and will now progress on to study midwifery at the University of West of England.
Katie Thomas, past Afon Taf High School pupil, achieved a fantastic merit in her Level 3 Childcare course. Katie who is a young carer for her siblings and also her grandmother has overcome lots of barriers to really achieve the very best she can on her course.
Access to Higher Education learners are also all celebrating excellent results and progression on to university. Macie Smith is progressing on to study Mental Health Nursing at Swansea University. Commenting on her time at college, she said: “My time at the college has been excellent, studying the access to healthcare class has set me up ready to study mental health nursing and has prepared me for the assignments and for what to expect within higher education.”
Alice Crawley is progressing on to study Midwifery at the University of South Wales.
She said: “For me going back into education as a mature student was a scary step, I couldn’t have asked for better, more supportive and encouraging tutors, especially Kelly Murphy and Lisa George.
“Small class sizes meant everyone bonded really well and more in-depth support could be given to those who needed it! The help with UCAS, personal statements and interviews along with talks from previous students really helped prepare me for my next steps. I couldn’t recommend the college enough!”
