Coleg y Cymoedd is once again celebrating exceptional achievements across both A level and vocational courses as learners from across Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf collect their results and take the next steps in their education and careers.
The college, the largest provider of A levels in Caerphilly and RCT, has reported another year of excellent academic outcomes, including a 99.7% pass rate and continued strong A*-C grades across its academic provision, as well as high pass rates across vocational qualifications. Hundreds of learners have now confirmed places at top universities, training providers, and employers across the UK.
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 strong year of results, with a 5.5% rise in A*-A grades compared to last year, and 23 subject areas – including sciences, further maths, English, Welsh, geography, and history – again reporting 100% pass rates.
These outstanding results highlight the Centre’s exceptional academic and pastoral support, recognised earlier this year with the prestigious National Association for Able Children (NACE) Challenge Award. Coleg y Cymoedd became only the second Further Education College in the UK to receive the accolade, which celebrates the comprehensive range of initiatives and services in place to help more able and talented A level learners reach their full academic potential.
Alongside academic success, learners completing vocational qualifications have also achieved impressive outcomes, with more than 900 students completing Level 3 courses in subjects including health and social care, construction and the built environment, 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.
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.”
This year’s achievements follow Coleg y Cymoedd’s recent Estyn inspection, which praised the college’s supportive learning environment, strong pastoral services, and use of cutting-edge digital tools like virtual reality and AI. Inspectors also highlighted the strength of professional learning and a clear strategic vision underpinned by ethical leadership. Notably, Estyn commended the college’s sector-leading practices and the significant progress made since the last inspection, particularly in terms of learner outcomes.
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 such as Access to Higher Education diplomas continue to widen participation and 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 19-year-old Carys-Megan James, from Ferndale, who achieved four A*s in Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Further Maths, securing her place to study Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Warwick. A former UK Youth Parliament representative who has spoken at the House of Commons, Carys-Megan is passionate about social justice and credits the college’s supportive environment for helping her thrive.
Joining her in celebrating top grades is Charlie Bainbridge, 18, from Caerphilly, who achieved A*s in Maths, Further Maths and Physics, plus an A in Chemistry, and will study Maths at Cardiff University. Having managed long-term anxiety around travel, Charlie chose to remain close to home to prioritise his wellbeing while pursuing his academic ambitions.
Another standout learner is Olwen Watts, 18, from Caerphilly, who achieved A*A*A in Maths, Sociology, and Government and Politics, and has secured a place to study International Relations at the University of Exeter in 2026. Currently on a global gap year, Olwen is travelling and working in New Zealand and Australia to gain life experience ahead of a future career in diplomacy or humanitarian work.
Representing Cymoedd’s vocational department are Caerphilly learners Dylan Griffiths, 19 and Leon Hayton, 18. Dylan is celebrating after completing his Music Practitioners diploma while undergoing treatment for stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma. Now cancer-free, Dylan has secured a place to study Popular Commercial Music at the University of South Wales and dreams of a career as a music producer or performing with his own band.
Meanwhile, Leon, who achieved a Merit in his Level 1 Diploma in Public Services, has returned from a summer in Utah working at a Camp America – a specialist camp for young people with additional needs. The experience gave him new skills, boosted his confidence, and inspired ambitions for a career in policing or social care.
With applications for next year already open and new investments in digital, healthcare, and sustainability-focused provisions underway, Coleg y Cymoedd looks forward to welcoming its next generation of learners in September.
