College Merthyr Tydfil learners hit the 99% pass rate, again!

This morning, students at The College Merthyr Tydfil celebrated another successful year of A-level and vocational results with an overall 99% pass rate.

After months of hard work and studying followed by exams and assessments, there were celebrations all-round as students opened their impressive results and subsequent university offers.

The college has once again exceeded expectations and achieved:

• An overall A Level pass rate (A*-E) of 99%
• 29% of students achieved the very highest A*-A grades
• 11% of learners gaining the highest A* grade
• 76% of learners achieving A*-C grades.

Results highlights:

• Ismail Ahmad Shaikh achieved 3 As in Psychology, Chemistry and Physics and an A* in Biology in and will be attending Exeter to study medicine
• Cari Hope-Davies achieved 3 A*s and will be attending Oxford University to study Law
• Kian achieved a distinction in his L3 Games Design qualification and will be attending University of South Wales to study Games Design

Lisa Thomas, Principal of The College commented:

“This has been another hugely successful and encouraging year for both A-Level and vocational qualifications at The College Merthyr Tydfil, showcasing the positive impact we are having on education in Merthyr as we approach our 10th anniversary year.  

I am incredibly proud of all of the learners. The successes they have achieved are testament to their hard work and determination. I would also like to thank our staff for their hard work and commitment in supporting our learners to achieve the very best they can. 

We strive to provide industry relevant courses, pathways and opportunities. I am delighted to see increasing numbers of our learners progressing into degree programmes and higher apprenticeships in key sector priority areas, including Cyber Security, Nursing and Health, Renewable Energy Engineering and Games Design.”

One learner, Ismail, moved to Wales from India just days before starting at Merthyr College. Learning English as he studied, he excelled in his choice of STEM subjects, inspired to study towards a degree in medicine after his grandmother was diagnosed with dementia. Ismail has received 3As and an A* and will now be attending Exeter University to study Medicine.

Commenting on his achievements, Ismail stated,

“The support provided by the teaching and the non-teaching staff is paramount in my success and has played a significant role for the betterment of my wellbeing and mental health during my time here.

The college has facilitated me to get opportunities which helped me confirm what I want to do and why and at the end left a more than ever passionate me.

My time at college has moulded me to become a person who is ready to take steps necessary to pursue the future that is waiting for me.”

Another of Merthyr College’s high achievers who awaited her results and confirmation of her place at Oxford University was past Afon Taf High School pupil Cari Hope-Davies, who applied to study at Oxford University with encouragement from the college’s learner support and wellbeing team. Cari has gone onto achieve 3 impressive A*s. She will now go on to study Law at Oxford University.

Commenting on her results, Cari said, "I've really enjoyed studying English, History and Sociology over the last two years. Studying these subjects with the support of the amazing tutors in Merthyr College really helped me to develop my confidence and has prepared me to pursue a degree in Law at Oxford University.”

This year also marks the first year of completion for The College’s Nursing Cadet Scheme. The programme, in partnership with The Royal College of Nursing, inspires young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to work in health and care by giving them access to opportunities for academic study and hands-on experience in the nursing and health sector.

Nursing Cadet Scheme learner Ellie Probert is now going onto study Paediatric Nursing at the University of South Wales. Speaking about her achievement, she said

“Having the opportunity to experience BLS and manual handling through Nursing Cadets before university has been an amazing opportunity, and it’s really prepared for starting a career in paediatric Nursing. The support at Merthyr college has always been amazing.”