Success all around: College celebrates outstanding A Level & Level 3 Results amidst excellent Estyn report

Success all around: College celebrates outstanding Level 3 Results amidst excellent Estyn report

The College Merthyr Tydfil is celebrating another successful year of A-level and vocational results with an overall A level pass rate of 99%. These results underpin and support the college’s recent excellent Estyn inspection report.

99% of learners achieved an overall A*-E grade, with 17% of learners achieving the very highest A*-A grades and 78% of learners achieving A*-C grades.

Many A level subject areas across the college achieved a fantastic 100% A*-C pass rate, including Art and Design, Computer Science, Digital Technology, Drama and Theatre Studies and Religious Studies. 44% of Digital Technology learners achieved an A* with the percentage of A*s also very high in Sociology (22%).

Vocational learners also performed exceptionally well with many learners achieving the very highest distinction and distinction star grades and many level 3 courses also achieving 100% pass rate, including Health and Social Care, Art and Design, Performing Arts, Music, Beauty, E-Sports, Information Technology, Games Design, Applied Science, Sports Coaching and Development and Engineering.

Results highlights:

University Progressions & Academic Success

• Lucia Spacey (past Cyfarthfa High school pupil): Achieved A* in Level 3 Childcare; completed RCN Kings Nursing Cadet Scheme; progressing to Paediatric Nursing at University of South Wales.
• Joshua Hollett (past Afon Taf High School pupil): Achieved A grades in Computer Science, Further Maths, and Physics; progressing to study Maths at the University of Bath
• Lola Williams (past Afon Taf High School pupil): Team GB Taekwondo athlete; A* in Criminology & Sociology, Distinction in Sport; progressing to Cardiff Met for Sport & Exercise Science.
• Sienna Pincott (past Afon Taf High School pupil): Seren learner; A* in Psychology, A in Biology, B in Chemistry; progressing to study Medicine at Aston University.
• Zofia Przeklasa (past Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic High School pupil): Seren Learner; A*s in Psychology & Religious Studies; progressing to study English & European Law at Queen Mary University.
• Millie-Kate Barrett (past Penydre High School pupil): B in Welsh, C in Maths; progressing to Accounting & Finance at Cardiff Met.
• Michael (Moses) Jones (past Cyfarthfa High school pupil): A in Chemistry & Maths, B in Physics; progressing to Physics with Astronomy at Cardiff University
• Luke Sharp (past Penydre High School pupil): Distinction in UAL Performing Arts; progressing to East 15 Acting School to study Acting for Stage and Screen.

Specialist Programmes & Industry Links

• Charlie Lock (past Mountain Ash High School pupil): A* in Digital Tech, B in Computer Science & Welsh; Cyber College Cymru participant; awarded Bursary; progressing to Cyber Security at Gloucestershire University.
• Marley Crumb (past Cyfarthfa High school pupil): Completed Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship with General Dynamics; progressing to HNC Engineering at University of South Wales. College launching new Engineering Academy in partnership with General Dynamics.
• Elena Chapman (past Ysgol Gyfun Cymraeg Glantaf pupil): participated in the Royal College of Nursing Kings Nursing Cadet Scheme programme; achieved A*A*A* in her level 3 Health and Social Care course also took the opportunity to study some of her course through the medium of Welsh.

Sports Academy Success

• Callum Hook (past Heolddu Comprehensive school pupil): Triple Merit in BTEC Sport & Coaching; progressing to Psychology at Murray State College, Oklahoma with a golf scholarship; winner of Intercollegiate Tour Championship; aiming to turn professional.

Adult Learner Achievement

• Erica Ramos (Access to HE): Single mother of four; achieved 33 distinctions & 12 merits; received offers from Cardiff University and University of South Wales to study Midwifery.

After months of hard work, the college was pleased to welcome the Cabinet Secretary for Education to the college to celebrate alongside learners as they found out their results and obtained university offers.

Lisa Thomas, Principal at the college, is proud of the college’s results.

She commented: "The college is incredibly proud of yet another year of fantastic results alongside also receiving an excellent Estyn Inspection report. We are also particularly pleased to see a high number of our learners applying to university this year – with 13% more vocational learners seeking to progress on to degree programmes in September 2025 in comparison to last year.  

“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 receive the very best support at the college to help them achieve their maximum potential and these results demonstrate this.”

During 2024-2025 the college was nationally recognised for its exceptional commitment to learner wellbeing through being nominated for a St David’s Award, one of Wales’ highest honours, and also being announced as a finalist in the AoC Beacons NOCN Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing. These accolades, along with the achievement of the Carers Federation Quality Standard in Carers Support (QSCS) accreditation showcase the innovative and impactful work of the college’s wellbeing team, who consistently go above and beyond to provide tailored support for learners facing a wide range of challenges.

One learner who has been grateful for this support is Lucia Spacey. Past Cyfarthfa High School pupil Lucia, achieved a fantastic A* in her Level 3 Childcare course. Lucia, who also took part in the college’s Royal College of Nursing Kings Nursing Cadet Scheme programme, is now heading to the University of South Wales to undertake a Paediatric Nursing Degree. Commenting on the support she received at college, Lucia said “Attending the college has been the best two years of my life. The people I met were outstanding and the tutors have gone above and beyond to help me reach all targets and reach my fullest potential in getting the grades I needed to progress my learning further. There have been times where I wanted to quit however the tutors motivated me to see that I’m more than I think and could get the grades I needed. I am very grateful for all the support I have received from not only the tutors but the mental health support staff and all other staff that have helped me on my journey."

One of the learners eagerly awaiting his results was Joshua Hollett. Josh, a past Afon Taf pupil, achieved A in Computer Science, A in Further Maths and an A in Physics and is now heading to the University of Bath to study Mathematics.

Joining Josh in his wait for her examination results were also past Afon High School learners Lola Williams and Sienna Pincott.

Alongside representing Team GB in Taekwondo, Lola achieved a fantastic A* in Criminology, A* in Sociology, and a distinction in her Sport and Exercise Science. Lola is now progressing on to study Sport and Exercise Science at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Commenting on her time at college, Lola stated “I really enjoyed studying Sport over the last two years. The tutors have been so helpful and I now have the grades I need to progress on to study a Degree in Sport and Exercise Science at Cardiff Met University.”

Sienna, who was also a Seren learner, achieved an A* in Psychology, an A in Biology and a B in Chemistry. She is now progressing on to study Medicine at Aston University, Birmingham.

Past Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic High School pupil Zofia Przeklasa achieved A*s in Psychology and Religious Studies. She is now progressing on to study English and European Law at Queen Mary University, London.

Zofia commented “My time at college has been truly enriching, largely due to the unwavering support of my tutors, who went beyond teaching to genuinely invest in my personal and academic growth. What I’ve enjoyed most is being part of a learning environment where I felt valued, challenged, and inspired every day. Their guidance has not only deepened my understanding of the subjects I studied but has also empowered me to move forward with confidence to study at university.”

Past Penydre High School pupil Millie-Kate Barrett, achieved a fantastic B in Welsh and C in Maths and will now go on to study an Accounting and Finance Degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Millie commented on her experience at college, saying “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the college, especially with my tutors as they have pushed me to work my hardest. I am excited to start my next chapter at university.”

Also celebrating alongside Millie was past Penydre pupil Luke Sharp. Luke achieved a Distinction in his UAL Performing Arts course and is now progressing to East 15 Acting School to study Acting for Stage and Screen.

Commenting on his experience, Luke said, “My time at Merthyr College was made so great by the people I was working with. My tutors were always so forward on supporting my work and the opportunities that came with it were amazing.”

Past Cyfarthfa High School pupil Michael (Moses) Jones achieved an A in Chemistry, A in Maths and a B in Physics. Michael is now progressing on to study Physics with Astronomy at Cardiff University.

The college has a number of Curriculum Based Academies, linked to key Industry sectors, ensuring that learners are well-prepared for the ever-evolving demands of the workplace, including a Cyber College Cymru programme linked to Bridewell and Dwr Cymru. One of the learners that has benefitted from this programme is past Mountain Ash High School Learner Charlie Lock. Charlie achieved an outstanding A* in Digital Technology, B in Computer Science and B in Welsh. Through his involvement in the Cyber College Cymru programme, he has been successfully accepted onto a Cyber Security Degree at Gloucestershire University.

Charlie commented "The College Merthyr has been instrumental in helping me move forward in my academic studies. I have gained knowledge and confidence over the last two years standing me in good stead for independent learning at university. I have also had excellent and consistent support from the support hub/team throughout my two years at the college, this has helped me integrate into college life and become more independent in general. I have also been fortunate to be part of the Cyber College Cymru team and celebrated many successes with the team, also personally winning learner of the year this summer. The college Merthyr has some amazing facilities but most importantly the committed staff help you find your own strengths both academically and personally. I am forever grateful.”

Elena Chapman, past Ysgol Gyfun Cymraeg Glantaf pupil, was fortunate to be part of our Royal College of Nursing Kings Nursing Cadet Scheme programme last year. Elena, who achieved A*A*A* in her level 3 Health and Social Care course also took the opportunity to study some of her course through the medium of Welsh. She is now progressing on to a Nursing Degree.

Working in partnership with Tydfil Training, Aspire Apprenticeship Scheme and key industry partners, the college is able to offer a range of apprenticeship pathways for Engineering and Construction learners. Marley Crumb, past Cyfarthfa High School pupil, has just completed a level 3 Engineering apprenticeship programme with General Dynamics. Marley who achieved a distinction, is now progressing on to a HNC Engineering Degree at the University of South Wales.

A number of learners have also benefitted from being able to participate in the college’s Sports Academies.

Callum Hook, past Heolddu Comprehensive School pupil, achieved a triple merit in his BTEC Level Three Sport and Coaching course and has gained a place at Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, to study Psychology.

Callum will receive support through Murray State’s golf scholarship to help pay his tuition fees after strong recent performances on the circuit.

Earlier this year, Callum, who plays with an impressive handicap of +2.8, won The Intercollegiate Tour Championship in Macclesfield gaining him an invitation to compete in the prestigious Faldo Junior Tour which will take place in the United Arab Emirates.

Callum said he chose to study at the college to take advantage of its state-of-the-art Golf Studio which features a simulator, as well as access to training facilities at Wales Golf and Southwest Greens. Professional golfer Neil Matthews coaches Callum through the college’s unique Golf Academy programme.

“My tutors were really helpful and supportive,” Callum said. “It also really helped having access to the golf facilities so I could practice between my classes.

“I’ll be doing two years at junior college where I will hopefully get to play more golf. My main goal is to turn professional eventually.”

The college offers a range of Access courses to support adult learners to progress into university.

33-year-old Erica Ramos applied to study Level 3 Access to Higher Education, aiming to go into adult nursing. But, after securing 33 distinctions and 12 merits in her course, Erica has now had confirmed offers from both Cardiff University and the University of South Wales to study midwifery.

Erica said she is grateful to her tutors and all college staff for their support throughout the course and for encouraging her to pursue her dream.

“As a single mother of four, becoming a midwife always felt like a distant dream—something I wished for, but never truly believed could happen,” Erica said.

“I thought midwifery was too competitive and out of reach but everything changed thanks to the incredible support I received at The College, Merthyr Tydfil.

“This journey has shown me the power of believing in yourself, and how life-changing the right support system can be. I’m so excited for what’s ahead and proud of how far I’ve come.”

Chris Ford, Vice-Principal at The College Merthyr Tydfil, said: ““We are incredibly proud of our learners and their exceptional achievements this year. Their hard work, resilience, and determination have truly paid off, with many progressing to top universities, competitive apprenticeships, and exciting career pathways. These results, alongside our excellent Estyn inspection report, are a testament to the dedication of our staff and the strength of our curriculum. At The College Merthyr Tydfil, we remain committed to empowering every learner to reach their full potential.”