Outstanding A-Level and Vocational success at The College Merthyr Tydfil

For the seventh consecutive year, students at The College Merthyr Tydfil gained exceptional A Level and vocational results, providing solid foundations for the next chapter of their careers.

Reinforcing its position as one of the top colleges in Wales, the college achieved an overall A Level pass rate (A*-E) of 99%, with 41% of the students achieving A*-A grades.

With a fierce commitment to improving the quality and overall experience of teaching and learning, the percentage of A*-C grades increased to 86% this year – up 4% from 2020, and 12% compared to 2019.

Vocational learners added to this success, with a record number of top grades awarded across the board.

One student who was particularly pleased with his results is Cris Dignadice, former student of Bishop Hedley Catholic High School. STEM learner Cris joined the college to study his A Levels, achieving two A* grades, in Physics and Further Mathematics.

He said: “My tutors at the college have been instrumental to me gaining a place on the Artificial Intelligence Programme at Stanford University. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to learning and developing in an industry which will impact future generations.”

The tertiary college, who delivers post-16 A Levels and vocational courses, as well as BA Hons, foundation degrees, and a range of professional qualifications, teaches approximately 2,800 students from Merthyr Tydfil and its surrounding areas each year. It offers a diverse selection of courses – from engineering and hairdressing, through to criminology, psychology, science, e-sports, games design, and much more. The college is increasingly being seen as the centre of choice for post-16 education within the area.

Students across its seven main feeder schools (Aberdare, Afon Taf, Bishop Hedley, Brecon, Cyfartha, Idris Davies & Penydre) exceeded expectations this year, with a record number of students achieving excellent grades. 

Commenting on the college’s recent success, College Principal, Lisa Thomas, said:

“We are delighted the college has exceeded its high standards yet again this year, with another hugely successful set of both A Level and vocational results. It’s great to see that students, such as Cris, are pleased with their results. 

“After a shift to online and blended learning over the past 18 months, our learners and staff have continued to show incredible resilience, strength and determination; I’m proud of how each one of them have faced these challenges to receive fantastic outcomes.

“The students are a credit to the college, their families, but most importantly, themselves. I wish them all the very best in their next steps.”

Simon Evans, director of data and performance, said:

“This is the seventh consecutive year our A Level and vocational learners have achieved outstanding academic results. We continue to improve our results and outcomes, achieving a higher percentage of A*-A grades and A*-C grades and a higher number of Distinction Stars across our vocational courses each year.

“This continual upward trend in outcomes reflects the quality of the teaching and learning, as well as an outstanding pastoral support network that we provide at the college – reinforcing our position as one of the top performing colleges in Wales.”

Admissions for September 2021 are still open for prospective students.