News

Pembrokeshire’s A-level and vocational students congratulated on results day

Published

5 years ago

August 10, 2021

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has congratulated all the learners who have received either ‘A’ level or level three vocational qualification results today (Aug 10).

All settings are providing information, advice and guidance to learners via an appointments system.

Learners’ achievements this year are to be celebrated as they are in any other year. The COVID19 pandemic has continued to pose significant challenges for learners, families and schools this year with new systems being used to calculate learner outcomes due to the cancellation of the Summer 2021 Examination Series. Centre Determined Grades have been determined using teaching professional judgement based on non-examination assessments.

Director for Education Steven Richards-Downes said: “We congratulate all learners today on their achievements. Every learner has faced and overcome extraordinary challenges over the course of the last two academic years. It is important that we acknowledge that and thank learners for continuing to engage in their education at this very difficult time.

“Every school has enabled learners to achieve outcomes that will provide them with a range of options. All learners have achieved outcomes that will enable them to take the next steps in their journey whether that is further or higher education, employment or training.

“We are sharing in the success of each learner and all schools have shared examples of this success with the Council. Tell us your stories by using the hashtag #resultspembrokeshire2021.”

Cllr Guy Woodham the Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning stated: “I would like to congratulate all learners on their achievements. As a Local Authority, we have been committed to supporting learners in achieving the best possible outcomes.

“Learners who have received their results today will have acquired a range of skills that enable them to be lifelong learners and hopefully achieve more than they thought possible. I wish all learners every success for the future.”

Results were excellent in Haverfordwest.

Mrs. J. Harries, Headteacher of Haverfordwest High VC School said: “I am delighted to be able to announce a set of excellent results for our 6th form students. Huge congratulations to all the pupils for their hard work and resilience in being able to achieve such excellent results after a difficult 2 years of study. They have results they should be very proud of, we are certainly very proud of them and their achievements.

All our students achieved the 2 or more A levels and most students are able to continue their education at their chosen universities covering a range of subjects including, Business, Engineering, Economics, Forensics and Photography. Rhys Lewis is heading off to Cambridge to study Mathematics; Euan Dyer, who had 5 A* grades will study Physics at Oxford; Nihar Vajrala moves on to study Medicine at Cambridge; Caitlin Mowthorpe and Jed Evans will study Veterinary at RVC and we have 5 students who go off to study at Cardiff Law School. Elyse Edwards is heading to St Andrews to study Psychology and Carys Worby is flying overseas to study at St Albans with a golf scholarship. We even have students entering the world of work and the forces.

We were particularly pleased with the large number who achieved A*/A grades with 11 students achieving 4 A*/A grades: Rhiannon Bevan, Ronnie Chung, Elyse Edwards, Rachel Hall, Rhys Lewis, Dixie MacDougall, Benjamin Philipps-Harries, Izzy Price, Chelsea Reilly, Alice Roberts, Nihar Vajrala; and 13 students 3 A*/A grades: Karis McCanch-Jones, Samuel Rawlinson, Melody Street, Geraint Thomas, Kia Wesley, Amber McFadden, Daisy Brown, Jed Evans, Rowan Fair, Amy Holland, Caitlin Mowthorpe, Sophie Rees, Carys Worny.

Staff at the school will now be assisting students in finalising their next steps, whether that be continuing their education, starting apprenticeships or employment. This supportive ethos is an important part of our school which has been even more important during these difficult and unprecedented times. We wish all students every success in their chosen pathway and look forward to hearing their progress in the future.

After what has been another very challenging year Mrs Harries, Headteacher, would like to thank all the staff (teachers, support staff and the Examinations Officer) for their outstanding effort in preparing and supporting the pupils for another very different assessment system this year, they have persevered always putting the pupils at the centre of their endeavours despite the huge extra workload. Thanks also to the Governing Body, Trustees and parents for their continued support and understanding throughout the academic year, this has certainly helped staff through the challenges they have faced.

In the first year of Sixth Form at Redhill High School Year 12 students are celebrating an exceptional set of results in their AS exams this year. Overall, 97% of all grades awarded were A grades, and 100% A-B.

The attitude of the group and the support of Head of Sixth Form, Ms Meg Hollinger, has been an inspiration to all. This is the first year of Sixth Form at our school and what a way to start!

Olivia is pictured celebrating her 4 A grades (Picture: Red Hill School)

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

28 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

35 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

49 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.