Quarter of UK training squad from Welsh colleges

STUDENTS and apprentices from colleges across Wales are competing for a place on Team UK at the WorldSkills competition in Shanghai next year – often referred to as the ‘skills Olympics’.

Of the 80 young people selected by WorldSkills UK and Pearson to take part in the 18-month training programme, 20 are from Wales – making up around a quarter of the team.

WorldSkills is considered the ultimate global test of vocational and technical excellence, and the 2026 event in Shanghai will be the first time China has hosted the prestigious contest. Over 1,500 competitors from more than 80 countries are expected to take part, showcasing skills in disciplines ranging from engineering and digital technologies to hospitality and the creative industries. The event will be watched by more than 250,000 spectators.

The UK will compete in over 30 disciplines, including 3D Digital Game Art, Robot Systems Integration, and Renewable Energy.

One of those selected for the UK’s training squad is Madeleine Warburton, 19, a student at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhyl Campus. Madeleine won silver in Renewable Energy at the UK national finals in 2024.

She said: “I wanted to expand my knowledge within the renewable sector outside of college and work – to help improve my skills for when I go on site, learn more about solar, and meet like-minded people.

“I would definitely encourage anyone to compete. No matter how far you get in the process, it’s a huge benefit. I’ve learnt so much and developed transferable skills. My confidence has grown massively, and I’ve made friends for life.”

Minister for Skills, Jack Sargeant, said: “We have so much to look forward to in skills competitions in Wales. Between hosting the WorldSkills UK Finals in November and seeing this strong cohort working towards Shanghai, our economic future is in good hands.

“With 20 Welsh competitors in the mix, Wales is showing once again that a small nation can make a big impact. This is a long process – but I wish ‘pob lwc’ to everyone aiming for final selection.”

Thousands still eligible before application window closes on 31 May

FAMILIES across Wales are being urged to apply for the School Essentials Grant before the deadline on Saturday, 31 May, 2025, with up to £200 available per child to help cover the rising costs of school-related expenses.

The Welsh Government’s grant offers £125 for each eligible learner and £200 for those entering Year 7, acknowledging the higher costs associated with starting secondary school.

Uniforms, coats, shoes, stationery, sports kits, musical instruments, and equipment for after-school clubs are among the many essentials the grant can help pay for.

Currently, 90% of those eligible have already applied – but thousands of families across Wales could still be missing out on vital financial support.

What is the School Essentials Grant?

The grant is part of a wider support package for low-income families, children in care, and those seeking asylum. It is available to all eligible learners aged 4 to 16 in any school setting, including special schools and pupil referral units.

To qualify, parents must receive one or more of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit, and annual income under £16,190 before tax)
• Working Tax Credit run-on (for four weeks after stopping qualifying)
• Universal Credit (with annual net earned income under £7,400, excluding benefits)

Even if a child already receives Free School Meals, families must still check their eligibility separately to access the School Essentials Grant.

Beth Williams, a teacher at Maesyrhandir CP School in Newtown, said: “The School Essentials Grant is a massive help to parents. We all know how hard it is, especially if you’ve got more than one child, to buy all the things that they need, and it all comes at once.”

Support for schools too

As well as the direct financial support to families, schools also benefit from the Pupil Development Grant (PDG), which helps reduce barriers to learning by providing additional resources.

Caroline Bufton, Headteacher at Maesyrhandir CP School, explained: “It’s very important for parents to check their eligibility because this allows us to have funding which is vital to supporting their children.”

How to apply

Applications must be made through the local authority, and families can apply every year for each eligible child. The current application window closes on Saturday, 31 May, 2025.

Eligible families will receive:

• £125 per child in primary or secondary school
• £200 per child entering Year 7

To check eligibility and apply, visit: gov.wales/get-help-school-costs

PEMBROKESHIRE MUSIC SERVICE welcomed pupils from across the county to share their musical talents with a delighted audience at the Primary Valero Music Festival. 

The overall winner of the festival, held at Ysgol Caer Elen on March 22^nd, was Ysgol Bro Penfro pupil Wolfgang Evans on the piano, with his rendition of “Jackson Street Blues” by Martha Mier.

Wolfgang was also winner of the Open Brass class, performing “Rondino” by Allan Street on trumpet.

In the morning the children performed in the Open Classes and in the afternoon the audience enjoyed the Spotlight Concert that featured performances winners:

Open woodwind – Saxophonist Autumn Sheppard, Coastlands, who played “Bye Bye Blackbird by Ray Henderson

Open Strings – violinist Denisa Rusu, Saundersfoot School, who played “Gavotte” by Couperin.

Open Drums – Ifan Murphy, Ysgol Caer Elen, who played “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”

Saundersfoot CP School’s orchestra won the Ensemble category but sadly could not perform in the afternoon due to a variety of commitments. Earlier in the day they performed “Drive Time” by Jock McKenzie. 

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service Philippa Roberts said: “Congratulations to our dedicated primary pupils for their wonderful performances at the music festival. Their hard work and dedication shone through in a truly inclusive and supportive atmosphere, where every child was celebrated. 

“It was a fantastic showcase of music and teamwork supported by dedicated tutors, parents and carers.”

Karin Jenkins, who adjudicated the strings classes, echoed Philippa’s sentiments, and added: “How amazing today’s music festival was for Pembrokeshire’s primary pupils. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in musical talent and I loved every moment. Everyone seemed to be having such a great time performing, and their energy was fantastic.” 

Pembrokeshire Music Service Primary Valero Music Festival 2025 Results:

Woodwind

Initial Grade flute:

1^st – Lyra Constable, Spittal

2^nd – Maisie Parkin, St Oswalds

3^rd – Lara Morgan, Wolfscastle

Initial Grade clarinet & saxophone:

1^st – Maya Cunliffe, Cleddau Reach

2^nd – Ellis Roberts, Bro Ingli

3^rd – Lois Morgan, Wolfscastle

Grade 1:

1^st – Mia John, Mary Immaculate

2^nd – Ethan Stoney, Prendergast

3^rd – Iolo Thomas, Bro Ingli

Grade 2:

1^st – Eva Evans, St Aidans

2^nd – Paige Youngs, Johnston

3^rd – Phoebe Rees, Coastlands & Skyla Fletcher, Johnston

Open:

1^st – Autumn Sheppard, Coastlands

2^nd – Osian Kite, Roch

3^rd – Hattie Phillips, MHCPS

Brass:

Initial Grade:

1^st – Sam Triggs, Llandudoch

2^nd – Wilf Davies, Llanychllwydog & Leila Mundy-Kearns, Llandudoch

3^rd – Jaxon Price, PDCS

Lower Brass Grade 1:

1^st – Phoebe Jones, Hafan y mor

2^nd – Gwennan Davies, Bro Preseli

3^rd – Eliana Barder, Hafan y mor

HC – Alfie Chester, Cleddau Reach & Molly Thomas, St Teilos

Trumpet & Cornet Grade 1:

1^st – Noah Lewis, Wdig

2^nd – Llion Davies, Bro Preseli

3^rd – Penny de Wreede, Roch

HC – Olivia Conroy-Thornberry, Johnston & Chester Price, Tenby VC

Grade 2:

1^st – Isaac Phillips, Saundersfoot

2^nd – Edward Skidmore, St Teilos

3^rd – TJ Stewart, Glannau Gwaun

Open:

1^st – Wolfgang Evans, Bro Penfro

2^nd – Carys Meiring, Hafan y mor

3^rd – Ella-May Kirby, MHCPS

HC – Mali McFarlane, Caer Elen & Iolo Simms, Caer Elen

Strings

Initial grade:

1^st – Archie Hayden, Redhill

2^nd – Sara Thomas, Bro Preseli

3^rd – Tillie Ward, Bro Preseli

HC – Phoebe Harries, St Oswalds, Nia Owen, Ger y Llan, Maisie Gray, Ger y Llan, Poppy Armstrong

Grade 1:

1^st – Esme Phillips, Penrhyn Dewi

2^nd – Haf Evans, Cilgerran

3^rd – Rebecca Lowe, Caer Elen

HC – Huw Tamplin – Narberth, Efa Britton – Johnston, Suki Heulwen – Bro Penfro, Gracie Jones – Waldo Williams, Patsi Reynolds – Caer Elen, Ashley Cristabel – Prendergast, Aled Hooper – Caer Elen, Saskia Winton – Narberth, Maisie Torok -St Oswalds & Harper Wallis – Hafan y mor

Open:

1^st – Denisa Rusu, Saundersfoot

2^nd – Alice Ng, Caer Elen & Leila Powell

3^rd – Elsa Rae Gibbons, Caer Elen & Fred Powell 

HC – Harrison Sheppard, Caer Elen & Bella Raymond, Caer Elen

Piano & Harp

Initial grade piano:

1^st – Harry Brace, Penrhyn

2^nd – Efa Harries, Penrhyn Dewi

3^rd – Maiya Cunliffe, Redhill

 HC – Dougie Nevinson, Lamphey

Grade 1 piano:

1^st – Carys Callan, Redhill

2^nd – River Regelous, Penrhyn

3^rd – Evelyn James, Tavernspite

HC – Michael Aulehla-Atkin, Caer Elen & Elodie Voaden, Tavernspite

Grade 1 Harp:

1^st – Efa John, Maenclochog

2^nd – Haf Evans, Cilgerran

3^rd – Ruby Robinson, Caer Elen & Bella Grove, Maenclochog

HC – Delun Hancock-Phillips, Caer Elen

Grade 2 piano:

1^st – Harry Hayden, Redhill

2^nd – Emily Thomas-Ward, Redhill

3^rd – Ella Schwierzi, Nant y Cwm

HC – Seth Morris, Croesgoch

Grade 2 harp:

1^st – Elen Davies, Bro Preseli

2^nd – Olivia Davies, Caer Elen

3^rd – Ffion Fenrick, Cilgerran

HC – Ethan Dunkeld, Cilgerran

Open piano & harp:

1^st – Wolfgang Evans, Bro Penfro

2^nd – Eva Evans, St Aidans

3^rd – Gethin Wade, Maenclochog

HC – Cadi Haf Marshall-Jones, Bro Preseli

Percussion

Initial Grade:

1^st – Luca Rebiga, Saundersfoot

2^nd – Harper Wolverson, St Florence

3^rd – Dylan Chan, Saundersfoot & Madi Wright, Saundersfoot

Grade 1:

1^st – Sadie Neuman, Roch

2^nd – Felix Livock, Tenby VC

3^rd – Alfie Hughes, Tenby VC

HC – Harry D’Ortez, Tenby VC

Open:

1^st – Ifan Murphy, Caer Elen

2^nd – Ollie Holloway, Roch

3^rd – Aled Hooper, Caer Elen

HC – Esme Muir, Gelliswick

Ensembles

1^st – Saundersfoot School orchestra

2^nd – Bro Preseli Harp ensemble & Cilgerran Harp ensemble

3^rd – Violin duet (Fred & Leila Powell) & Wiston piano duet (Eva Evans & Millie Griffiths)

HC – Hook ensemble & Caer Elen harp ensemble