OVER 200 Pembrokeshire College A-level and Diploma students are heading off to some top university destinations including Cambridge, Veterinary Medicine and Medical School after achieving outstanding results this summer.

A-level student Madeleine Draycott (AAA) will be taking up her place at the University of Cambridge to read Psychology while Timali Jayathilaka (AAA), is heading to Cardiff University to read Medicine.

A-level successes also include: Joseph Jenkins (AAAA), University of Bath to read Maths and Computer Science; Ella McKernan (AAA), University of Bristol to read Chemistry; Jay Coombe (AAA), University of Bristol to read Biochemistry; Jasmine Morris (AAB), University of Nottingham to read Neuroscience and Psychology; and Leon Delaney (AAA), Swansea University to read Mechanical Engineering.

Further A-level student university destinations include: Leicester, Durham, Exeter, King’s College London, and Liverpool.

Proving that the Diploma route is a credible alternative to A-levels, BTEC Applied Science learner Anya Thomas achieved Distinction* grades and is heading to the University of Central Lancashire to read Veterinary Medicine while Amy Wilson, who also achieved Distinction* grades, is heading to Cardiff University to read Architecture.

Other vocational success stories include Evie Berridge who is heading to Stella Mann College of Performing Arts to study Performing and Professional Dance and Ciaran Craig who is heading to the University of Gloucestershire to study Paramedic Science with fellow Diploma students taking up places across the UK to study a range of subjects including Nursing, Criminology, Animation and VFX, Veterinary Medicine, Cyber Security and Forensic Science.

After receiving this year’s results, College Principal Dr Barry Walters commented: “We are incredibly proud of both our A-level and our vocational learners who have worked extremely hard to secure their places at university.

“The exam period saw levels of extreme anxiety but the perseverance and commitment of our learners, supported by an exceptional team of teaching and support staff, has paid off with more than 200 learners now progressing to universities across the UK, to study a vast array of programmes.

“Our results are on par with the national averages and are higher than the national comparator for A* grades. An incredible achievement for our learners and one which we hope will set the course for their university studies.

“We wish them all the best of luck and hope that they will keep in touch as they progress through their studies and into their future careers.”

The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, has congratulated learners across Wales as A-level, AS, Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate and vocational qualification learners received their results this morning.

A-level and AS Levels exams and assessments took place this year with extra support being provided including some advance information of exam content and a supportive grading approach.

This year results are broadly midway between the results awarded in 2019 (the last year before the pandemic) and 2022 (the first year that students sat exams following the pandemic).

Many vocational learners also received their Level 3 results today.

This year’s GCSE results will be announced next Thursday, 24th August.

The Minister visited Coleg Gwent in Ebbw Vale this morning, where he met students collecting their results. He said: “I want to wish a big congratulations to everyone receiving their results today. It’s a huge day for you, the culmination of years of hard work, and I hope today is a reward for all your efforts.

“We know what a challenging time this has been. Our aim in providing extra support this year was to make sure the exams were fair, despite the difficulties you’ve faced.

“For anyone who didn’t quite get the results you wanted, or you’re unsure of your next steps, don’t be too disappointed and don’t be too hard on yourself. There are lots of options open to you, including university clearing, apprenticeships, maybe starting your own business. Careers Wales is a great place to start for advice and your school or college will be there to support you too.

“Our Young Person’s Guarantee provides everyone under the age of 25 with the opportunity to enrol in education or training, find work or become self-employed, so you have lots of choices to pursue the career you want.

“I hope all staff and students are proud of their hard work, enjoy the rest of the summer and look forward to the exciting opportunities you have ahead of you.”

Dr Nick Smith, course director and founder of The Oxford Open Learning Trust, said: “This year it was anticipated that A-level grades would be lower than expected for students, with results lowering to pre-pandemic levels.

“However, students should still be incredibly proud of their achievements, and today should be a day of celebrations for everyone. For those who don’t receive the grades
they had initially hoped for, there are a number of options available to help them achieve their future goals.

“We know it can be a stressful time, so the first thing to do is look at the UCAS clearing systems, as this will show you which institutions have places available.
Many institutions will still be accepting students, so have a look on the UCAS website or give them a quick call to check if your course is on offer elsewhere.

“If you feel like the grades you’ve received are lower than expected, you are allowed to appeal them by contacting your school, who will pass this onto the
examining board. Once evidence has been examined, the board will decide whether changes to your results are needed.

“Alternatively, you may feel that now is the right time to look at different paths for your future, such as work experience placements, apprenticeships or
even taking a gap year. There are plenty of opportunities available, especially for those looking to continue their learning through distance learning or potentially resitting you’re A-levels. Distance learning is an incredibly flexible approach to education
as everything is online-based, giving you the option to learn wherever and whenever.”