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Wales Online
5 days ago
- General
- Wales Online
Students celebrate A Level results as Wales performs well for top grades
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Thousands of students across North Wales have been celebrating getting their A Level results today (Thursday). After months of hard graft, the day has finally come where youngsters find out the fruits of their labour, before deciding what to do next. And there were celebrations and smiles across the region from Wrexham to Anglesey, with learners once again getting great grades, despite tougher standards. Council chiefs across North Wales paid tribute to the hard work put in by students and wished them the best for the future, as they weigh up the best options going forward. Councillor Lis Burnett, Welsh Local Government Association spokesperson for education, said: "Congratulations to everyone receiving their results today. Whether you're celebrating or feeling unsure about your next steps, I want to recognise the hard work that's brought you to this point – you should be incredibly proud. "These results reflect not only your commitment, but the support of teachers, support staff, and families who have helped you along the way. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in supporting students to reach their potential. (Image: Prestatyn High Shcool) "If you're still working out what comes next, there are people who can help. Careers Wales, your school or college are great places to start – whether you're thinking about university, work, training, or taking some time to plan your next move." And there were some fantastic individual results, too numerous to list in their entirety, but they included Coleg Llandrillo student Gwern Doherty, who will be studying physics at the University of Manchester, after achieving A*AA in Physics, Maths and Further Maths. There was also Amy Witherspoon: 1 A* and 3As and Tania Samed: 1 A* and 3As at Ysgon Emrys ap Iwan, in Abergele and student athlete Lilly Noble, an A Level learner at Coleg Cambria Deeside, who has been awarded a 100% scholarship to attend Murray State University in Kentucky. It comes after the results in Wales and Northern Ireland returned to pre-pandemic grading in 2024, a year later than in England. But despite the celebrations, there were concerns over inequalities in results, although Wales permformed well against other areas of England and Northern Ireland, with 10.5% of students gaining A* only behind London (11.6%) and South East England (11%). (Image: Ysgol John Bright) Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said A Level grades have returned to a 'consistent standard' since the pandemic and he would expect that to 'broadly continue' this year. But Mr Di'Iasio told the PA news agency: 'Unfortunately, we also expect to see the continuation of persistent inequities in terms of performance gaps between different regions and students. 'This is a product of longstanding socio-economic factors which require a much more concerted society-wide effort to fix.' He added: 'The legacy of Covid is part of this picture, with the disruption caused by the pandemic likely to have had the greatest impact on students from disadvantaged homes." Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, said: 'We must brace ourselves for stark divides in A Level results this year — not only between state and private schools, but also between London and other regions such as the South West and North East. (Image: Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi) 'In recent years, the gap in top grades — As and A*s, the passports to the most selective universities — has grown alarmingly, undermining efforts to widen access. 'These inequities are being driven by a toxic mix of the cost-of-living crisis, rising poverty, persistent school absence, and the long shadow of Covid. 'Unless we act, we risk locking in generational divides that will shape life chances for decades, with all our social mobility indicators now flashing red.' The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: "Today marks a significant milestone for students across Wales as they receive their results. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every student, alongside our dedicated teachers and education staff, whose commitment and effort have brought us to this moment. "Every learner opening their results today has earned the right to feel immense pride in what they've accomplished, and these achievements demonstrate remarkable determination." The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- General
- North Wales Live
Students celebrate A Level results as Wales performs well for top grades
Thousands of students across North Wales have been celebrating getting their A Level results today (Thursday). After months of hard graft, the day has finally come where youngsters find out the fruits of their labour, before deciding what to do next. And there were celebrations and smiles across the region from Wrexham to Anglesey, with learners once again getting great grades, despite tougher standards. Council chiefs across North Wales paid tribute to the hard work put in by students and wished them the best for the future, as they weigh up the best options going forward. Councillor Lis Burnett, Welsh Local Government Association spokesperson for education, said: "Congratulations to everyone receiving their results today. Whether you're celebrating or feeling unsure about your next steps, I want to recognise the hard work that's brought you to this point – you should be incredibly proud. "These results reflect not only your commitment, but the support of teachers, support staff, and families who have helped you along the way. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in supporting students to reach their potential. "If you're still working out what comes next, there are people who can help. Careers Wales, your school or college are great places to start – whether you're thinking about university, work, training, or taking some time to plan your next move." And there were some fantastic individual results, too numerous to list in their entirety, but they included Coleg Llandrillo student Gwern Doherty, who will be studying physics at the University of Manchester, after achieving A*AA in Physics, Maths and Further Maths. There was also Amy Witherspoon: 1 A* and 3As and Tania Samed: 1 A* and 3As at Ysgon Emrys ap Iwan, in Abergele and student athlete Lilly Noble, an A Level learner at Coleg Cambria Deeside, who has been awarded a 100% scholarship to attend Murray State University in Kentucky. It comes after the results in Wales and Northern Ireland returned to pre-pandemic grading in 2024, a year later than in England. But despite the celebrations, there were concerns over inequalities in results, although Wales permformed well against other areas of England and Northern Ireland, with 10.5% of students gaining A* only behind London (11.6%) and South East England (11%). Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said A Level grades have returned to a 'consistent standard' since the pandemic and he would expect that to 'broadly continue' this year. But Mr Di'Iasio told the PA news agency: 'Unfortunately, we also expect to see the continuation of persistent inequities in terms of performance gaps between different regions and students. 'This is a product of longstanding socio-economic factors which require a much more concerted society-wide effort to fix.' He added: 'The legacy of Covid is part of this picture, with the disruption caused by the pandemic likely to have had the greatest impact on students from disadvantaged homes." Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, said: 'We must brace ourselves for stark divides in A Level results this year — not only between state and private schools, but also between London and other regions such as the South West and North East. 'In recent years, the gap in top grades — As and A*s, the passports to the most selective universities — has grown alarmingly, undermining efforts to widen access. 'These inequities are being driven by a toxic mix of the cost-of-living crisis, rising poverty, persistent school absence, and the long shadow of Covid. 'Unless we act, we risk locking in generational divides that will shape life chances for decades, with all our social mobility indicators now flashing red.' The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: "Today marks a significant milestone for students across Wales as they receive their results. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every student, alongside our dedicated teachers and education staff, whose commitment and effort have brought us to this moment. "Every learner opening their results today has earned the right to feel immense pride in what they've accomplished, and these achievements demonstrate remarkable determination."
Rhyl Journal
05-08-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Dyserth teenager living dream working on luxury yachts
Erin Price, from Dyserth, began her adventure after completing a Level 3 Diploma in Professional Food and Beverage Service at Coleg Llandrillo's Rhos-on-Sea campus. To fund her travels, Erin has been 'dockwalking'—taking her CV from yacht to yacht to ask for work. Erin has spent around a month in France, mainly working in Cannes (Image: Supplied) The 18-year-old said: "So far my summer in France is going amazing. "Solo travelling through the south of France has probably been the best experience I've ever had. "I've met so many new people and done things I thought I'd never do." Her efforts paid off when she secured a day job on a 28-metre yacht as a sole stewardess. She said: "Throughout the days I'd have to wake up early to go on 'dock walks' to hopefully find day work or even a job. "Dockwalking is where you go up and down the many docks of the south of France with your CV in hand and ask for day work. "It can be hard at times, but it's a fun way to get your steps in, raise your confidence and talk to many people. "In the first week I managed to get my first day job on a 28-metre yacht as a sole stew, organising and cleaning for multiple guests." Erin has spent around a month in France, mainly working in Cannes but also at a villa in Grasse. To fund her travels, Erin has been taking her CV from yacht to yacht to ask for work (Image: Supplied) She has visited several other destinations including Juan-les-Pins, Antibes, Nice, and Cap-d'Ail. She said: "One of my favourite things about the yachting industry is the networking, where you meet yachties or greenies (a yachting term for those new to the industry) like myself. "This is how I found my first day of work. "It's the best way to meet new people and they're the most supportive people you will meet." Erin recently completed her final year at Coleg Llandrillo and hopes to secure a longer-term role as a stew chef on a superyacht. READ MORE: Red Arrows set to fly over Rhyl this week - here's when you can see them 'Exceptional' Grade II listed home on market for £845,000 She said: "Studying at college has helped me get to where I am now and I can't wait to see what the future in yachting holds." Alongside her work, Erin has enjoyed exploring the region and celebrating events. She said: "I got the opportunity to celebrate the 4th of July with some girls I met in Cannes with the best firework show I've ever seen."
North Wales Chronicle
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Coleg Llandrillo student lands job with HBO in North Wales
Sion Thomas, 25, from Newborough, is just one year into his Level 3 Media Production (TV and Film) course at the college's Rhos-on-Sea campus and has already spent five weeks working behind the scenes on a large-scale HBO/Warner Bros drama currently being filmed in North Wales. Mr Thomas said: "I'm learning how to set up the lights, how to work on the cameras, and working with the assistant directors to make sure everything's on set that needs to be for that Thomas has already spent five weeks working behind the scenes (Image: Coleg Llandrillo) "It's long hours and hard work but you're always with amazing people – people who want to work, people who want to teach you. "You've got to show what you can do, work hard and make as many connections as possible." Due to a non-disclosure agreement, he is unable to reveal the title of the production, but he describes it as a 'pretty big' Thomas (Image: Coleg Llandrillo) This is already Mr Thomas' second professional experience in TV since starting the course last September. Earlier this year, he worked as a production runner on Ar Led, an S4C show produced by Osprey Television, which he secured through college connections. He found out about the HBO opportunity through Skills Cymru and credits Coleg Llandrillo for helping him launch his Thomas getting to grips with the equipment (Image: Coleg Llandrillo) Mr Thomas said: "I wouldn't be where I am now if I hadn't come to college. "It's a good course to go on because you can get a lot of opportunities, and great fun as well. "It's informative and I've had great tutors. "They've helped me out quite a bit – they've been great giving me flexibility with deadlines and things like that, because of the opportunity they'd given me to work on an actual production." Before returning to education, Mr Thomas spent a decade working in a builders' merchant. He said college gave him the direction and skills he needed to break into the industry. Mr Thomas said: "It was one of my tutors who told me about the opportunity at Osprey TV, and I also contacted Skills Cymru through college. "For me, the highlight was probably making the projects. "I'm more of a hands-on type of person so I enjoyed the practical side the most, but it was also very interesting doing the research side as well, learning about how pre-production influences the production and post-production, and how everything comes together." He is now applying for an apprenticeship with Warner Bros and has set his sights on a long-term career behind the camera. Mr Thomas said: "My plan is to work my way up through the ranks of a camera department. "Director of photography is the dream but you have to work hard to get there, so we'll see what the future holds." Hannah Owens, creative media lecturer at Coleg Llandrillo, said: "He came back into learning with drive and commitment and we believe he's a great example of success in further education and making the right steps into a career in media." Grŵp Llandrillo Menai offers media courses from Level 2 up to degree level, delivered by industry-experienced staff.
Rhyl Journal
28-06-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Coleg Llandrillo hosts annual Achievers' Awards Ceremony
She was one of 20 further education students recognised for outstanding performance across subject areas at the 2024/25 Achievers' Awards. Paul Flanagan, principal of Coleg Llandrillo, said: "Like many of our Access students, this learner has been on an incredible academic journey. Paul Flanagan, principal of Coleg Llandrillo, speaking at the event (Image: Coleg Llandrillo) "Originally joining the course to become a paramedic, this learner's growing confidence and academic success have inspired a new ambition – to pursue a career in medicine, a path once thought out of reach. "We are incredibly proud that this learner has been accepted to study Foundation Medicine at the University of Liverpool. "We wish them every success in their studies and in achieving their goal of becoming a doctor in the NHS." Bryn Williams, celebrity chef and Coleg Llandrillo alumnus who spoke about his own journey (Image: Coleg Llandrillo) The ceremony featured an address from Bryn Williams, the celebrity chef and Coleg Llandrillo alumnus, who spoke about his own journey from student to internationally recognised chef. Students are nominated for the awards by lecturers, with each winner selected by their department head and presented with a trophy during the evening. Among this year's winners was Charlotte Smith, who won the A-level Achiever of the Year award. All 2024/25 Achievers' Award winners (Image: Coleg Llandrillo) Ms Smith has earned top grades while volunteering at hospitals and working 16 hours a week in a care home. Other notable winners included Heather Wynne, a Level 3 Hairdressing student who reached the WorldSkills UK national finals and secured a place on the Calligraphy Cut Scholarship, all while running a business and raising two children. Garmon Edwards-Jones, a Level 3 Sport student, was commended for his coaching work with students with profound learning difficulties and is on track to achieve a triple Distinction. The ceremony also honoured students who won medals in Skills Competition Wales and those who represented Wales in sport. Aled Jones-Griffith, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai chief executive, speaking at the ceremony (Image: Coleg Llandrillo) Aled Jones-Griffith, chief executive officer of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, said: "Those of you who have won awards tonight can be very proud to have been nominated among so many other students. Full list of winners: Overall Achiever of the Year / Access to HE: Isla Middleton Skills for Life and Work: Ryan Wilson A-levels: Charlotte Smith Art and Design: Jodie Roberts Business: Lily Scott-Jones Childcare: Morgan Gavin Computing: Osian Gerallt Construction: Kieran Taylor-Morgan Engineering: Zack Arnold Hair and Beauty: Heather Wynne Health and Social Care: Emily Hatton-Hunter Hospitality and Catering: Isaac Williams Media: Finlay Jones Motor Vehicle: Rhys Whitmore Music and Performing Arts: Reuben Neary Public Services: Liam Parson Sport: Garmon Edwards-Jones Travel and Tourism: Ellie Safhill Adult Community Learning: Ann Lynchill Welsh-Language Student of the Year: Bethan James
