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A Level Results 2025: Gwent pupils celebrate their grades
A Level Results 2025: Gwent pupils celebrate their grades

South Wales Argus

time16 hours ago

  • Politics
  • South Wales Argus

A Level Results 2025: Gwent pupils celebrate their grades

From 8am today (Thursday, August 14), students were able to collect their results, although many who had applied to university already knew if they'd secured a place on their chosen course via UCAS. Today's students picked up A Level, AS, Welsh Baccalaureate and other qualification results such as BTECS. According to Qualifications Wales, there were 31,980 A Level entries in the summer of 2025. So how did Welsh pupils fare? A Level results for Wales published this morning show that 97.5% of students achieved A* - E grades, 0.1 percentage points higher than 2024 while 10.5% achieved the very top A* grade, a 0.4 percentage point increase on last year. These exams are regarded as the second set of 'normal' assessments since the Covid pandemic. Happy students at Crosskeys College proudly showing their A level results! (Image: NQ) Cabinet secretary for education, Lynne Neagle, congratulated learners across Wales. She 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. 'As you look towards your future, whether that involves starting an apprenticeship, entering employment, or beginning studies at university, I wish you 'pob lwc'. 'For those seeking guidance on their next steps, support remains available through your school or college and the Young Person's Guarantee, which provides a range of options. 'I will continue to work on raising educational standards and ensure every young person has the support they need to achieve their goals.' Happy students at Crosskeys College proudly showing their A level results! (Image: NQ) First Minister Eluned Morgan added: "Llongyfarchiadau to everyone receiving their results today, and diolch to all the amazing teachers, lecturers and parents for their support. "You've all worked so hard, and whichever path you choose next I wish you all the best for the future." Others felt as though this year's results were a cause for concern. Commenting on A-Level Results Day, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Natsha Asghar MS, said: 'Teachers, support staff, pupils and parents have all worked incredibly hard, but it's clear that the Welsh Labour Government is holding Wales back. 'It is a bitter disappointment for Wales that, under Labour, results here have fallen while elsewhere in the UK, the numbers achieving top A-level grades have increased. 'After 26 years of Labour, enabled and propped up by Plaid, it's clear that fewer Welsh pupils are able to realise their potential. Only the Welsh Conservatives can be trusted to fix our education system, with a focus on academic rigour and a renewed discipline drive.' Harri Blakemore, 17, is going to study Environmental Geoscience at Cardiff University (Image: NQ) The South Wales Argus visited the Crosskeys Coleg Gwent campus on results day, where learners shared their experiences and reactions. At the college pupils could get a free breakfast bacon butty to ease the nerves of results day. Harri Blakemore, 17, is going to study Environmental Geoscience at Cardiff University. He reminded learners to be proud no matter the outcome. He said: 'If you've done the work and you've put the same amount of effort that's what matters." Miesha Hale 18 with her mum Leanne Daniels who was very proud of her results! (Image: NQ) Miesha Hale, 18, came to collect her results with her mum Leanne Daniels. Miesha secured three A*s in law, criminology and sociology and is now set to study Law at Liverpool University. Proud mum Leanne said: "I can't explain how happy I am - she's worked so hard and deserves it." Libby Watson, 17 was pleasantly shocked by her results. (Image: NQ) Libby Watson, 17, says she did "very good" and is very pleased with her results in law, sociology and media. She has another year of college and was pleasantly shocked by her results. She said: "I was very nervous, but I had much better results than expected - I'm going to celebrate by going out for food. I can breathe now!" Molly Howells 18 was excited after securing an accounting apprenticeship (Image: NQ) Molly Howells was excited after securing an accounting apprenticeship. She said: "I'm really pleased. I've got a degree apprenticeship in accounting with AAT Company, and I'm looking forward to celebrating." Jane Ford, head of school for academic studies at Coleg Gwent Crosskeys, praised the pupils on their efforts. She said: 'It's been brilliant for our learners and the results they've achieved are outstanding our staff have supported our learners and today the learners are reaping the rewards. 'We are so proud of the progression routes and the university places that our learners are taking up and we wish them all the best and lots of luck in their future endeavours and careers.' Staff at Crosskeys College pleased with this year's A Level Results (Jane Ford in the blue polka dot dressed) (Image: NQ) Many schools in Gwent are delighted with the outcome of A Level results day 2025. St Martin's Sixth Form in Caerphilly said they are proud to announce that 96 per cent of learners achieved the level 3 threshold of 2 A Level passes this year. The number of learners attaining A*/As rose by 6 per cent to 23 per cent and there was a 100 per cent pass rate in 12 out of the 19 subjects studied by students this year. Headteacher Lee Jarvis Headteacher congratulated the sixth form students on another exceptional year of results and wished the students well as they begin the next exciting chapter in their lives, knowing that they are now fully prepared for life beyond St Martin's. A Level Results Day 2025 at Crosskeys College (Image: NQ) Students can choose from multiple progression routes. For some this was university, others clearing and many showed interest in apprenticeships. Amanda Wilkinson, Director of Universities Wales said: 'Students can be proud of their achievements and can now look forward to the next stage of their journey, which for many will involve studying at university. 'University can be a truly transformative time, opening up doors and opportunities which can change the lives of learners. "Students joining a Welsh university this autumn can look forward to a high-quality and rewarding university experience that supports them to achieve their ambitions and fulfil their potential. 'For those who are still undecided or did not get the results they had hoped for, there are many options in Wales available through clearing. Our universities have advisors waiting to advise prospective students on the options available to them." Pupils gathered at Crosskeys College on A Level Results Day (Image: NQ) Commenting on apprenticeships, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: 'To date the Welsh Government has supported 73,795 new apprenticeships during this Senedd term, spending £144m this year - up from £128m previously. 'Through the Welsh Government's Young Person's Guarantee, we're working to support and encourage more employers to recruit apprentices helping to ensure that high-quality, work-based learning routes remain accessible to all 16–24-year-olds.' Careers Wales that offers free careers advice also had their say. Nikki Lawrence, Chief Executive of Careers Wales said: "Well done to everyone receiving their results today. 'Whether things turned out as you hoped or not, remember that there are plenty of different exciting opportunities available for you. 'Working Wales and the Young Person's Guarantee is here to support anyone who's unsure about their next steps this summer. 'Our expert careers advisers can help you explore options you might not have considered and guide you toward opportunities that follow your passions. 'We understand this can be a stressful time, and it's normal to feel overwhelmed by decisions about your future. But you're not alone, we are ready to help you find the route that's right for you and take those first steps with confidence."

2025 A-level success for students across Coleg Sir Gâr
2025 A-level success for students across Coleg Sir Gâr

South Wales Guardian

time17 hours ago

  • Science
  • South Wales Guardian

2025 A-level success for students across Coleg Sir Gâr

The college has praised the dedication and success of its students, with 32 per cent achieving A* to A grades, 83 per cent earning A* to C, and 99 per cent receiving A* to E. Angharad Mansfield, head of A-levels and lifelong learning, said: "This year's results are a testament to the talent and determination of our learners, and the expertise of our staff. "These achievements go beyond grades - they represent young people equipped to thrive in their next steps, whether in higher education, apprenticeships, or the world of work." Erin McCarthy achieved three A* grades in politics, history, and law, securing a place to study law at Cambridge. Ella Roberts will study history at Oxford, with two A* grades in sociology and the Welsh Baccalaureate, and two A grades in history and religious studies. Gabby Chaplin earned two A* grades in psychology and PE, and two A grades in the Welsh Baccalaureate and maths. Lily Borsden will study maths at Bristol after achieving an A* in biology and A grades in chemistry, maths, and the Welsh Baccalaureate. George Edward Harper Glenister will study physics at Manchester, having achieved A* grades in further maths and physics, and an A in chemistry. Olga Andersohn-Muszynska, who received an A in maths, will return to Coleg Sir Gâr to study further maths at A-level. Jack Wooller will study law in Nottingham after achieving an A* in biology and A grades in history, geography, and the Welsh Baccalaureate. Freddie Williams will study history at King's College after earning A grades in history and English literature, an A* in sociology, and a B in the Welsh Baccalaureate. The college also celebrated the achievements of its vocational learners. Dr Andrew Cornish, principal and CEO at Coleg Sir Gâr, said: "Our learners' achievements are the clearest sign that our strategic vision is working in practice. "We will continue to innovate, invest in our communities, and provide a learning environment where every individual can thrive." The college extended its congratulations to all learners and expressed gratitude to staff and families for their support.

'He'd be very proud': A level joy for student whose dad died during exams
'He'd be very proud': A level joy for student whose dad died during exams

Wales Online

timea day ago

  • Health
  • Wales Online

'He'd be very proud': A level joy for student whose dad died during exams

'He'd be very proud': A level joy for student whose dad died during exams Betsan Crisp, who has volunteered at Glangwili Hospital, will now start a paramedic science course at university Betsan Crisp will study to become a paramedic (Image: Copyright Unknown) An A level student from Carmarthenshire, whose father passed away during her exams, reckons he would be very proud of her after she achieved an A, B and C prior to enrolling at university to study paramedic science. ‌ "I'm very pleased," said Betsan Crisp of her results in health and social care, Welsh Baccalaureate and medical sciences. 'Medical sciences was probably the hardest," she said. Aspiring paramedic and Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth student Betsan thanked her heads of sixth form, Rhiannon Daniel and Gwenllian Phillips, for their support in recent months. ‌ 'They've always been there for me,' she said. Her father died in June. ‌ Follow our live A level results blog here with results and reaction from schools and colleges across Wales. Betsan, 18, of Cross Hands, has got an insight into the world of medical care after volunteering at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, for two days where she shadowed healthcare professionals. Her course at Swansea University starts next month. "I have always wanted to help people," she said. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here Article continues below Finishing school is "weird" says Trystan Lavery (Image: Copyright Unknown) The morning of August 14 was a bit of a whirlwind for fellow student Trystan Lavery. He had envisaged studying medicine at university but initially didn't receive an offer and so set his sights on economics instead. He then found out he got As in biology, chemistry and maths and, not only that, offers to study medicine at Cardiff University and Bangor University. 'I was not expecting to get an offer,' he said. ‌ The 18-year-old said he was minded to pursue the economics option and has been looking at the London School of Economics, Imperial College London and Bristol University as preferred options. He said: 'I've done a lot of research into it." He added: 'It's quite weird finishing school.' Betsan Lewis and Luke Smith (Image: Richard Youle ) ‌ Betsan Lewis, meanwhile, had an unusual A level experience - she was the only student at Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth to study Welsh. And she did particularly well, achieving an A* in the subject. She thanked her teacher Dr Non Evans for her guidance, and added: 'I had to learn a lot of independent skills.' She hopes this will stand her in good stead for university. Betsan also got an A* in Welsh Baccalaureate, an A in religious studies and B in music. 'I'm really happy,' she said. ‌ Betsan, 18, of Drefach, will be celebrating with friends and is off to Cardiff University in September to study Welsh and philosophy. Arwyn Thomas, headteacher of the school in Cefneithin, near Cross Hands, paid tribute to students and the staff and said 10 students achieved three or more A*/A grades or equivalent. "I would like to congratulate everyone involved and extend my best wishes to the students as they embark on the next stage of their careers," he said. ‌ "I would also wish the very best to a high percentage of our Year 13 students who are moving on to university, including a large percentage again this year to prestigious Russell group universities. "Thank you also to our staff for all their hard work preparing the students and offering them many experiences." The secondary school is in Cefneithin, near Cross Hands (Image: Richard Youle ) ‌ The students who achieved three or more A*/A grades or equivalent were Ela Adams, Eleri Fox, Mali Garland, Trystan Lavery, Betsan Lewis, Llewelyn Rhys, Seren Weston, Tegwen Wilkinson and Ela Williams. The 10th student to claim this accolade was Luke Smith. Luke, of Llandybie, is heading east to Bath University in September to study pharmacy after getting an A* in maths, A in chemistry and biology, and C in Welsh Baccalaureate. Luke, 18, said he was happy with his results, which he said were pretty much as had been predicted. The pharmacy course is four years, with a further training year on top. ‌ The number of A* grades in Wales rose slightly this year to 10.5%, while 29.5% of results were A or A*, compared with 29.9% in 2024. Maths was the most popular subject. A big pat on the back for students across the country came from Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle. "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," she said. "As you look towards your future, whether that involves starting an apprenticeship, entering employment, or beginning studies at university, I wish you 'pob lwc'." Article continues below

How much every private school in Wales charges and their exam results compared
How much every private school in Wales charges and their exam results compared

Wales Online

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • Wales Online

How much every private school in Wales charges and their exam results compared

How much every private school in Wales charges and their exam results compared Some charge fees more than the average wage so what do private schools offer and what results do they get (Image: PA) With exam results days looming some people may be wondering whether paying for their child's education will mean better results. Inpedendent fee charging schools in Wales educate thousands of pupils from locally and around the world. They have been hit this year by new VAT payments which has led to some raising fees by thousands of pounds and some pupils leaving. ‌ Some private schools in Wales charge fees higher than the average wage, one charts their history back 800 years and all compete for custom in an ever more competitive world. Many run England series exams with number graded GCSEs and some a mixture of Wales and England run exams. They don't all run the Welsh Baccalaureate. ‌ Two schools run by the Cognita group have announced plans to shut at the end of next term blaming factors beyond their control as parents raise funds to save one of them. ‌ Some indepedent schools are owned by bigger groups and others go it alone. The leaders of St Gerard's School in Bangor made this warning about VAT which many say is an unfair burden. So how do these schools compare on price, results, ethos and size? Here we take look at exam results as well as fees charged and the education outlook schools takes. You can also compare the results with the all-Wales GCSE performance in summer 2024 and the all-Wales A level results 2024. ‌ Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here St Michael's Llanelli St Michael's School, Llanelli is s currently The Sunday Times Welsh Independent School of the Decade (Image: St Michael's School, Llanelli) Based in Bryn, near Llanelli, this day and boarding school was, founded in 1923. It is currently The Sunday Times Welsh Independent School of the Decade and in 2024 was awarded The Telegraph Best Value for Money Independent School of the Year. ‌ Pupil number: 423 Type of school: Day and boarding for boys and girls from 3 to 18. Religious affiliation: Non-denominational ‌ Ethos: "Our ethos consists of five key points: An established heritage of academic excellence, Small enough to care, but big enough to challenge and inspire, Small enough to care, but big enough to challenge and inspire, a curriculum with a local emphasis, A home from home." Motto: Disce ut Vivas Fees: Day fees per term: £2,232 to £5,482. Full boarding fees per year from £12,005 ‌ Exam results summer 2024 A levels 86.6% of grades were A* or A ‌ 96.7% of grades were A*-B 99.5% of grades were A*-B. GCSE ‌ 69.9% of grades were A* or A 88.7% of grades were A*-B 97.4% of grades were A*-C ‌ St Michael's runs primarily Wales series GCSEs and A levels. Name of Principal / head: Benson Ferrari Open days coming up: 17th October 2025 ‌ Address and contact details: St. Michael's School, Bryn, Llanelli, SA14 9TU Rougemont School, Newport Rougemont School has 700 pupils and celebrates its centenary in 2026 (Image: Rougemont School) ‌ Rougemont School takes boys and girls from nursery to sixth form. Based in 90 acres of parkland on the outskirts of Newport the school will celebrate its centenary in 2026. Pupil number: 700 Type of school: Boarding and day for girls and boys ‌ Religious affiliation: non denominational Ethos: "We want every pupil to succeed. Success looks different to each individual and individuality is valued here at Rougemont. Motto: A school for life. ‌ Fees: From £3,281 to £6,860 a term. Exam results 2024 A levels ‌ 70% A*/B 43% A*/A GCSE 2024 ‌ 24% A* 49% A*/A 49% 76% A*/B ‌ Rougemont offers GCSE, A level, EPQ and BTech exams Principal / head: Lisa Pritchard Open days: October 11 2025 and sixth form open evening September 23 2025. ‌ Address and contact details: Rougemont School, Llantarnam Hall, Malpas Road, Newport NP20 6QB 01633 820811 registrar@ ‌ Read more: Head of top Welsh independent school steps down after more than 30 years Read more: Teacher ditched stable job and home after health 'bombshell' to 'do something meaningful' Ruthin School Ruthin School is one of the oldest schools in the United Kingdom. It dates to 1284 and was founded after Edward I's conquest of Wales (Image: Ruthin School) ‌ Founded in 1284, Ruthin School takes 11 to 18 year-olds and is one of the oldest independent schools in the UK. Its distinctive Electives Programme — highlighted by Estyn — broadens opportunities beyond the classroom. Pupils come over 20 different nationalities. Pupil number: 240 aged 11–18, with a roughly equal split between day pupils and boarders. Type of school: Co‑educational, offering day, weekly/flexible boarding and full boarding. ‌ Religious affiliation: Non‑denominational Ethos: " strong academic focus sits at the heart of Ruthin School, supported by a broad, balanced curriculum and excellent pastoral care. We encourage a love of learning through high standards, modern traditions, and a nurturing community where every student can thrive." Motto Dei Gratia Sum Quod Sum – 'By the grace of God I am what I am' ‌ Fees 2025/2026 Day fees: Year 7 - 9 – £15,800 pa incl. VAT ‌ Year 10 & 11 – £17,500 pa incl. VAT Year 12 & 13 - £18,500 pa incl. VAT Full boarding fees: £45,690 plus 20% VAT - (£54,828 incl. VAT) ‌ Exam results summer 2024 A Levels 25% A* ‌ 60% A*/A GCSEs (England/Wales series): 25% grade 9 ‌ 40% were grades 9–8 56% were grades 9–7 96% achieved grades 9–4 ‌ Ruthin School's GCSE and A Level results are from the England series qualifications, sat under English exam boards. The school does not currently offer the Welsh Baccalaureate or other alternative qualifications. Name of Principal: Frances King Open days coming up: Whole School Open Day October 4 2025 ‌ Address and contact details: Ruthin School, Mold Road, Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 1EE, Wales Tel: +44 (0)1824 702543 Kings's Monkton School, Cardiff Kings Monkton School in Cardiff (Image: Kings Monkton School) ‌ Kings Monkton School is based in the centre of Cardiff. It was founded in 1994 through the merger of two long-established schools—Monkton House (founded in 1870 by Henry Shewbrooks) and King's College. The school takes boys and girls from three to 18 and is owned by Paul Norton who has been principal since 2013. Maximum class size is 18. Pupil numbers: 294 Type: Day school. No boarding. ‌ Gender: Mixed Age range: Three to 18 Religious Affiliation: Non‑denominational ‌ Motto: 'Be the best you can be.' Ethos: "Our ethos is centred on fostering an inclusive, family-oriented community, underpinned by a happy, innovative, and exceptional learning environment. The foundation of our approach is built on three core values: inclusion, achievement, and choice. We place the highest value on pupil wellbeing." Fees ‌ £3,457–£5,453 per term (plus VAT) Exam Results – Summer 2024 A level ‌ 52% A* 70% A*/A. 76% A*–B ‌ GCSE 50% of grades A*/A 70% A*–B ‌ 90% A*–C Principal: Paul Norton with vice principle and head of nursery Mrs Karen Norton. Open days: Rather than holding traditional open‑days, the school offers personalised visits or virtual tours. Prospective parents/pupils are invited to schedule one‑on‑one tours and meetings. ‌ Address and contacts: Kings Monkton School, 6 West Grove, Cardiff, CF24 3XL Phone : 029 2048 2854 : 029 2048 2854 Email : mail@ and admissions@ : mail@ and admissions@ Website: S St Gerard's School Trust in Bangor was originally founded by nuns with just two pupils. More than a century later more than 100 boys and girls aged up to 18 attend. (Image: St Gerard's School Trust ) ‌ St Gerard's School was established by the Sisters of Mercy when they first came to Bangor in 1915. It started in a rented house with two pupils but soon grew rapidly. In 1917 the school moved onto its current site, rented from Lord Penrhyn by the sisters. After Lord Penrhyn's death in 1919, the sisters bought the site. When the nuns withdrew from providing independent education in 1990, a trust was established and the school got its first lay Head, Anne Parkinson. Pupil number: 101 currently ‌ Type of school: A day school for girls and boys Religious affiliation: St Gerard's says it "aims to create a Christian setting in which every young person has the opportunity to make the most of his or her individual gifts". Ethos: "Our aims both at the junior and senior schools are structured around creating a caring community that celebrates success promoting the development of creative, co-operative and independent learners." ‌ Fees: The school has only listed its fess fro 2024-25 which were as follows: Termly fees from £3,884 per term in year one to £5,936 per term for years 10 to 13. Exam results 2024 A level ‌ 60% A* or A* 96% A*-C GCSE ‌ 97% A*-C 58% A*/A Name of Principal / head: Campbell Harrison ‌ Open days: Open days are held regularly and promoted on the school's website. Address and contact details : St Gerard's School Trust, 3 Ffriddoedd Road, Bangor LL57 2EL. Tel: 01248 351656 The Cathedral School, Llandaff The Cathedral School, Llandaff was named in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025 as the Welsh Independent School of the Year for the second year running (Image: The Cathedral School, Llandaff) ‌ Founded in 1880 this co-educational day school in Cardiff takes pupils aged three to 18. In December 2024, The Cathedral School was named in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025 as the Welsh Independent School of the Year for the second year running. Number of pupils: 808 Type: Day ‌ Religious affiliation: Anglican Motto/Ethos: "There are five qualities and virtues that form the school ethos: Achievement, Care, Opportunity, Ambition and Leadership." Fees ‌ Exam results 2024 A Level 75% A*-A 75% ‌ 96% A*-B 96% GCSE (The school takes England's numbered GCSEs.) ‌ 8-9: 55% 7-9: 72% Headteacher: Clare Sherwood Address: Cardiff Rd, Cardiff CF5 2YH. Tel: 029 2056 3179 ‌ Haberdashers' Monmouth School Haberdasher's Monmouth Schools students celebrate their A level results in summer 2024 (Image: Desmond Pugh ) Haberdashers' Monmouth School has a 400-year history and takes girls and boys aged three to 18. It merged its two separate boys and girls schools last September to become one and has pupils from across the globe. Pupil number: 900 ‌ Type of school ie boarding/day/both girls/boys/both : co-ed day and boarding school for students aged 3 to 18. Religious affiliation: Protestant although all faiths are welcome. Ethos: "We emphasise a holistic education that combines academic excellence with a rich co-curricular programme that includes sports, performing arts, design, and sustainability initiatives. This approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals with confidence, purpose and the skills to thrive in a diverse and globalised world." ‌ Motto: N/A Fees: Fees for 2025-26 range from £12,564 a year in reception to £18,411 a year for day pupils in years three to six. For boarders in years three to six fees are £33,795 annually. Fees for day pupils in years seven to 13 are £26,256 rising to £50,649 for full boarding. Sixth form fees are dependent on external or internal entry and boarding but range up to £54,990 a year. Full and weekly boarding is available. Exam results summer 2024: ‌ GCSE (The school takes England's numbered GCSEs.) 51.5% 9-7 ‌ A level 69.3% A*-B The school uses a variety of exam boards including but not limited to: AQA, OCR, WJEC, Edexcel, Eduqas, Pearson, as well as BTECs, ILETS and Level 3s. ‌ Principal / head : Melvyn Roffe (incoming from Sept 25) Open days: October 4 2025, February 7 2026, May 16 2026. Sixth form open evenings October 9 2025 and January 29 2026. Address and contact details: Haberdashers' Monmouth School Almshouse Street, Monmouth, NP25 3XP. ‌ Tel: 01600 710 433 Email: admissions@ Article continues below

Rhyl: Leading light in tennis & politics earns alumni award
Rhyl: Leading light in tennis & politics earns alumni award

Rhyl Journal

time08-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Rhyl Journal

Rhyl: Leading light in tennis & politics earns alumni award

Jonathon Dawes was recognised by King's College London (KCL) – and the wider British sporting community – for his pioneering contribution to tennis development and grassroots inclusion. The 22-year-old, already the youngest member of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Council, received a Distinguished Alumni Award from KCL, following in the footsteps of names such as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Olympian Dina Asher-Smith. Having completed his A -Levels at Coleg Cambria's Deeside Sixth Form Centre in 2021 – where he achieved A*s in government and politics, economics, PE and the Welsh Baccalaureate – Jonathon moved to London to read philosophy, politics and economics. Jonathon Dawes (Image: Submitted) He has since returned to the college on several occasions to share his journey and inspire learners. 'It was Coleg Cambria that encouraged me to apply to university when I was considering other options, and I'm so glad they did,' he said. 'They nurtured my passion for tennis and gave me the confidence to think big.' While at KCL, Jonathon spent two years on its tennis committee and served as president in his final year, setting out an 'inclusive-by-design' vision to ensure every student could enjoy university life through tennis, increasing membership by 65 per cent and securing a partnership with global brand, Wilson. After graduating first-class with honours, he continued to volunteer with KCL Tennis, spearheading a programme which included its first LGBTQ+ tennis festival. In total, his post-graduation efforts have engaged 350+ students and unlocked more than £2,500 in new funding, while charity events have raised almost £1,000 for good causes. Jonathon is currently completing an MA in research methods for political science at Durham University. He will begin a PhD in September within the Department of Sport and Exercise Science, investigating politics and under-served communities in tennis. 'King's College London is a world-leading university, so to be recognised at such a young age is a huge honour,' he said. 'But this is only the beginning – I'm committed to making tennis more accessible for everyone, in Wales, the UK and beyond.'

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