Students at Coleg Cambria have “raised the bar” with outstanding A Level and BTEC results.
Chief Executive Yana Williams and Principal Sue Price today paid tribute to learners for navigating post-pandemic challenges and contributing to “amazing and inspiring” overall grades.
They also congratulated staff and lecturers at the college’s sites in Deeside, Wrexham, Northop and Llysfasi for their commitment and dedication in supporting young people, notably those who will have faced significant pressure while in secondary school during lockdown.
“The past few years have seen our students demonstrate incredible resilience, which has resulted in amazing and inspiring results across the board,” said Ms Williams.
“But it’s not just about the highest grades, for many, success lies in overcoming adversity and attending lessons, sitting the exams and doing all they can to take the next steps in their education and careers.
“We could not be prouder of them, they are an absolute credit to Coleg Cambria, to their families and our community, and we look forward to seeing how their lives develop in the years ahead – well done to you all.”
Mrs Price said the students will always be a part of the “Cambria family” as the college prepares to welcome future cohorts for the next academic year.
“As students leave, new learners begin their journey with us, and now and in the future, we will be there for them,” she said.
“We work closely with schools in north east Wales to support that transition helping them take the next step on their journey, and look forward to welcoming them in September.”
Mrs Price added: “Once again, we thank the students and their families for their commitment and hard work across the last two years and are now focused on delivering a first-class education in a welcoming environment – with facilities unmatched anywhere in the region – for those set to join us in the coming weeks.”
The former Manchester United Youth Academy Goalkeeper – who played in the same side as England star Kobbie Mainoo – will study Chemistry at the prestigious University’s Lincoln College from September.
Daniel, from Buckley, secured A Levels in Maths, Business, Chemistry and the Welsh Baccalaureate and is looking forward to the next chapter in his education.
Thanking mum Cathy, dad Kenny and sister Charlotte for their support, the 18 year-old also praised staff at Coleg Cambria Deeside’s Sixth Form Centre – where he was recently named Student of the Year – for their part in his academic success.
A former pupil at Elfed High School, Daniel said: “I am thrilled to be attending Oxford University, it was a rigorous process, but I have the grades I need and can’t wait to get started.
“I had three interviews online, so I didn’t get a chance to experience the city and the university in person, but from a computer screen here in North Wales! I have been down since and it’s amazing, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Having spent a week on work placement with biopharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca in Macclesfield, Daniel is even more determined to pursue a career in the sector.
He is targeting a role in in process or chemical engineering but admits his journey to the industry was not straightforward.
“I’m not sure how I went from football to chemistry, I think it was the love of experiments and science,” he said.
“I started to really enjoy the subject after the pandemic towards the end of high school, as I had struggled with it a little beforehand. I worked even harder to get myself up to speed and got better and better until I realised it was interesting and an area I could succeed in long-term.”
Daniel added: “My family have always been a great support to me, since childhood when they would drive me over to Manchester for training and matches, they’ve sacrificed a lot.
“They are of course proud that I’ve made it into Oxford, and they have played a big part in it. I’m quite low key and just want to get there and get my head down, but I’m going to enjoy it too!
“I’ve had so much help from Coleg Cambria every step of the way, the lecturers, the progress coaches and all the staff are brilliant. They’ve all had a positive impact on my time there and I can’t thank them enough.”
Head of Deeside Sixth Miriam Riddell congratulated Daniel on not only his exam results but on being one of the “kindest and most helpful” students they’ve ever had.
“Daniel embodies everything that is good about young people, he was popular with staff and students and has a work ethic like no other learner I have ever come across,” she added.
“He deserves his place at Oxford University as he is so motivated and works so hard, always going the extra mile.
“Daniel was always seen around college helping his peers and is just the nicest person, he never missed a lesson and is so polite and courteous – we will miss him and wish him every success for the future.”
On a visit to Coleg Cambria in Wrexham, the Welsh Cabinet Secretary met students collecting their results. She said:
“Today is a big day for everyone receiving their results across Wales. I want to congratulate all the students, as well as our fantastic teachers and school and college staff, for all their hard work leading up to today.
“This year’s exams mark the final step to pre-pandemic arrangements. This year, for the first time since the pandemic, A-level and AS Levels exams and assessments took place with the same arrangements as pre-pandemic.
“The results are what we hoped to see and are broadly similar to pre-pandemic outcomes.
“Each and every one of you receiving results today should be tremendously proud of your achievements. Today is testament to your resilience and perseverance.“
For more on Coleg Cambria’s A Level and BTEC results, follow them on social media and visit www.cambria.ac.uk.