Exceptional exam results celebrated at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai

Learners have been successful in achieving 2,600 vocational level 3 and A-level qualifications this morning.

Those achieving the top A-level grades of A*-A have increased to 24%, with 76% attaining A*-C grades, and 99% have passed their A Level qualifications.

21% of Vocational learners have achieved the highest Distinction or Distinction* grade (+4% vs 2024), and 62% have achieved a Merit to Distinction* (+12% vs 2024).

Overall, 95% of learners have achieved their Level 3 and A-level qualifications.

44 students across Grŵp Llandrillo Menai have secured places at Russell Group Universities, and the college group has seen an increase in learners choosing to study at Welsh universities.

The Grŵp’s excellent A Level pass rate is above the UK national comparator which has enabled learners to go on to study at prestigious Universities across the UK, including; King’s College London, University of Liverpool, University of Cardiff, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, University of Bristol, Wrexham University, Bangor University, with some continuing their Higher Education on one of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Degree programmes.

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai learners have been accepted onto a variety of subjects, including Medicine, Linguistics, Psychology, Fashion Marketing, Optometry, Engineering, Law, Physics, Nursing, and Sports & Exercise Science.

Among them is 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.

He said, “Thank you to all the staff in college, who helped me with my course, university applications, time management, rugby development, and more. I got the most I could out of my time here because of their efforts, so I can't thank them enough”.

One learner who’s taking advantage of the Degrees offered at college is Isaac Williams, who’ll be studying BA Culinary Arts at Rhos-on-Sea.

Isaac, who successfully completed his Level 3 in Hospitality and Catering at Coleg Llandrillo, also works under the expert supervision of Bryn Williams at his new restaurant at Theatr Clwyd.

Isaac said,

“I really enjoyed the course. The staff were really supportive and helpful, showing different techniques, saying you need to learn how to do this - everything just clicked and made sense. It’s given me all this practical experience, which is No1 in the culinary world.”

Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor learner Jac Fisher has secured a Degree Apprenticeship in Energy with Cyngor Gwynedd, having studied Level 3 Engineering at the Hafan Engineering campus in Pwllheli.

He said, “My time at college gave me the opportunity to make new friends, gain valuable skills and qualifications that have helped me secure a degree apprenticeship with Cyngor Gwynedd. The support I received from both my tutors and peers was invaluable, and I’m excited for the next chapter. I’m so grateful for everything the college has done to help me reach this stage”.

Fellow Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor learner, Poppy Jones, who achieved A*AA in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, is heading to Cardiff University to study Optometry.

Poppy, who studied at the Pwllheli campus, said,

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at college, I’ve been able to study subjects I really enjoyed in school, and I’ve been taught by tutors who are so knowledgeable in their subject.

“Having done STEM subjects, I spent a lot of time in the labs, which were really modern and up-to-date. My tutors always went out of their way, giving me extra learning material and one to one help with anything I struggled with, making fairly stressful subjects remain enjoyable at a harder level.”

Courtney Hoey has secured her place to study Adult Nursing at Liverpool John Moores University, having successfully completed her Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care at Coleg Menai. She said,

“I've really enjoyed my time at the college, and the tutors have pushed me to be the best version of myself”

A-level learner at Coleg Menai, Lois Jones, has secured her spot at Bangor University to study Psychology after achieving a fantastic A*AA in Sociology, Psychology and English Language & Literature. Lois said,

“I had an unforgettable experience at Coleg Menai, the supportive environment created by my tutors has helped me to improve my confidence, and allowed me to develop skills that will be essential for my future."

Rhys Morris, who studied Uniformed Protective Services Level 3 at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhyl campus, has completed his studies with an astounding three Distinction* grades.

He said, “When I first started at college, I was quite nervous. I still wasn’t great at socialising, but being at college has helped me develop my social skills and my confidence. My personal tutor, Cara Baker, was instrumental in my personal development. I don’t think I’d have even had the confidence to apply for university without her!

“College has also provided me with so many opportunities that have helped to improve my CV, and I really enjoyed being on a course with so many like-minded people”.

Rhyl Sixth student Sid Williams will be studying Psychology at the University of Liverpool, after achieving ABB in Sociology, Psychology and History. He said,

“I’ve had an amazing time in college. I had wonderful teachers, and it was a great course. Thanks to everyone at college!”

Osian Lockett, who completed the Level 3 Business Extended Diploma course at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor’s Dolgellau campus with two Distinction* grades and one Distinction, will be continuing his studies with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. He said,

“I can’t emphasise enough how good my tutors were on the BTEC Business course; the support was exceptional. So much so that I've decided to stay on at the Dolgellau campus to follow the degree course in business there”.

Carys Hughes, who also studied at the Dolgellau campus, has secured her place at the University of Manchester for Biomedical Science, having achieved straight As in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. She said,

“Attending Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor was the best educational experience I have ever had. As someone who is moving on to the University of Manchester, I am sure that would not have been possible without the expert help of the science department staff at the college.”

Aled Jones-Griffith, Chief Executive of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, said,

“We are absolutely delighted to celebrate another year of exceptional achievements by our learners. Our A Level results have shown an increase for another consecutive year in A* and A grades attainment. Similarly, our vocational learners have achieved outstanding results, with a significant 12% increase in those achieving Distinction* to Merit grades compared to last year.

“We are particularly proud of the number of our learners who are progressing to prestigious Russell Group universities, and of those who have been accepted into their first choice university - highlighting how studying at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai provides the foundation for exciting academic journeys and future careers.

“This success is not only a reflection of the dedication and passion of our learners, but also the hard work of our teaching staff, whose commitment to supporting and inspiring learners is second to none. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the parents and carers whose ongoing support plays a pivotal role in these achievements.”

He added,

“As we continue with our new Project Ambition initiative, we are more committed than ever to providing the resources and support necessary to help our learners achieve the highest possible grades and reach their full potential.

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to all of our learners and wish them the very best in their future endeavours.”

If you’ve been inspired by the success of the learners and would like to start your story by starting a course at college, please contact the college to secure your place:

01492 546 666 for Coleg Llandrillo, 01341 422827 for Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, and 01248 383348 for Coleg Menai.