Following last Thursday’s Results Day, the full picture has emerged – and it confirms that St David’s College continues to be one of South Wales’ strongest routes for progression into higher education.
This year, 554 students applied for university, the highest number in recent years. The figure reflects not only the growing ambition of young people in South Wales, but also the strength of academic preparation at St David’s.
93% of applicants secured their first choice university, in a year that has seen a record number of 18 year olds applying, meaning a much more competitive environment for learners.
Top universities remain firmly within reach for St David’s learners. This year, six students have secured places at Oxford or Cambridge, alongside three at University College London and one at Imperial College London.
Those students include Rhys Leconte, who studied at Cardinal Newman before attending St David’s. His A*A*A*A secured his place to study English at the University of Cambridge. Rhys has always been a great contributor in his classes, and has spoken previously about how being part of the Honours Programme broadened his understanding and love for his subject, and the humanities, through cross-curricular discussions.
Georgia Graham, who was a learner at Cathays High School before St David’s, is also going to the University of Oxford to study English and English Literature. Georgia has been another advocate for cross-curricular debate, and has spoken of how through discussions with other learners, particularly STEM learners, it allowed her to realise how broad her subject was, opening doors to think more critically.
In addition, 11 students will be taking up places in Medicine, Dentistry, or Veterinary Science – continuing the college’s strong track record in these competitive fields.
These include Darcey Holdcroft, who previously studied at St Martin’s Comprehensive School. Darcey contributed to student life in many ways during her time in College, performing at the Pensioners Christmas Party, and notably going on a trip with the Lasallian Project, building a school, working at a hospital and teaching young children. Darcey will now be taking those experiences with her as she studies Medicine at Cardiff University. She said “St David’s has been an amazing experience, I couldn’t have done it without the teachers and support. Moving to St David’s was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Learners who are going into Midwifery have greatly benefitted from the support from the Launchpad, particularly Mrs Channon, who is herself a midwife. Yousra Ahmadi is one of those students, as she now takes her place at Cardiff University to study Midwifery.
Law and Criminology remain the most popular course choices among applicants, closely followed by medical-related degrees. Science is the third most popular pathway, highlighting students’ continued interest in high-demand and career-focused subjects.
58% of learners progressed onto STEM courses, however humanities subjects have shown strong progression into Higher Education, with students going to top universities to study humanities subjects. Mercedes Blackledge is one of those learners, who studied at St Alban’s Catholic High School before going to St David’s. She is now progressing to study History at Durham University.
Charlotte Hoopier is another student going on to study History, taking her place at the University of Oxford. Charlotte went to Pontypridd High School before studying at St David’s and said “I am grateful for the support I received from teachers and workers at St David’s that encouraged me to persevere and succeed”.
Nearly 60% of St David’s learners have chosen to study at Welsh universities – showing that more students than ever are opting to stay local while pursuing their ambitions.
Meanwhile, 42% of learners have secured places at Russell Group universities, underlining the high aspirations and achievements of the college’s students.
While the majority of students have already confirmed their places, a number are still exploring Clearing options to finalise their higher education journeys.
