STUDENTS across Wales have picked up their A level results today.
It is the second “normal” exam year since the pandemic disruption, with results showing that 97.5% of students achieved A- E grades.
In Merthyr College, hundreds of excited students from across the borough turned up to collect the grades they hoped would allow them to progress on to the next stage of their journeys.
Here is the reaction from students collecting their A level grades in Merthyr College.
Lola Williams 18, of Troedyrhiw picked up A in criminology and an A* in sociology along with a distinction in sport. The Taekwondo athlete says she is now excited to begin her studies in Cardiff Metropolitan University.
She said: “It feels great to get the results today especially after all the hard work I’ve put in. I’m really over the moon and can’t wait to begin my studies at Cardiff Met now.
“I’m working at my part time job tonight so I won’t be celebrating today but saving it for the weekend.”
Ashton Burton, 18, from Merthyr got an A in English Literature, A in Drama and A* in Sociology. He will now begin his studies in business management and innovation at Bristol University next year.
He said: “I’m so happy with the results I’ve got and to be honest I’m a bit shocked. I was not expecting this. It’s a big relief and it’s exciting that I can book freshers now.”
Emily Richards, 20, from Merthyr received an A in Art, A in Maths and B in Physics.
She will be heading to the University of Bath to study aerospace engineering next year. The former cadet said: “I’m feeling so happy. We put in loads of work and now it’s paying off.
“I’ll be studying aerospace engineering in Bath next year and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been a part of the cadets growing up and I hope to eventually work on electric powered military jets.”
Rebecca Daniel is 18 and from Merthyr. She got a distinction in performing arts and Welsh Bac and will be going to East 15 Drama school in Essex.
She said: “I’m really pleased with the results this morning and I’m really looking forward to my studies ahead. I’ve been interested in doing shows and theatre since I was young and I will be taking that further down in Essex. It’s very exciting and I will be celebrating with my friends tonight.”
McKenzie Dominy picked up an A in Sociology, B in English, C in Business and C in Welsh Bac. He will be attending Royal Holloway in London to study film and digital production.
He said: “I will be going to Royal Holloway to study film and digital production and I can’t wait. It feels brilliant and to be honest I didn’t expect it. I will be celebrating tonight before heading up to a Comicon event in London as a treat.”
Zack Morgan, 18, has spent his whole life in Merthyr where today he picked up his results. Zack received an A in computer science, B in History and a B in Government politics. He will study game design at the University of Staffordshire and one day hopes to work as a programmer for a major game title.
He said: “It’s just incredible and all the pressure and stress is off now. I’ve been checking UCAS all morning and I’ve got my place in university which is the main thing.
“I’ll be studying game and design which will cover a range of things so I’m really looking forward to it. As for celebrations I won’t be doing much other than spending some time with my family and girlfriend.”
