Eleven Gower College Swansea students are celebrating as their places at Oxford and Cambridge Universities are confirmed for September 2025.
Huge congratulations to the seven students heading to Oxford:
Evie Beck (formerly Pontarddulais Comprehensive) studying Biomedical Science at New College
Mia Brown (formerly Cefn Hengoed Community School) studying Geography at Brasenose College
Sophie Hill (formerly Bishopston Comprehensive) studying Biochemistry at Lincoln College
Claudia Croft (formerly Bishopston Comprehensive) studying Experimental Psychology at Corpus Christi College
Carys Morgan (formerly Cwmtawe Community School) studying Music at Jesus College
Gwinnie Pinnock (formerly Bishopston Comprehensive) studying History at Worcester College
Milly Walker (formerly Bishop Gore School) studying Law at New College
… and the four confirmed for Cambridge:
Fran Mackie (formerly Glan y Môr School) studying History and Spanish at Churchill College
Violet Williams ((formerly Bishop Gore School) studying Education at Queen’s College
Alex Mort (formerly Morriston Comprehensive) studying Engineering at Kings College
Leah Spackman (formerly Penyrheol Comprehensive) studying Education at St John’s College
The students were all following the College’s GCS Honours programme at the Gorseinon Campus, which aims to provide the best possible preparation for students aiming to progress to Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group universities.
“I’m delighted that 11 of our students have confirmed their Oxbridge places, maintaining the College’s position as one of the strongest in Wales for progression to top UK universities,” says Dr Emma Smith, GCS Honours Coordinator/Coordinator of the Swansea Seren Hub. “The students have worked incredibly hard over the past two years, thoroughly deserve their success, and can now start making their preparations for Oxford and Cambridge. Exciting times are ahead, and I would like to wish them all the very best for the future!”
This year the College saw a rise in its overall A Level pass rate, which stands at a remarkable 100% (the Wales national average is 97.5%).
Among these, 12% achieved the highest grade of A* (up from 9% in 2024 and higher than the Wales national average of 10.5%), 34% are at A*-A (Wales national average is 29.5%), 65% are at A*-B, and there is a continued improvement in the A*-C grades which stand at 85%.
Notes:
Gower College Swansea’s GCS Honours programme, which incorporates weekly tutorials, preparation interviews with Oxbridge alumni and local academic professionals, an aptitude test and assessment preparation for relevant subjects.
Learners who wish to apply to study medicine, dentistry or veterinary science attend additional sessions which prepare them for admissions tests and competitive interviews. They also have opportunities to hear from guest speakers from a range of employers and university courses.
The College has also integrated the Seren Academy, a Welsh Government initiative dedicated to helping Wales’ brightest learners achieve their full academic potential in Wales, the UK, and overseas, into its GCS Honours programme.