SEVEN Coleg Cambria students are among the UK elite after securing places at world-leading universities.

The seven, who will start their new lives in September include Ethan Martin-Yates (Architecture), Lewis Morrin (Music), Ryan Cummings (Natural Sciences), Esther Abelian (Medicine) and Katia Allen (English) who are heading to Cambridge, while Edan Jackson (Biology) and Aleesha Sky Morgan Jones (Theology and Religion) who are heading to Oxford.

The outstanding achievement of this magnificent seven – four of which are ex pupils of Ysgol Clywedog in Wrexham – follows Cambria’s record-breaking A level results last summer, when the institution achieved an overall pass rate (A*-E) of 98%, including the first cohort to ever complete exams at the £14m Deeside Sixth Form Centre.

Ethan was equally surprised to receive an offer from Cambridge, and is relishing the opportunity after excelling in Maths, Music and Art, despite leaving school and transferring to Deeside Sixth Form Centre in September to complete the final year of his A levels.

“I really wasn’t thinking about Oxford or Cambridge but thought I might as well apply to see how far I would get,” said the 17 year-old, from Prestatyn.

“I didn’t think I would get accepted so it was a surprise, and of course I’m absolutely thrilled.”

Ethan added: “When I moved over to Cambria I grew in confidence, it’s a more focused environment and the staff really worked to help get me to where I wanted to be.

“I’m excited to be going to Cambridge, it’s a big step and I still have to get the grades but I’m on course to do that and looking forward to the future.”

Earlier this year, the college was lauded for it’s A level provision by ALPS, a UK-wide tool used by more than 1,600 schools and colleges to measure performance.

Cambria was labelled ‘Outstanding’ for distance travelled by students from GCSEs to A level grades, providing crucial added-value to youngsters leaving school to attend the leading FE provider.

As a result, Coleg Cambria has been placed in the top tier of all UK schools and colleges for the progress made by learners.

Alex Thomas, Head of Deeside Sixth Form Centre, said the college will continue to raise the bar for its students.

“It’s fantastic to see these seven students reach such a high level and sets a benchmark for others wanting to attend these two world class universities,” he said.

“The journey of all Coleg Cambria learners from GCSEs to A level exams is paramount to us, not just academically but in terms of their health and wellbeing, the support they receive and the contribution we make to our community.

“I’m delighted to say that year on year we are improving and will continue to do so, working hard for our learners so together we can achieve excellence and reach for the stars, as these students have – congratulations to you all.”