Our CEO, Mark Jones MBE, reflects on the outstanding achievements of our students, the vital role of further education in shaping futures, and how we help students successfully progress to university.
At Gower College Swansea, we see education as more than just a stepping stone – it is a transformative journey that empowers young people to achieve their full potential.
Today, students have a wide range of choices, including higher education, apprenticeships and employment. For many, university remains a key aspiration and is a crucial pathway to unlocking new opportunities, gaining valuable skills and achieving long-term success.
Over many years, Gower College Swansea has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, particularly in A Level provision, with over 1,300 students currently enrolled in subjects spanning maths, sciences, arts, business and humanities. However, higher education is not limited to A Level pathways. We take immense pride in the achievements of our Level 3 vocational students in fields such as engineering, digital, business and health and social care - many of whom secure places at leading universities across Wales and the UK.
Each year, more than 1,000 of our students apply to study at university. In the 23/24 academic year, 60% of our Level 3 learners progressed to higher education, of which 61% chose popular Welsh institutions such as Swansea University, Cardiff University, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and the University of South Wales, with 39% choosing to study further afield, selecting universities based on specialist courses and aligning their choices with long-term career ambitions.
We are particularly proud that already this year, 14 of our students have recently received offers from the prestigious University of Oxford and University of Cambridge – an achievement that highlights the exceptional teaching, guidance and opportunities available at Gower College Swansea. Through initiatives such as the Welsh Government’s Seren Programme and the excellent dedication of our teaching staff, we offer tailored support to high-achieving students, ensuring they have access to the enrichment activities, mentorship and advice needed to fulfil their full potential.
One of the most common misconceptions about further education is that vocational qualifications do not lead to university. The reality is far different. Our role is to ensure every student finds the right path, whether that be higher education, apprenticeships, or direct entry into employment. Vocational learners are proving time and again that they have the skills and ambition to excel in university settings, reinforcing the importance of diverse and flexible progression routes.
Higher education continues to be a popular choice for many of our learners, and our mission is clear – to inspire ambitious futures and empower students to make informed decisions. Whether their journey leads to a Russell Group university, a specialist institution, an apprenticeship, or straight into the workforce, our commitment remains the same – to equip them with the skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.
