By Kelly Fountain, Chief Executive Officer, Gower College Swansea
As we approach another GCSE results day, young people and their families across the country face some of the most important decisions of their lives. Learners today have more choice than ever - AS/A Levels, apprenticeships, and vocational pathways - with a large number of subject choices available.
At Gower College Swansea, we offer all of that in one place! Whether it’s AS/A Levels, career-focused vocational training, or hands-on apprenticeships, we provide a complete and flexible pathway tailored to each student’s ambition and future career pathway.
College is more than a place to gain qualifications; it’s where young people explore who they are, discover what drives them, and begin to take ownership of their future. At Gower College Swansea, we’re proud to offer a rich and rigorous academic environment where students are supported, challenged, and inspired to aim higher than they ever thought possible.
For many, our A Level programme becomes the perfect launchpad to top universities, high-profile careers, and a lifelong love of learning.
Our A Level provision is one of the largest and most comprehensive in Wales, offering over 40 subject options, including not just the traditional sciences, maths and humanities, but also modern, in-demand disciplines like law, digital technology, criminology, psychology and economics. This breadth allows learners to build personalised combinations that reflect their interests and ambitions—whether they aspire to study medicine, architecture, politics, or the creative industries. And our flexible programme of timetabling will ensure learners can choose any combination of subjects.
This year the College has seen a rise in its overall A Level pass rate, which stands at a remarkable 100%, well above the Wales national average of 97.5%. Among these results, 12% of the grades awarded were at the highest possible grade of A*, an increase from 9% in 2024 and surpassing the national average of 10.5%. A total of 34% of the grades awarded were at grades A* to A, (compared to the Welsh average of 29.5%) while 65% of the grades awarded were at A* to B. Notably, 85% of the grades awarded were at grades A* to C.
The overall pass rate at AS Level is again very strong and stands at 94%, with 73% of grades awarded at A-C and 54% being awarded at grades A-B. Incredibly, 30% of the grades awarded were at an A grade in comparison to the Wales national average of 22.7%.
These outstanding results, that consistently surpass national averages, across both A Level and AS Level just demonstrates our drive for academic excellence and our commitment to supporting every learner to achieve their full potential.
Students following the College’s GCS Honours programme secured almost 200 Russell Group university places between them. These confirmed places represent almost 27% of our overall UCAS applicant cohort, which is an amazing achievement. In addition, close to 900 learners have secured a place at university.
Our GCS Honours programme offers tailored support for high-achieving learners aiming for top Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. From weekly academic tutorials and aptitude test coaching to bespoke UCAS guidance and interview preparation, this elite programme gives learners a real edge—and it works. Each year, we celebrate students who receive offers from university including the world’s most competitive institutions. This year has been no different with 14 students being offered places at either Oxford or Cambridge universities.
But what truly sets us apart is how we combine academic excellence with real-world experience. Thanks to partnerships with leading employers such as Admiral, Swansea Council and Swansea Bay University Health Board, our A Level students benefit from work placements, industry talks, and mentoring opportunities that enhance their university applications and broaden their career horizons.
This year’s Design 48 event was a powerful example of how we bring academic creativity to life. Hosted in partnership with Waters Creative, this intensive design challenge brought together A Level and vocational art and design students to produce innovative visual concepts for a real-world client brief, all within 48 hours. Events like this aren't just exciting; they give learners a unique insight into the expectations and pace of the industry.
We’re also proud of our developing partnership with Swansea Arena, which has opened new doors for our A Level learners pursuing careers in architecture, media, performing arts and production design. As highlighted in our recent Creative Careers event, students were able to hear from professionals about everything from lighting and stage design to commercial illustration, proving that creative skills developed in academic settings are in high demand across multiple sectors.
Gower College Swansea attracts students from across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Carmarthenshire and beyond, not just because of our outstanding results, but because of the high quality, experienced support and choice we offer. They join a community of learners who are curious, ambitious, and determined to make their mark on the world.
We guarantee a place for every student, regardless of their GCSE results, and work closely with each individual to build the best possible academic or vocational journey. And while many join our A Level pathways aiming for university, others discover new talents and ambitions that lead them toward creative careers or industry-based degrees.
Excellent teaching is only part of the equation. Our staff - many with postgraduate qualifications and extensive industry experience - deliver inspiring lessons that connect classroom theory with real-world application. But equally important is the outstanding support we provide. With over 80 dedicated student support roles, we prioritise each learner’s academic, emotional, and financial wellbeing.
From personal tutors, progress coaches, student support officers to mental health support and financial assistance, our support systems are designed to ensure every student, regardless of background or ability, can succeed.
Education is not just about achieving grades; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. At Gower College Swansea, we empower A Level learners to build confidence, gain direction, and step boldly into their futures.
So, as young people across Wales await their GCSE results, I would encourage them to think big. College is not just the next step; it's a gateway to unlimited possibilities, it’s where you build the foundation to your future success. And at Gower College Swansea, it could be the start of something truly extraordinary.