An umbrella organisation of North Wales colleges has seen its A-Level pass rate increase in another year of outstanding results.

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai saw its overall pass rate grow by one per cent to 99 per cent, with exactly half of their students achieving coveted A* and A grades, a record high.

There was also a two per cent rise in the number of learners achieving A*-C grades, and a 100 per cent pass rate achieved in 148 subjects across all of their campuses.

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s vocational learners also received their results today, with many achieving the highest Distinction or Distinction* grade.

Ellis Payne, from Rhyl, achieved an impressive three A* grades in mathematics, chemistry and biology, as well gaining the Welsh Baccalaureate.

His grades, acquired at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhyl Sixth, have afforded him the opportunity to study for a degree at the University of Sheffield, and hopefully a masters’ degree in mechanical engineering afterwards.

A delighted Ellis said: “It was obvious the teachers had a genuine passion for their subject. They talked about how the relevant topic had developed in understanding since their university days, and also mentioned recent scientific journals that they had been reading.

“The size of the sixth form at Rhyl College contributed a lot towards a friendly atmosphere, making it a comfortable transition from high school."

Charlotte Bradley, 20, from Llandudno Junction, has double cause for celebration this year, after juggling her A-Level studies at the Rhos-on-Sea campus with the birth of her new-born baby.

Charlotte achieved an A grade in English literature, B grades in psychology and sociology, an AS-level in Welsh, and the Welsh Baccalaureate.

She will be starting a sociology and criminology degree with the Open University in October so that she can spend time with her baby while still achieving her goals.

She said: “I struggled to find my feet to begin with as I had a lot of home and life issues that sometimes got in the way of my studies.

“However, with the support of my tutors and lecturers, helping me to believe in myself and helping me through some tough times, I managed to get grades that I’d only ever dreamed about and never thought I would achieve.

“After completing my degree, I then hope to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) to start teaching a subject I discovered and fell in love with while in college.”

College rugby star Christian Hone, from Holywell, gained an A grade in history and B grades in biology and chemistry.

As well as gaining a place to study for a degree in banking & finance at Bangor University, sports-mad Christian has also gained a place in a renowned rugby team’s senior academy.

Christian said: “I joined Rhos Sixth in September 2019 to study for A-levels in history, biology and chemistry alongside the Coleg Llandrillo Rugby Academy, and I have just finished what has been a fantastic two years.”

Reflecting on this year’s results, the Grŵp’s chief executive, Dafydd Evans, said: “Congratulations to all of our learners receiving their results today. These are exceptional results, despite a challenging academic year.

“We are extremely proud of the success of all of our A-level and vocational learners, and of the resilience and determination they have shown in achieving their goals. I would like to wish all of our learners continued success for the future.”