Today, thousands of learners across Wales are receiving their GCSE results and taking an important step towards their next chapter.
ColegauCymru would like to congratulate every learner receiving their results today. Whether they are celebrating the grades they hoped for, considering their next steps or deciding on a different path, this is a significant moment and an opportunity to look ahead to the future.
However, this year’s results day comes at a time of unprecedented pressure on Wales’ further education colleges. Record numbers of applications, combined with the funding crisis facing the sector, mean thousands of learners are currently on college waiting lists and could be left without a place on a course in September.
Of particular concern are learners with the fewest qualifications, who may have very few alternative opportunities available to them. For these young people, access to a college place can be the difference between moving forward with their education and being left without a clear pathway.
ColegauCymru Cheif Executive David Hagendyk, said,
“Congratulations to all the learners collecting their GCSE results today. Everyone should be incredibly proud of their hard work and achievements.
“However, this year a combination of record numbers of applications to college and the funding crisis facing the sector means that thousands of learners are on waiting lists and could be without a course in September. In many cases, these will be learners with the fewest qualifications and very few doors left open to them.
“The sector has warned both the last and the new Welsh Government of the implications for learners, and urgent action to guarantee funding for colleges is needed. If we want to give young people the future they deserve, then the Government has to act - and act quickly.”
Further education colleges are vital to ensuring every learner has the opportunity to progress, develop their skills and build a positive future. With demand for college places at record levels, sustainable funding is essential to ensure colleges can meet that demand and that no learner is left behind.
This GCSE results day, we celebrate the achievements of learners - but we must also ensure they have somewhere to go next. The Welsh Government must urgently provide the funding colleges need to give every learner the opportunity to succeed.
Further Information
Whatever their GCSE results, learners have a wealth of opportunities available to them through Wales’ colleges, with a wide range of courses, qualifications, apprenticeships and pathways to support different interests, ambitions and outcomes.
Learners can find out more about opportunities at their local college through the ColegauCymru member college directory, or access advice and support on post-16 options through Working Wales' post-16 options and support.
