Cardiff Student Maya Darzi Celebrates A-Level Success after Representing Wales at the House of Commons
Posted: 13th August 2026
Cardiff Sixth Form College student Maya Darzi, from Cardiff, is celebrating her A-Level results today after an outstanding academic and extracurricular journey that has seen her represent Wales on the national stage, lead award-winning STEM initiatives, and secure a place to study Dentistry at the University of Bristol.
Maya attended Cardiff Sixth Form College on a 100% scholarship, where she gained three A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Economics and an A in Mathematics.
Alongside her academic achievements, Maya has built an impressive record of leadership, public speaking and community engagement. As a member of Cardiff Youth Council and the UK Youth Parliament, she was selected to represent Wales at the House of Commons, where she delivered a speech on the shortage of business networking opportunities for young people in Wales.
Chosen from hundreds of young people, Maya addressed an audience of around 300 students in the House of Commons chamber. Her speech was televised and highlighted the importance of creating stronger connections between young people and the business community.
“It was an incredible honour to represent Wales at the Youth Parliament,” said Maya. “I put myself forward as a speaker and was thrilled to be selected. The experience gave me confidence to speak about issues that matter to young people and showed me how important it is to make your voice heard.”
Her contribution attracted further attention when she was invited by the BBC to participate in an election debate focused on the cost of living for students in Wales.
Maya’s passion for innovation and technology has also shaped her academic ambitions. She will begin studying Dentistry at the University of Bristol, attracted by the sector’s rapid technological development and Bristol’s state-of-the-art dental facilities.
“I am fascinated by technology and how it transforms healthcare,” she said. “Dentistry is evolving so quickly, with innovations such as Invisalign and digital scanning changing patient care. I have always been interested in technology, from a young age, and I am excited about combining healthcare with innovation in my future career.”
Inspired by both her parents, who are GPs, Maya has long been interested in healthcare while also developing a keen interest in business and marketing.
Her entrepreneurial skills were showcased through STEM Racing, formerly known as F1 in Schools. Maya represented Wales at the World Finals in Singapore before establishing a STEM Racing club at Cardiff Sixth Form College. The programme challenges students to design miniature Formula One-style racing cars powered by gas canisters while also developing branding, marketing and sponsorship strategies.
As marketing lead, Maya secured sponsorship from several organisations including Admiral and the Red Dragon Centre, helping her team win both regional and national competitions.
Her achievements extend into competitive public speaking and debating. She progressed through multiple rounds of the Business and Professional Women public speaking competition and was a national finalist in the English-Speaking Union’s prestigious ESU Mace debating competition.
Academically, Maya also won the Minds Underground Global Competition with a dentistry-focused essay, further reinforcing her passion for the field.
Outside school, Maya has dedicated her time to volunteering with Age Cymru as a telephone befriender, providing weekly support and companionship to an elderly person with limited family contact.
“It is one of the most rewarding things I do,” said Maya. “Having the opportunity to speak to someone every week and make a positive difference in their life is incredibly meaningful.”
Maya’s talents are not confined to academics and leadership. She also embraced the performing arts during her school years, starring as Gabriella in High School Musical through her school’s Glee programme.
As she celebrates her A-Level results and prepares for the next chapter at the University of Bristol, Maya reflects on a journey that has combined academic excellence, public service, innovation and leadership.
Said Principal Cardiff Sixth Form College, Tom Arrand: “Maya has been an extremely positive member of the College community and has participated in numerous, diverse projects. Her debating skills are excellent as are her skills in science and she has an exciting future ahead of her fusing her interests in dentistry, technology and business.”
