2025 Results

Oxford Bound Student Explores Medical Cannabis as Future Mental Health Treatment

As students across the country celebrate their A-Level results, 17 year old Ariana Howells from Barry is marking an exceptional milestone — securing a place to study Biochemistry at Oxford University’s St Hilda’s College, whilst also emerging as a young voice in the growing conversation around medical cannabis and mental health treatment.

Ariana, who is a scholarship student at Cardiff Sixth Form College achieved three A* and one A in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and English Literature plus a standout 97% in her Extended Project Qualification. Her research focused on ‘To what extent can THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) negatively affect sleep architecture?’ – an investigation that revealed both the promise and gaps in existing research around cannabis’ role in sleep and mental wellbeing.

Ariana’s academic record is matched by impressive extracurricular achievements: she earned Gold in the Biology Olympiad, reached the semi-finals in the International Biology Bowl, and is also a competitive ice skater having competed in the Juvenile British Championships in 2020 for synchronised ice skating.

Now preparing to turn 18 and take her place at Oxford University, Ariana plans to channel her experience, empathy, and scientific curiosity into drug development and mental health research — with a special interest in how medical cannabis could one day transform care.

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Hiya Hits the High Note : Cardiff Student Wins Offers from Yale 

Hiya Ray (18), a student at Cardiff Sixth Form College is celebrating a phenomenal academic year, receiving top A Level results alongside offers from the University of Cambridge, Yale, UCLA and The University of Chicago.

 Hiya, who lives in St Mellons, achieved four A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Economics and has already secured a place to study Applied Maths and Economics at Yale. She also earned full marks on the SATs, cementing her status as one of the UK’s most outstanding all-round students.

 Hiya’s Extended Project Qualification focused on microfinance and its ability to empower women in developing countries — a passion sparked by her work experience at a microfinance bank in Kolkata, India, where her family is originally from. Her research examined the ethics of group lending and interest rates, concluding that success hinges on the moral practices of lenders.

 “Microfinance has the power to transform lives but only when used responsibly,” Hiya said. “It’s where my love of economics meets my interest in social change.”

Hiya is also a talented musician, holding a diploma in violin and performs with the National Youth Orchestra. She has played at the Royal Albert Hall, Barbican, Bridgewater Hall and Snape Maltings and also served as Principal Second Violin for NYO Wales — an ensemble open to musicians up to 23 years old.

Currently serving as Deputy Head Student  and President of the Debate Club, Hiya plays an active role in shaping school life and mentoring younger students. She also co-leads debate outreach projects, teaching students from across South Wales how to find their voice.

 “I love learning, but I also love giving back and whether it’s through debate, music, law or economics, I want to keep making a difference,” she said. “I’d be bored if I wasn’t doing something that challenged me!”

 With friends heading to both Yale and Cambridge, Hiya is now deciding between her offers and whatever path she chooses, she’s certain to continue her mission of combining rigorous thinking with creative compassion.

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Young Footballer from Dinas Powys Secures Place to Study Law at Oxford

Bethan Hoole (18) a talented young footballer and aspiring lawyer from Dinas Powys is celebrating a remarkable academic goal this week – a place to study Law at the University of Oxford, joining University College this autumn.

Having achieved 4 A*s in her A Levels in Economics, Government & Politics, History and Biology at Cardiff Sixth Form College Bethan also scored 11 A*s and 1 A at GCSE. Alongside her academic pursuits, she has been playing football for eight years as a goalkeeper for Sully FC, where she helped her team win the U16s grassroots league title.

“Football has taught me resilience, focus, and how to work under pressure — all things I’ll carry with me to Oxford,” Bethan said. “It’s also been a great escape and a way to balance out school life with something active and fun.”

Bethan attended Cardiff Sixth Form College where she was awarded a scholarship. Motivated by personal challenges, Bethan says she’s determined to make the most of every opportunity to support her family.

“Seeing how hard my parents work has made me want to succeed even more,” she shared. “My parents trust me to make my own decisions — and that makes me want to make them proud.”

Her growing interest in corporate law stems from work experience at a local law firm, where she shadowed solicitors and witnessed first-hand how the legal system functions. She’s taken part in Model United Nations (MUN) and has been commended in national essay-writing competitions.

Bethan has won multiple accolades, including the Welsh Academic Award and Health and Social Care Award and is known for her tenacity, work ethic, and consistency — qualities that helped her stand out in the ultra-competitive Oxford admissions process.

Her decision to apply to Oxford was sparked by a mix of curiosity and instinct. “I went to the open day and just felt like I could see myself there,” she said. “It wasn’t just the prestige, it was the sense of possibility.”

Now, with her sights set on a future in law, Bethan is excited to explore how legal careers allow for intellectual challenge and meaningful interaction with people from all walks of life.

“Law felt like the right fit,” she said. “It’s about fairness, understanding people, and making a difference — whether in business, society or beyond.”

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Faith, Medicine and A-Level Success: Newbridge Student Hana Cho Embodies Gen Z’s Spiritual Shift

As students across the UK receive their A-Level results today, one Newbridge student is celebrating more than just top grades. 18-year-old Hana Cho, from Cardiff Sixth Form College, who today received four A*s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths, represents a new wave of high-achieving, faith-driven Gen Z students reshaping both academia and spirituality.

Hana, who has secured a place to study Medicine at University College London (UCL), is also part of a wider cultural trend highlighted in a new Bible Society report revealing that church attendance among Gen Z has quadrupled. Far from abandoning religion, today’s youth are increasingly turning to faith for belonging, mental wellbeing and personal purpose.

For Hana, faith has always been central. She attends Tabernacle Baptist Church, Newbridge weekly, where she teaches Sunday School, including leading children’s Bible sessions, and supports the elderly congregation. Her father is the minister and the family, who are Korean, are the only Korean members of the largely Welsh church — a space where Hana says she has always felt included and inspired.

“My faith is a huge part of who I am,” says Hana, who is currently in Korea on a gap year where she is attending Yonsei University to strengthen her language skills and cultural connection. “I think a lot of people in my generation are looking for something real — somewhere they can belong and contribute. Church gives me that.”

Her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) explored the ethics of mandatory vaccinations, sparked by her observations during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It made me think about the balance between public health and individual choice,” she said. “That was a turning point in wanting to study medicine — to be part of big, ethical conversations that affect lives.”

The Bible Society report notes that young Christians cite community, hope, and a personal connection with God as reasons for engaging with faith — with data showing higher life satisfaction and lower stress levels among regular churchgoers. Hana’s experience supports those findings.

Alongside her studies, Hana was President of the Medical Reading Club, participated in school dance showcases, reached Grade 7 in piano, and completed work placements in both education and healthcare settings. She also took part in a six-month debating programme in Cardiff and regularly engaged in inter-house competitions at school.

With her future in medicine secured, Hana looks forward to bringing her values of service, compassion, and curiosity into her next chapter — one that reflects a growing movement among her generation.