Dylan McCarthy, an 18-year-old from Tonyrefail, has secured a place at the University of Oxford to study experimental psychology at St Catherine's College, achieving four A*s at A Level. This follows an education journey that included exclusion from two primary schools and a transfer to a specialist pupil referral unit.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Dylan was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of six and struggled during his time at school. His primary school years proved particularly challenging, resulting in permanent exclusion from two schools. His transition to secondary education was equally difficult, and by Year 8 he had transferred to a specialist Pupil Referral Unit that provides trauma-informed support for young people aged 11 to 16.
College Recognition and Success
When Dylan applied to Coleg y Cymoedd for A Levels, staff recognised his maturity, intelligence and determination during his interview. He was offered the opportunity to study A Levels and has not looked back since.
Dylan's results were among "outstanding" grades posted by the college, which is the largest provider of A Levels in Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf. The college reported a pass rate of over 99% at A Level, along with strong results at A-C and strong vocational qualification results.
College-Wide Achievements
The college's Nantgarw-based A Level Centre, which offers 16 subject areas including biology, physics, further mathematics, English literature, geography and history, reported a 100% pass rate. Additionally, more than 900 students completed Level 3 courses in subjects such as health and social care, construction, creative arts, sport, computing and engineering.
The college highlighted Dylan as one of this year's success stories, noting that he has "overcome significant challenges throughout his education" to prepare to take up his offer at Oxford.
