From medicine and law to engineering, policing and public service, a generation of talent has emerged from a £14.6 million North Wales sixth form centre as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Coleg Cambria’s Deeside Sixth Form Centre opened in September 2016, providing a state-of-the-art home for post-16 education in Flintshire and strengthening pathways into higher education, degree apprenticeships and skilled employment. A decade later, former learners have progressed to leading universities, international businesses and high-profile careers across the UK and beyond. Past and present staff, alumni and current learners came together to mark the milestone and celebrate the impact the centre has made since opening.
Among them was Nathan Hall, from Holywell, who studied A Levels in Business, Law and French before securing a solicitor degree apprenticeship with international law firm Ashurst Perkins Coie. “Cambria provided lots of opportunities to hear about career options beyond the traditional university route,” he said. “I also loved the independence and trust placed in me from the very beginning, which made the leap after Sixth Form much less daunting. “As Deeside Sixth celebrates its 10th anniversary, I’d like to congratulate everyone who has helped make it such a success. It’s a place that gave me the confidence to pursue a different path and I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of its story.”
Former student Dr Ellie Moore returned to education at Deeside Sixth after leaving school at 16 and going straight into work. She went on to achieve a PhD from Loughborough University. “From the very start, Coleg Cambria built my confidence,” she said. “I loved every second of it and it completely changed how I saw myself and what I thought was possible.”
Other alumni include Louise Barnard, now an NHS resident doctor after studying Medicine at Newcastle University, and Tom Billington, who recently graduated in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Princeton University in New Jersey. Matthew Barnes is now an Assistant Press Officer with the Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard, while Alice Cleave is Engagement and Learning Officer at Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden.
“The way of teaching really set me up for everything that has come since,” said Matthew. “It gave me the academic skills to succeed at university and encouraged me to believe more in my abilities, shaping my career choices since.”
Mim Riddell, Head of Deeside Sixth and Assistant Principal for Academic Studies at Coleg Cambria, said the anniversary demonstrated the wider contribution its alumni are making to industry, communities and the economy. “Celebrating our 10th anniversary is incredibly special because it gives us the chance to reflect on hundreds of remarkable journeys that began here,” she said. “Over the past decade we’ve seen former students progress to some of the UK’s leading universities, secure prestigious apprenticeships, establish successful careers and make a real difference in their professions and communities. That’s something every member of staff can be enormously proud of. “Our alumni are now caring for patients, shaping public policy, protecting communities, conducting research, leading businesses, supporting charities and inspiring the next generation. Collectively they are making an enormous contribution to society and the economy, and it all began with the decision to walk through our doors.”
Mim added: “We’re equally excited about the future. Every September another generation arrives with dreams and potential, and we can’t wait to see where the next 10 years will take them.”
