MS, Cabinet Secretary for
Education and MS, Minister for Further and
Higher Education: Over the past ten years, the Seren Academy has
transformed the lives of our brightest learners, enabling them to
realise their potential. With an annual investment of £2.5
million, Seren offers a tailored, evidence-based programme that
nurtures academic rigour, develops essential skills, and builds
confidence. This programme supports around 24,000 learners each
year across Wales, from Year 8 to Year 13, helping them realise
their full potential. It is unique among UK nations, providing
opportunities to such learners regardless of where they live or
their background.
We recently held a ten year celebration for Seren where we heard
from learners who were the first in their family to consider
higher education, those from rural and geographically isolated
communities, those who had come to Wales as refugees and those
who are the few in their school or college to pursue highly
competitive pathways including medicine, law, or admission to
high tariff universities. We have also supported learners
to pursue ambitious pathways through the medium of Welsh,
enabling them to maintain their linguistic identity whilst
accessing high-level academic opportunities.
Seren helps learners build confidence, develop resilience, and
foster a strong sense of belonging, whilst providing practical
guidance that enables them to make informed decisions about their
future. Seren residentials have a particularly profound impact,
often described as pivotal moments in learners' educational
journey, alongside practical, targeted support with personal
statements, admissions tests, and interviews. These experiences,
coupled with opportunities to interact directly with academics,
admissions tutors, and current students, have enabled learners to
make informed decisions about their next steps and to apply to
university with confidence. Many have told us that, without this
support, they would not have applied at all.
Our strong partnerships are fundamental to Seren's achievements.
By working closely with universities in Wales, across the UK, and
globally, we have developed valuable insights into the qualities
sought by admissions teams for the most competitive courses,
qualities that extend well beyond academic attainment. This
collaborative approach has allowed us to shape Seren's programme,
so it mirrors these expectations, ensuring our learners are
prepared not only academically but holistically.
Seren provides a clear channel for communication, making it
easier for universities and other partners to connect with
learners and offer support. This has led to more effective
collaboration, enabling partners to engage quickly, deliver
tailored guidance, and identify opportunities that reflect their
expertise and resources.
Recently, Officials met with representatives from every
university in Wales to ensure the Seren offer fully embraces
their academic opportunities, including studying through the
medium of Welsh. Initiatives such as our new Year 10 Seren
Discovery Days, due to take place this summer, are designed to
help learners understand the breadth and quality of options
available here in Wales. These developments ensure Seren
continues to reflect the aspirations and opportunities of
learners across the country.
We have introduced a new and improved delivery model to ensure
consistency in the Seren offer and are exploring new pathways,
including routes into degree apprenticeships, enabling Seren
learners to pursue excellence through different but equally
ambitious routes whilst gaining valuable workplace
experience. The achievements of the past decade have laid a
strong foundation for continued progress. Through ongoing
collaboration with partners, educators, and learners themselves,
Seren will remain inclusive, ambitious, and responsive to the
needs of our brightest learners, continuing to open doors,
nurture talent, and support the next generation to shine.
