Seren momentum building with launch of latest hub

Education Minister, Huw Lewis will officially launch the next stage of the Seren Network today; the Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend and Powys partnership hub.

Seren is a network of regional hubs designed to support Wales’ brightest sixth formers achieve their academic potential and gain access to leading universities. Its establishment was recommended by former Secretary of State for Wales, Lord Murphy of Torfaen, in his role as the Welsh Government’s Oxbridge Ambassador.

The new hub will encompass all schools and colleges with sixth forms in Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend and Powys. It will be the sixth partnership and, to date, the biggest hub geographically in the Seren Network, marking the halfway point of the whole network being rolled out.

240 Year 12 students from all parts of the hub will gather in Skewen today to take part in a day of academic workshops designed to challenge them including an insight into the Oxbridge admissions process provided by Oxford University.

Seren Peregrine, a Crickhowell High School pupil, said she was looking forward to the Seren Network being a ‘guide’ to choosing the right course and university for her. The 16-year-old achieved 11 and a half A*s in her GCSEs and hopes to study either engineering or politics at university.

Seren said:

“I don’t know exactly where I want to study or what exactly I want to do, so I think Seren will be great for me. It’s comforting to know there’s help available at what can be a confusing time.

“You don’t always see many Welsh people in high-profile positions of power, and the perception is that politicians especially come from Eton, and perhaps this does put off Welsh students from applying to the top universities.

“The Seren Network will give students access to people who’ve studied at these universities which will raise confidence and let young people know they can do it.”

Kelly Fountain, director of study and head of sixth form Academy NPTC Group, and one of the coordinators at the NPT/Bridgend/Powys hub, said:

“The Seren Network is a fantastic idea. It provides such a great opportunity for pupils to be a part of a network of like-minded students who share similar goals. We’re very keen to tackle the pre-conceived ideas that some young people in Wales have about what they should be aiming for and which universities they can apply to.

“Through the Seren hubs, we can offer students additional practical help and guidance that they need throughout the application process. This will prove to be advantageous when applying to the top universities.”

Education Minister Huw Lewis said:

“The Seren Network is really building some momentum. We’ve come such a long way in a short time – it was only last January that I announced its creation”.

“We now have six hubs up and running, activities taking place for Year 12 students, and many more hubs in discussions, aiming to launch in the next few months.

“By September, we’ll have a national Seren Network so every high achieving sixth former in Wales will be able to access the kind of activities and support like the ones in Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend and Powys.