The Seren Academy, which supports the brightest learners to have the ambition, capability and the curiosity, to fulfil their potential, has turned ten years old.
Over the past decade, Seren has supported thousands of learners across Wales, empowering them to make confident and informed decisions about their future. Thousands of Seren graduates are now studying at some of the UK's best universities, as well as further afield at institutions across the globe.
To celebrate this milestone, the Seren Academy hosted a commemorative event at the National Museum Cardiff. The occasion recognised the achievements of Seren learners, both past and present, and provided a platform for participants to share their experiences.
As part of the event, Megan Salter spoke about her Seren journey from achieving five A*s at A Level at Gower College to Swansea University where she is now currently undertaking a PhD.
She said:
Being part of the Seren Academy allowed me to discover a true passion for my chosen field of study, while empowering me to make bold, well-informed choices about my future academic pathway. Through the super-curricular opportunities, Seren not only widened my horizons, but strengthened my academic curiosity and intellectual flexibility, igniting within me an ambition to fulfil my potential and aim high in the educational goals I set for myself. The values Seren instilled in me remain central to my academic journey, and I carry them through with me into my PhD studies.
Jacques Marquis, who was part of Seren’s first cohort, went on to study Maths at the University of Oxford and continues to contribute to Seren as a mentor for current learners.
He said:
I feel truly privileged to have been a part of the Seren network from both the learner side and now contributing from an academic side. This programme has greatly developed over the last decade and is clearly making a profound impact on learner’s access to opportunities across the country. I hope to continue to support that for years to come.
Sam Sherratt, another Seren alumni who also spoke on the panel, is currently undertaking a degree apprenticeship with the University of South Wales and a global digital consulting firm in Digital and Technology Solutions.
He said:
I attended the Seren Academy in 2018 and 2019. I really enjoyed the master classes and collaborative atmosphere that Seren encouraged. It was an excellent opportunity to get a taste of what excellence in industry looks like. I also really enjoyed meeting other learners from all over Cymru.
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, who also attended the event said:
I’m delighted to mark this wonderful celebration of ten years of the Seren Academy. Over the past decade, Seren has transformed the lives of thousands of learners, opening doors to new possibilities. We have brought together a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and strong partnerships to support our brightest learners in reaching their fullest potential.
I'm incredibly proud of what our Seren alumni have accomplished, and I would like to thank them for their continued engagement and involvement in the Seren Academy. I look forward to hearing many more inspiring success stories that showcase the positive impact Seren has had, and will continue to have, on learners past, present and future.
