Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Nearly 12,000 miles away, on the other side of the planet, 18-year-old Olwen Watts is celebrating after achieving two A*s and an A in her A-levels.

Olwen, from Caerphilly, is currently in New Zealand, as she prepares to head to university next year to study International Relations.

Just weeks after finishing her A-levels at Coleg y Cymoedd, Olwen packed her bags and jetted off to New Zealand, via Singapore and Australia, for her gap year.

Over the next 12 months, she will be travelling and working as part of a year out designed to prepare her for her future studies at the University of Exeter – and for a future career in global diplomacy and humanitarian work.

Now, after receiving confirmation of her A level results – A*A*A in Maths, Sociology, and Politics – Olwen can officially relax and enjoy the rest of her travels.

“It’s a bit surreal to be this far from home on results day,” said Olwen. “I opened my results over the phone with my friend and just felt this huge sense of relief, now I can fully enjoy this time knowing my university place is confirmed. It feels like everything’s come together.”

Her gap year, she says, is about more than just travel, it’s a chance to step outside her comfort zone.

Olwen said: “It’s a bit of a tradition in my family to take a year out before university, but for me it’s also about independence. I want to experience other cultures, get more work experience, and be confident living on my own before starting university.”

Discussing her choice of studies, Olwen explained: “I’ve always been really curious about how different societies function, how politics influences people’s lives, and how culture shape’s identity.”

During her time at Coleg y Cymoedd, she balanced her studies with two part-time jobs, working as a swim school receptionist and a Maths and Welsh tutor. Olwen also volunteered at a food bank each week and served a student rep, attending academic board meetings.

A passionate athlete, she also played four sports including field hockey, roller hockey, climbing and netball. She also coached junior hockey players at her local club.