Student battling anxiety gets top grades and university place

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An 18-year-old who has fought a long-standing battle with anxiety will head to university next month after securing top grades in his A-levels.

Charlie Bainbridge, from Caerphilly, achieved A* grades in Maths, Further Maths, and Physics, and an A in Chemistry – and will now go on to study Maths at Cardiff University.

Throughout his life, Charlie’s anxiety – particularly around travel and unfamiliar places – has impacted everything from school trips to his daily commute to Coleg y Cymoedd.

“Academically, I’ve always been focused. Sitting in class, doing the work, I was fine with that,” Charlie said. “But getting there? That was the hard part. I don’t like travelling, especially when I’m not in control of it. I even skipped school trips, not because I wasn’t interested, but because the thought of being away from what I know was overwhelming.”

It’s a challenge that shaped his decision to study at Cardiff University this autumn, opting to stay close to home while pursuing his passion for maths.

He continued: “I knew I wanted to study maths, but I also knew that if I was going to succeed, I needed to be in a place where I felt safe and supported, and Cardiff will give me that.

“This way I’m able to still get the university experience of gaining some independence, but if for any reason my anxiety heightens, I can easily get back home and be in my safe space.”

Looking ahead to the future, Charlie said: “I haven’t settled on a specific job yet, but I know I want to work in a maths-related field. I’m considering a few different paths including teaching, academic research and particle or quantum physics.

“I’m also open to continuing my education beyond a first degree – maybe pursuing a doctorate or even taking a second degree in physics. What’s most important to me is finding a career that keeps me mentally stimulated and always learning.”

He praised Coleg y Cymoedd for giving him the “confidence to succeed and the space to be myself” – and added: “Managing anxiety while keeping up with A-levels hasn’t been easy, but being in the right place, with the right people, has made all the difference.

“I think very highly of the support I’ve received from my tutors. They were all so approachable and always willing to answer questions, but at the same time, also encouraged learners to think independently and manage their own time, which worked for me.”