Seventy young people from schools and colleges across south west Wales have celebrated graduating from the Step Up to Swansea University programme, at a special ceremony in front of their families and friends at the Taliesin Arts Centre.
Step Up is a widening access programme that works with groups from across the region who are currently under-represented in higher education (HE). With a focus on Year 12 pupils, its aim is to help change lives by making HE accessible to all, including care-experienced young people and young carers.
The new graduates joined the Step Up programme in Year 12, taking part in a range of events throughout the academic year before completing a four-day residential course at Swansea University over the summer.
Throughout the programme, they were supported by 15 current Swansea University students who had previously completed Step Up themselves, sharing their experiences of university and student life with participants.
A total of 112 students successfully completed the Step Up programme this year. If they choose to apply to Swansea University, they will benefit from a reduction in the grades required for entry to their chosen course.
At the graduation ceremony, each student was invited to the stage to graduate and was awarded a certificate by Alice Davies, Head of Transition, Belonging and Academic Success at Swansea University.
Rebecca Griffiths, Widening Participation Manager said: “It was wonderful to come together to truly celebrate the work of our 2026 cohort. We hope that we’ve motivated and inspired these students to apply for university.
“We will continue to support these students in Year 13 by offering them the opportunity to sit in on first year lectures and we wish all of our students well with their studies.”
Speaking on stage during the graduation ceremony, student Becky Evans said: “The most important thing I’ve learned from Step Up is that university isn’t something to be scared of. I have learned about the different support available if you’re struggling, how to prepare for university and what to expect. It has made me more confident about taking the next step.”
Special prizes were also awarded at the graduation in the following categories:
- Highest academic achievement – Kalli Davies
- Highest attendance – Xavier Wood
- Highest engagement through the Reaching Wider and Step Up Programme – Alana Moreton
The 2026 Step Up graduates are from the following schools and colleges:
- Gower College Swansea
- Coleg Sir Gâr
- Neath Port Talbot College
- Ysgol Harri Tudur
- Ysgol Dyffryn Aman
- Ysgol Maesteg
- Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur
- Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe
- Cynffig Comprehensive School
- Coleg Cymunedol y Dderwen
- Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd
- Bishop Vaughan Catholic School
- Morriston Comprehensive School
- St Joseph’s Catholic School and Sixth Form Centre
- Bishop Gore School