Bethan Lewis, an Education & family correspondent for BBC Wales News, reported on concerns raised by higher education bosses regarding the Welsh government’s Seren scheme, which sends young Welsh talent and money to English universities. The scheme aims to support the brightest pupils to achieve their full potential, but critics argue that it mainly focuses on Oxbridge and other top universities outside of Wales. Kyle Greenland, a Caerphilly native, shared how valuable his experience with the Seren programme was a decade ago.
Dr. Ben Calvert, Vice Chair of Universities Wales and vice chancellor of the University of South Wales, emphasized the importance of addressing the decline in Welsh 18-year-olds applying to university compared to their English counterparts. He highlighted the potential financial benefits of encouraging more Welsh young people to pursue higher education. Calvert also called for a reevaluation of the compulsory age of education in Wales, pointing out that England raises the age to 18.
While some students like Nel from Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn in Bala, Gwynedd, are considering studying in Wales, others like Efan are leaning towards apprenticeships instead of universities. Osian, another student from the same school, is undecided between an apprenticeship and university education but plans to explore opportunities locally and abroad. Plaid Cymru has criticized the Seren scheme, calling for a review of university funding and suggesting changes to maintenance grants to better support students studying in Wales.
Former Welsh government special adviser Dewi Knight acknowledged the importance of attracting Welsh students to local universities but stressed the need for students and their families to have the freedom to make decisions that suit them best. He noted that Seren plays a vital role in helping students from diverse backgrounds gain access to top universities. The Welsh government reiterated its commitment to supporting learners to attend the best universities, including those in Wales, while also exploring ways to increase participation in the Seren programme
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