1 October 2026
Friday 2nd October 2026
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
LHS at the European Youth Parliament 2026
Earlier this month, four of our exceptional Year 13 students, Ali, Emelia, Mruthu and Jess, (accompanied by a very youthful looking Mr Mann) travelled to Northumbria University in Newcastle to represent Llanishen High School at the prestigious European Youth Parliament (EYP) UK Autumn National Session.
Having qualified through a highly competitive regional round, the team earned their place on the national stage, joining outstanding sixth form students from across the United Kingdom for four intensive days of debate, committee work and cross-cultural collaboration. Their participation is a wonderful example of the ambition, commitment and intellectual curiosity that we strive to nurture in all of our students.
The session challenged participants to step into the role of European policymakers, exploring complex global issues ranging from geopolitical security and environmental policy to international trade and human rights. Working alongside students from different schools and backgrounds, our delegates engaged in thoughtful discussion, built consensus and drafted detailed resolutions designed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society today.
The conference culminated in a General Assembly, where committees presented and defended their policy proposals before the entire delegation. Ali, Emelia, Mruthu and Jess demonstrated exceptional confidence, maturity and critical thinking throughout. Whether delivering persuasive speeches, responding to challenging questions or contributing to lively debate, they represented themselves, their families and Llanishen High School with distinction.
Beyond the formal proceedings, the experience provided invaluable opportunities to develop leadership, communication and negotiation skills while forming friendships and professional connections with like-minded young people from across the country. The students also enjoyed a taste of university life, staying in halls of residence and exploring the city of Newcastle, helping them to further develop their independence and confidence as they prepare for life beyond school.
We are incredibly proud of what these students achieved. Their success highlights the exceptional opportunities available through our Sixth Form and the way in which students are encouraged to broaden their horizons, challenge themselves and engage with the wider world. Experiences such as the European Youth Parliament not only strengthen academic and personal development but also help young people discover their potential as future leaders and changemakers.
What makes us particularly proud is the way our Sixth Form students continue to lead by example. Ali, Emelia, Mruthu and Jess are outstanding ambassadors for our school, demonstrating the ambition, character and determination that inspire younger students to aim high. They show what can be achieved when students fully embrace the opportunities available to them and are willing to step beyond their comfort zone.
Our older students play a vital role in shaping the culture of our community. They act as role models, mentors and leaders, setting high standards and encouraging younger pupils to believe in their own aspirations. Seeing our Sixth Form students succeed on a national stage reinforces the message that hard work, confidence and ambition can open doors to extraordinary experiences.
A huge congratulations to Ali, Emelia, Mruthu and Jess for their dedication, collaborative spirit and exemplary representation of Llanishen High School. They should be immensely proud of their achievements, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they continue to have both within our school community and beyond.
On behalf of the young people, a massive shout out to Mr Mann who goes to incredible lengths to secure and organise life changing opportunities for our students.
An exciting next chapter awaits!
It was fantastic to open our doors to Year 11 students and their families on Wednesday 30th September and share the many opportunities available through our thriving Sixth Form.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and especially to our Sixth Form students, who spoke so eloquently, authentically and passionately about their journeys. They are the best ambassadors for our school and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, ambition and perseverance. As we reflected on the outstanding results and destinations from August 2026, it was impossible not to feel excited about the future and the incredible potential of the young people who will follow in their footsteps.
As the autumn term of Year 11 gathers momentum, the focus on what comes after GCSEs can bring great motivation. We know that Year 11 is an incredibly stressful year for students with the volume of exams and pressure that is placed upon them. So, when times get tough, we travel to school in the dark and travel home in the dark, the controlled assessment and revision is relentless, it is hugely important for the students to keep a clear vision of why they’re doing it and what the rewards and outcomes will be.
For many of our young people, it will be a place in our Sixth Form and maybe a place on our Honours programme, Brilliant club or Seren network and the wider opportunities that are available. So, let’s shape that motivation and vision.
We will be supporting each member of Year 11 on a 1:2:1 basis over the coming months.
This was officially launched at the Open Evening where visitors were able to talk to staff about the entry requirements for each course and the suitability of these choices to higher education aspirations. The incredibly wide variety of subjects offered in LHS Sixth Form for September 2027 are listed below.
Aspects of our Sixth Form experience and provision that we are most proud of include:
- Smaller group sizes that allow for more individual and personalised teaching and support
- Aspirational target setting and close tracking of progress against targets
- Regular parental involvement in progress and early intervention if we have concerns of any description, and vice-versa
- A steppingstone into a more independent style of study whilst being a member of supportive tutor group, accessing all wellbeing services in school
- All students have a dedicated and specialist Sixth Form tutor for Year 12 and 13
- The opportunity to play a role as a senior member of our whole school community in a wide range of leadership roles that develop wider skills and experiences and provide a unique edge to UCAS and onward applications
- Access to a dedicated pathway to challenge and support more able and talented students
- Specific support for UCAS applications and specific support for those aspiring to Oxford, Cambridge, Russell Group and Sutton Trust Universities
- Support and guidance on apprenticeship schemes / alternative post-18 opportunities
- Opportunities for team sports, Enrichment and wellbeing activities as a year group
- A wide range of extra-curricular opportunities including the Duke of Edinburgh award through to local and foreign travel opportunities
- The opportunity to be part of a very inclusive Sixth Form that sets the standard for the younger year groups coming through the school
Wednesday night was just the start of the process of working alongside home to guide our students onto the next stage in life. Please also look on our school website for the Sixth Form prospectus which will offer even greater insight into our Sixth Form provision. This is an exciting time for students to join our Sixth Form as the school celebrates nine years of continuous improvement. Here are some further dates for your diary.
It is important to note that we also offer a range of support for students who will be looking for pathways outside of the school. Our onsite Careers Wales Advisor, Gethin Lock, and our onsite Youth Mentor, Tyrone, are very proactive and very knowledgeable about a wide range of options. We will be talking to Year 11 throughout about how to access other pathways.
We’ve expanded!
The growing numbers in Sixth Form have posed a very positive problem for us in recent years so we were delighted to open the extended common room in September 2025 and now an additional dedicated Sixth Form outside space. We’ve even seen a tiny bit of the sun to assist in some study in the fresh air!
Destinations! Where do students from LHS Sixth Form progress to next?
The class of 2026 have flung themselves far and wide. We love seeing our students take their next steps beyond school, and this year’s destinations are a wonderful reflection of their hard work, ambition and determination.
We were delighted that 89% of students secured places at their first-choice university, with a further 4% gaining a place at their second-choice institution. The remaining students have chosen different pathways, whether that means taking time to reconsider their options or reapplying for courses that are the perfect fit for their future aspirations.
It is particularly pleasing to see 46% of our students progressing to Russell Group universities, where they will study an impressive range of subjects including Medicine, Law, Economics, Mathematics, French Law, Neuroscience, Engineering and Philosophy. These achievements are testament not only to their academic ability but also to the resilience and dedication they have shown throughout their time with us.
We are equally proud of those students who are pursuing creative passions at university. From Photography and Product Design to Fashion Marketing and Management, Technical Theatre and Musical Theatre, our young people continue to demonstrate that success comes in many forms and that talent should always be celebrated.
Sport remains a popular pathway for many of our students, with destinations including Sport Coaching, Sport and Exercise Science, Physiotherapy and Sport Performance Analysis. It is exciting to see so many young people turning their passion into future careers.
Of course, university is not the only route to success. We are delighted that a number of students have secured apprenticeships in areas including childcare and skilled trades. These opportunities provide invaluable experience and represent important and highly respected pathways into rewarding professions.
While the statistics are impressive, it is the individual stories behind them that make us most proud. Each destination represents years of hard work, perseverance and personal growth. Whether our students are heading to university, beginning an apprenticeship or exploring alternative routes, they leave us with the skills, confidence and ambition to make a positive difference in the world. We wish them every success and look forward to following their journeys in the years to come.
So, thank you for coming along to the Sixth Form Open Evening. Our current Sixth Form students were fantastic ambassadors for the school and for themselves.
The Senior Prefect team handled the responsibility of a walkie talkie with great verve.
Our Head Boy and Head Girl, Ali and Emelia, spoke confidently and passionately.
The Sixth Form were on fire at the Politics and Philosophy, Religion and Ethics stands…
There was great co-ordination, and a great turn out! So the process of ‘what next’ has commenced. Time is on our side and we are here to help.
Thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry
Headteacher