CCYD CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
A huge congratulations to both Zak and Phoebe on their recent promotions at 1092 Bridgend Air Training Corps Squadron.
Zak has been promoted to Corporal, while Phoebe has achieved the impressive rank of Flight Sergeant. These well-deserved promotions are a reflection of their commitment, hard work, leadership and dedication to cadet life.
The RAF Air Cadets offers young people exciting opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork and leadership skills through a wide range of activities, including UK and overseas camps, leadership courses, air experience flights and pilot training. Cadet life is all about challenge, adventure and personal development, while having fun and creating lifelong memories.
Everyone at CCYD is incredibly proud of Zak and Phoebe and wishes them every success as they continue their cadet journey with 1092 Squadron, Bridgend. Well done to you both on this fantastic achievement!
Fourteen Year 9 learners from CCYD enjoyed an exciting day trip to Kensington on Saturday 3rd October. Travelling alongside learners from Porthcawl Comprehensive School, they explored the vibrant streets of one of London’s most iconic districts before attending a French-language film screening at the French Institute.
In just a few hours, our learners demonstrated and further developed a wide range of valuable skills, including social confidence, independence, resilience, curiosity and open-mindedness. They were a real credit to themselves and to the CCYD community throughout the trip.
The group watched Les Enfants de la Résistance, a thought-provoking film set in occupied France during the Second World War. The story follows a group of children who organise acts of resistance against injustice, delivering a powerful message about courage, determination and the difference individuals can make in challenging circumstances.
A fantastic day was had by all, and the experience has already inspired plans for future visits. Watch this space… our next London adventure is already in the planning!
A huge congratulations to Year 7 learner Caitlin Ransome on being awarded her Black Belt this weekend.
To achieve such a prestigious milestone at such a young age is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the hard work, commitment, determination and discipline Caitlin has shown throughout her martial arts journey. Her dedication both in and out of training has been truly outstanding.
Caitlin is a fantastic role model and an inspiration to our school community, demonstrating what can be achieved through perseverance and a positive attitude.
Well done, Caitlin. We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to seeing what you achieve next!
Congratulations to CCYD Year 8 learner Amelia Cooke on her outstanding success at the 2026 Cardiff FEILE Competition for Irish Dance.
Amelia rose to the challenge against strong competition across four disciplines, achieving an incredible 1st place in the Under-13 Ullmhuchan Reel, 2nd place in the Under-13 Ullmhuchan Slip Jig, 2nd place in the Under-13 Ullmhuchan Single Jig, and 4th place in the Under-13 Meanghrad Treble Jig.
Irish dancing is a beautiful and highly skilled tradition that demands immense hard work, dedication, discipline, and resilience. Amelia’s commitment to her craft continues to shine through, and her achievements are a testament to the countless hours of training and effort she invests in her passion.
At CCYD, we are incredibly proud of Amelia and all that she has accomplished. It takes confidence and courage to pursue a talent that may sit outside the activities more commonly seen amongst young people, but Amelia has shown that by following her passion and embracing every opportunity, great success can be achieved. She is not only excelling in her chosen discipline but is also helping to raise the profile of Irish dancing within our school community.
Well done, Amelia. Your determination, talent, and love for dance are truly inspiring, and we look forward to celebrating many more successes with you in the future!
A huge congratulations to CCYD Year 11 learners Logan Dunn and Caden Templar, who proudly represented Bridgend Schools District Rugby in Ceredigion on 2nd October.
Both boys delivered outstanding performances and played an important role in an emphatic 43-5 victory over the Ceredigion District side. Their commitment, determination, and exceptional talent were evident throughout the match, and this achievement is richly deserved.
Logan and Caden are fantastic ambassadors for both themselves and CCYD, and we have no doubt that this is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting sporting journey for them both. Their success serves as an inspiration to their peers and to the younger learners who will undoubtedly look up to them and aspire to follow in their footsteps.
Well done, Logan and Caden. We are incredibly proud of you both and look forward to celebrating many more achievements in the years ahead!
At CCYD, we actively encourage both learners and parents/carers to share and celebrate achievements that take place outside of school. Our strong partnership with families means that recognising success and supporting our learners on their individual journeys is of the utmost importance.
Being part of a club, team or organisation provides young people with invaluable opportunities to develop life skills, gain experience, build confidence and learn important lessons about both success and setbacks. These experiences help learners develop resilience, determination and perseverance, many of the same qualities that we strive to nurture every day in school.
One of our key mantras at CCYD is, “I can’t do it yet.” This reminds our learners that it is perfectly okay not to succeed the first time, or even every time. What matters most is continuing to try, learning from challenges and never giving up on your goals.
With this in mind, we are delighted to celebrate and congratulate Year 7 learner Neveah Ennis on her fantastic achievement at the Welsh Open Karate Championships this weekend, where she won a well-deserved Gold Medal.
Neveah’s determination, dedication and hard work have clearly paid off. She is a tough, resilient young learner who thoroughly deserves this success, and we are incredibly proud of her achievement.
Congratulations, Neveah, from everyone at CCYD. We look forward to celebrating many more successes with you in the future!
Good Luck Sophie!
Today, the entire CCYD community would like to wish Year 13 student Sophie Blackwell the very best of luck as she proudly represents Great Britain at the World Junior Kickboxing Championships.
What an incredible achievement! To be competing on the world stage while still in school is a true reflection of Sophie’s exceptional talent, determination, dedication and passion for her sport. Behind every success is countless hours of hard work, commitment and support, and Sophie has shown all of these qualities in abundance.
Sophie is an inspiration to so many learners across CCYD, demonstrating that with resilience, self-belief and perseverance, anything is possible. We are immensely proud of everything she has achieved and honoured to see her representing both Great Britain and our school on the international stage.
We can’t wait to hear how she gets on and, hopefully, bring you more exciting updates from her journey.
All the best Sophie! Bring home that trophy! 🏆🇬🇧
Congratulations to CCYD Year 8 learner Katie James, winner of the CCYD Away Football Kit Design Competition!
Katie’s outstanding design was selected as the winning entry and will be transformed into the new away kit for our girls’ football teams. As recognition of her fantastic achievement, Katie received Achievement Points, which can be redeemed towards school rewards at the end of term, along with a giant chocolate bar, which she may or may not choose to share with friends and family!
A huge thank you goes to our kit sponsor, County Industrial Supplies Ltd, for their generous support, and to the kit manufacturers, who were equally impressed by Katie’s eye-catching and imaginative design.
We are incredibly proud of Katie’s creativity and look forward to seeing our girls take to the field wearing their brand-new kit. One thing is certain, with such a dazzling design, they certainly won’t go unnoticed!
Well done, Katie!
Pictured below congratulating Katie are the Headteacher Mrs Tracey Wellington and PE Teacher Miss Lucy Hurrell.
Fantastic Achievement for Year 9 Learner Ava!
We are delighted to celebrate Ava’s incredible success at the Welsh National U16 Tennis Championships, where she went on to win the U16 Plate Tournament!
What makes this achievement even more special is the determination and resilience Ava showed throughout the competition. After not progressing through the main draw, she kept competing with a positive mindset and worked her way to an impressive tournament victory against talented players from across Wales.
Ava represented herself brilliantly, displaying excellent sportsmanship and a fantastic attitude on and off the court. Her hard work, commitment and dedication to tennis have truly paid off.
Congratulations, Ava. We are incredibly proud of you!
Congratulations, CCYD Learners— Taking Pride in Your Success!
Today is one of the most important moments in our school year, because it is a day dedicated entirely to you — our learners — and to celebrating everything you have achieved.
First and foremost, I want to say how incredibly proud I am of every one of you. At CCYD, we talk often about Taking Pride, and today you have every reason to do exactly that. Your results represent hard work, determination, resilience, and the courage to keep going even when things were challenging. You have shown what it truly means to be part of our community.
Our vision at CCYD is clear:
We aspire to empower our community to be collaborative, resilient and reflective individuals who have the self-confidence to embrace challenge.
And today, you have lived that vision. You have collaborated with your peers, you have been resilient in the face of uncertainty, you have reflected on your progress, and you have embraced every challenge placed before you. Hopefully you now fully appreciate our warm demanding philosophy, and the tears and constant nagging have paid off!
Your GCSE and vocational qualifications open doors to exciting futures — whether that’s Sixth Form, college, apprenticeships, training, or stepping into the world of work. Whatever path you choose, remember that these results are not just grades; they are proof of your growth, your character, and your potential.
I also want to take a moment to thank the staff who have supported you every step of the way. Their dedication, care, and belief in you have helped shape your success. And to families and carers — thank you for the encouragement, patience, and guidance you have given throughout this journey.
But today belongs to you. Take pride in what you have achieved. Celebrate it. And look forward with confidence, because you have shown that you are ready for whatever comes next.
Congratulations, CCYD. You have embraced the challenge, and you have shone. Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see where it takes you.
CCYD Celebrates A Level and BTEC Results 2026
CCYD is proud to announce an exceptional set of A Level and BTEC results, reflecting the hard work, resilience and ambition of our learners and staff. This year’s achievements highlight not only strong academic performance but also the determination and character that define our school community.
A Level Success
Learners at CCYD have once again demonstrated high academic standards, achieving impressive A Level outcomes across a wide range of subjects. Several learners secured top grades, with many progressing to competitive university courses, apprenticeships and employment pathways.
Key highlights include:
Our A Level learners have shown remarkable dedication. Their results are a testament to their hard work and the unwavering support of our staff. We are incredibly proud of every one of them.
CCYD’s BTEC learners achieved another year of exceptional vocational results these outcomes reflect the school’s commitment to high-quality vocational education.
Our BTEC learners have excelled in both coursework and practical assessments. Their achievements show the strength of vocational learning at CCYD and the real-world skills they bring to future employers.
A Community Achievement Rooted in Our Values
CCYD extends its congratulations to all learners, families, staff and members of the Governing Body who contributed to this year’s success. These results reflect a shared commitment to excellence, wellbeing and ambition — values at the heart of our school motto, “Taking Pride.”
Our vision is to nurture confident, capable and compassionate young people who are ready to thrive in a changing world. Today’s achievements show that our learners are living that vision, demonstrating pride in their work, pride in their progress and pride in their future.
To mark this moment of transition and celebration, CCYD shares a message of inspiration with all learners as they take their next steps:
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
This quote captures the spirit of our learners perfectly. Their achievements reflect not only academic ability but resilience, creativity and community spirit. As a school that takes pride in everything we do, we are excited to see our learners carry our vision forward into their next chapters.
All current Year 13s will be offered a free MenB vaccine this summer. The vaccine is the best way to help protect against MenB, which can cause serious, life-threatening illness. When the invite arrives by post, make sure your child takes up the offer. They’ll need two doses at least 28 days apart for the best protection. Info: phw.nhs.wales/menb-vaccine-for-young-people/
A group of Year 10 learners from CCYD recently represented the school at the Earthshot Climate Challenge final, held at Techniquest. Although their video entry did not take home the top prize, the learners were proudly awarded a certificate in recognition of their efforts.
The event also provided a fantastic opportunity to meet inspiring guests, including writer and BBC presenter Will Millard, as well as Llyr Gruffydd, Cabinet Member for Rural Resilience and Sustainability.
Well done to all involved for their hard work and commitment to tackling climate challenges!
The Young Carers recently hosted a cake sale and raised an impressive £61.70. The money raised will be used to fund a fun afternoon of games, karaoke, and a buffet to celebrate and recognise the amazing young carers at CCYD. We would like to thank everyone who supported the cake sale and helped make it such a success.
Following her impressive selection for the Welsh kickboxing team last year, CCYD learner Sophie Blackwell has taken an extraordinary step forward in her sporting journey by earning a place on the prestigious GB kickboxing team. Sophie will now represent her country at the Junior World Championships in Jesolo, Italy, taking place from 19th–26th September—an outstanding achievement that reflects both her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication.
This selection is far more than a simple application process; it is the result of years of hard work, determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence. Sophie’s journey has been marked by countless hours of training, personal sacrifice, and a relentless drive to improve—qualities that truly set her apart as a rising star in the sport.
Her progression from representing Wales to competing on the world stage for Great Britain highlights not only her technical skill but also her mental strength and focus. Being chosen to compete at such a prestigious international level is a testament to her ability and potential to succeed among the very best young athletes in the world.
In July, Sophie will collect her official GB team kit—an exciting milestone that symbolises how far she has come and the hard work that has brought her to this moment. As she prepares to compete in Italy, she carries with her the pride and support of her college and the wider community.
We are incredibly proud of Sophie and all that she has achieved. Her story is an inspiration to others, showing what can be accomplished through passion, perseverance, and belief. We wish her every success in the Junior World Championships and look forward to following her journey on the international stage.
A big well done to our Year 10 learners who arrived early to prepare for their Maths GCSE examination on Tuesday. They took the time to enjoy some toast beforehand, making sure they were energised, focused, and ready to give their very best in the exam. We’re proud of your dedication and positive attitude—keep it up!
Congratulations to CCYD learners who play for Tondu United Football Club Under 16s as they won the Bridgend Port Talbot Football League – Red Cup winners for 2055-2026.
Congratulations to CCYD Year 7 learner Florence Price who has been selected to ride in the Under 12 Welsh Mounted Games Team, representing Wales at the Home International in Northern Ireland. The competition will take place on the 6th and 7th of June.
Congratulations to Year 8 CCYD learner Ioan Hart who represented his club recently. Ioan, a member of Pencoed RFC, competed in the inaugural South Wales U13 Regional Cup Competition at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday, 22nd March. Facing Caerau Ely RFC, his team delivered an outstanding performance, securing a 31–10 victory and proudly taking home the plate. Well Ioan, we are all Super Proud!
We are delighted to share some wonderful news about one of our Year 13 students, Ffion Rossiter.
Ffion has been an active participant in the Step‑Up Programme at Swansea University, an initiative designed to support students as they transition into higher education. The programme offers access to undergraduate-level learning and provides invaluable guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for young people preparing for university life.
This week, Ffion’s hard work and commitment were recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony held on Wednesday 11th March, where she was named Mentee of the Year. This is an exceptional accomplishment and a true testament to her determination, resilience, and dedication to her future aspirations.
This award is thoroughly deserved, and we are immensely proud to celebrate her success.
Well done, Ffion—keep shining!
We had the privilege today of welcoming Josh Paul @fit_4_football who gave up his own time to travel from England to CCYD.
Josh, an elite coach, is the the founder of Fit4Football, which is not just a coaching platform — it’s a growing global community of players and coaches who share one goal: to be the best they can be, on and off the pitch.
With over 15 years of coaching experience and a dedicated online following, Josh has helped thousands of footballers develop the skills, fitness, mindset, and tactical understanding they need to succeed.
Josh delivered inspirational leadership, motivation and confidence sessions to a selected group of CCYD year 7, 8 and 9 learners.
We would like to give Josh the biggest thank you for his time, the learners thoroughly enjoyed the sessions.
Please visit Josh if you are interested in learning more.
This week, a group of our Year 11 learners travelled to Oxford to gain first‑hand insight into further education at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Their day began with an introductory session focused on how Oxford is accessible to all students, followed by a Q&A with current Welsh undergraduates. Learners then enjoyed a guided tour of New College and nearby libraries, participated in an academic note‑taking session, and attended an example university lecture.
Our learners represented the school exceptionally well. Their behaviour was impeccable throughout the day, and staff were full of praise for the thoughtful, deep‑thinking questions they asked.
During the visit, learners were also invited to enter a competition: using the notes they took, they can submit a 500‑word summary of the lecture for a chance to win a voucher and add a valuable achievement to their personal statement.
A huge thank you to all staff involved in organising and supporting this trip, and to Oxford University for hosting us and inspiring our learners.
Daniel Jenkins – CCYD Teacher
Please see below the Year 11 after school revision/support sessions that are available on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please encourage your children to attend. Diolch.