Seren Academy at Welsh Government: eligibility, deadline and what it gives you
The Seren Academy is the Welsh Government's programme for high-attaining state school learners in Wales, run through regional hubs from Year 8 to Year 13. Sixth-form learners get admissions advice, personal statement and interview preparation, academic challenge series and residentials, including a three-day medical residential at Cardiff. The only medical school giving an admissions benefit is Exeter, which makes a two-grade lower offer to learners who complete the Seren Academic Challenge Series or its Seren residential.
- Closes
- Not published
- For
- Year 12 to 13 students, medicine
- Where
- Wales
- Gives you
- Lower offer, then AAB instead of A*AA
What you get
Completing Seren Academy gives you a lower offer and an offer of AAB instead of A*AA for medicine at Welsh Government.
- Exeter BMBS contextual offer of AAB with A in Biology and Chemistry, instead of A*AA, for learners who completed the Seren Academic Challenge Series or the Seren Exeter residential
- Exeter also adds 5 points to the score used to shortlist contextual applicants for interview
- No admissions benefit at Cardiff, Swansea or Bangor; the Cardiff medical residential is support only
To get it, you must
- Enter your Seren certificate code (beginning SC2026) in the UCAS Further Course Details section for Exeter
Who can apply
You need to
- Attend a state school or college in Wales
- Have at least 6 A* grades at GCSE, or 5 A*/A grades with exceptional aptitude in a field
- Be nominated by your school
There are no contextual criteria: anyone who meets the requirements above can apply.
What it involves
- Complete the Seren Academic Challenge Series or the Exeter residential to claim the Exeter offer
Dates
- Applications open
- Selected by your school at the start of Year 12
- Applications close
- No public application
- Programme runs
- Through Years 12 and 13, with a Cardiff medical residential in July
- Apply to university
- UCAS deadline 15 October 2027 for 2028 entry
How to apply
Apply through the Seren Network page. It is run by Welsh Government Seren Academy team with regional hubs. Questions go to Seren@gov.wales.
Frequently asked questions
Does Seren Academy guarantee an interview?
No. Seren Academy gives a lower offer rather than a guaranteed interview. Exeter BMBS contextual offer of AAB with A in Biology and Chemistry, instead of A*AA, for learners who completed the Seren Academic Challenge Series or the Seren Exeter residential.
Who is eligible for Seren Academy?
Attend a state school or college in Wales. You need to have at least 6 A* grades at GCSE, or 5 A*/A grades with exceptional aptitude in a field, be nominated by your school.
When is the Seren Academy deadline?
This cycle's closing date has not been published. No public application. Applications selected by your school at the start of Year 12.
What offer do Seren Academy students get?
Students who complete the programme are made an offer of AAB instead of A*AA. Exeter BMBS contextual offer of AAB with A in Biology and Chemistry, instead of A*AA, for learners who completed the Seren Academic Challenge Series or the Seren Exeter residential
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