A UNIVERSITY of Oxford student from Penarth is celebrating after finding out she has received a first-class BA honours degree.

Seren Velina Robinson, who attended Victoria Junior School then Stanwell School, before going on to St David’s Sixth Form College in Cardiff, went to Mansfield College at the University of Oxford to study geography.

The 21-year-old and her family have said they are delighted at her result of achieving a first in her degree.

Her mother, Elisabeth Jones Robinson said: “Her father and I are full of admiration for Seren’s intelligence, hard work and organisation. She has managed to gain the highest class of degree from one of the most highly-rated academic institutions in the world, while also participating fully in all aspects of university life, like serving as a student rep on Mansfield’s Junior Common Room Bench (a sort of mini-student union for the college).”

At the moment, the 21-year-old is back at home in Penarth.

She said of her experience: “Sometimes it was tough – the workload is extremely heavy, not helped by Oxford’s extremely short terms, only eight weeks, which means that the ‘holidays’ are often, in practice, an extension of term. But there are undoubtedly great things about Oxford – it’s really stretched my mind and opened me up to new ideas.

“At the moment I’m taking some time out to have a breather and think about what I want to do next. For now, it’s just nice to be home.”