WJEC launches new bursary scheme for undergraduate students
In honour of its former Chief Executive, WJEC has launched the Gareth Pierce Bursary to support undergraduate students studying Mathematics through the medium of Welsh.
The bursary scheme will support 3 students annually and will be administered through the kind support of Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
Commenting on the scheme is Ian Morgan, Chief Executive for WJEC: “I had the great privilege of working with Gareth, and his legacy lives on at WJEC. During his 14 years as our Chief Executive, Gareth was dedicated to serving the education community in Wales. He had a passion for teaching and learning and was well respected for his knowledge, understanding and commitment to education.
‘This new bursary is a small gesture of thanks from WJEC for his extraordinary influence and lasting impact. He was a keen mathematician and a strong advocate for learning through the medium of Welsh, and we feel the bursary is a reflection of his values and beliefs.
‘I am extremely grateful for the support offered by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, who take a central role in the delivery of our new bursary, and with whom, Gareth had a close personal and professional relationship.”
Honouring Gareth Pierce’s legacy
Gareth worked tirelessly to support learners from across Wales throughout his career, including during his time at both WJEC and Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. Gareth sadly passed away in 2021, and this bursary has been established as a small testament to his legacy.
Lynwen Pierce, Gareth's wife, said:
"We, as a family, are very grateful to WJEC for offering this bursary in memory of Gareth and to Coleg Cymraeg for supporting it. It is important to us and a great comfort that Gareth's passion for Mathematics and Statistics, his commitment and extensive contribution to education in Wales are given recognition in such a positive and dignified way.
‘This bursary is also a source of pride as it promotes the enthusiasm Gareth had for nurturing and educating qualified mathematicians in contemporary Wales through the medium of Welsh.
‘We trust that those who benefit from this worthy endowment will go on to make an extensive and commendable contribution to the field of Mathematics in Wales and beyond."
Applications for the new bursary will be managed by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, who generously offered their support to WJEC.
Dr Ioan Matthews, Chief Executive of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, said:
"The loss of Gareth last year was a major blow to so many of us and we continue to miss his leadership, wise advice and friendship. He was a gentleman who worked tirelessly to ensure that the young people of Wales received the best possible support and opportunities through the statutory and post-compulsory education system.
‘The Coleg is delighted to support WJEC with the three bursaries for students studying Mathematics through the medium of Welsh. Gareth was a distinguished statistician and this is a very worthy way of remembering him and his tremendous contribution to Welsh-medium education throughout his career."
Under the new scheme, 3 bursaries of £3,000 per year will be given to each student who is studying Mathematics through the medium of Welsh and are also eligible for a means tested student loan. As the funds they receive are a grant, this is non-repayable, reducing the financial burden on students. The scheme will open for students who will commence their studies from September 2022 and applications will run annually.
Further details on how the scheme will work is available via the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
Further Information / Media Enquiries:
Jonathan Thomas
PR and Brand Manager
jonathan.thomas@wjec.co.uk
029 2026 5102