Another Bumper Year for Derby College

Derby College, which was graded ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ features by Ofsted earlier this year, has maintained last year’s 98% pass rate for A levels.

More than 300 students collected their results today with 60% achieving A* to C grades and 20 subjects recording a 100% pass rate including English, Politics, Modern Languages, Law, ICT and Biology.

Assistant Head of Academic Studies at Derby College, Stacey Adams, said: “We are obviously delighted to have achieved an extremely high pass rate again this year and particularly that 20 key subject areas recorded 100% pass rate.

“The majority of our students will now be heading off to their first choice university and the team of teaching and support staff have been on hand to support any who needed to clarify the situation and make decisions on their next step. 

“It has been important for everyone collecting their results to realise that there are a wide range of options open to them even at this late stage.

“We therefore have had information available for students about apprenticeships and the College’s Higher Education  and Foundation Degree courses.

“We also have a new one-year Year Zero Science programme which we have just launched in partnership with the University of Derby which will enable students to top up their UCAS points and then a guaranteed place at the University of Derby for a wide range of courses from Geography to Psychology.

Among the students celebrating at Derby College are Zoe Keaton (18) from Long Eaton is celebrating after achieving A* grades in Biology and Psychology and A in Chemistry.

The former Ockbrook School pupil is now planning to take a gap year and apply for university to study medicine.

“I can’t believe these results,” she said. “This gives me so many different options including potentially Oxbridge.”

Zoe underwent reconstructive surgery on her knee which she injured playing netball and faces several months of physiotherapy.

“Once I am up and about again, I plan to work as a healthcare assistant to save some money up for several years at university.

“I came to college to gain more independence and better prepare myself for life at university and have had a great time.  This is the icing on the cake.”

Meanwhile Amelia Carter (18) from Chaddesden gained three B grades in Business, Maths and Chemistry which has secured her plans to do a higher apprenticeship with Barclays in Nottingham. 

The company will also sponsor her to study for a degree in Banking Management Anglia Ruskin University.​

“I was amazed that I did that well because 4,000 applied for just ten places and I have had to go through nine stages to get the apprenticeship.

“To me, getting a higher apprenticeship no brainer. University costs so much money but this way I get to earn while I learn and I can continue to live at home.”