From education to employment

Newly merged College Group announces strong vocational and A Level results

With an increasing number of students entering university with BTEC qualifications, Stafford College is celebrating this week after achieving strong performance across its vocational subject areas.

Equivalent to three A Levels, Stafford College’s Level 3 Extended Diploma pass rate stood at 98.1%, with seven out of ten subjects enjoying a 100% pass rate. The highest performing students from the ‘Class of 2017’ achieved a total of 691 Distinction or Distinction* grades, with 82 students achieving the triple Distinction* grade, the highest grade available, equal to 3 grade A*s at A Level.

Amongst the students achieving a triple Distinction* was ex-Sir Graham Balfour High School student Georgia Holliday, who studied for a BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development at Stafford College.

GeorginaSaid Georgia: “I’m proud of my results, I’ve worked really hard over the last two years and have truly embraced College life, getting involved in all kinds of charity and volunteering opportunities. I’ve enjoyed my time at Stafford College so much, that I have decided to stay on at the College and progress to a university-level course in September. Once I’ve completed this, I hope to go to University to study for my teaching qualifications and fulfil my dream of becoming a Primary School teacher.”

Former Stafford Grammar School student, James Byers joined Stafford College to study for a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Graphic Design, he leaves to take up a university place having achieved a triple Distinction* grade.

JamesCommenting on his success, James said: “I would really recommend the course to anyone with an interest in graphic design. The College environment has really allowed me to develop my creative skills and I had offers from not one but two prestigious universities who commented that my design portfolio resembled that of a professional graphic designer. I’m now looking forward to continuing my studies at Bath Spa University in September.”

Hundreds of students and staff at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC), sister of Stafford College and part of the Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, were also celebrating yesterday, after the College announced strong A Level results. Despite a national dip in the overall A Level pass rate, NULC outperformed many local institutions with an improved year on year pass rate of 98.4%, which sits ahead of the national average. Other highlights included:

  • 22 subject areas reporting a 100% pass rate, including: art & design, biology, computing, English language, English language/literature, film studies, French, further mathematics, geography, graphic design, history, ICT, media studies, music, photography, physical education, product design, Spanish, textiles, theatre studies, psychology and sociology.
  • Increased number of A* and A grades, with 176 students achieving at this level
  • Strong performing subject areas include: film studies where 76.67% of students achieved A*-B grades, media studies where 76.56% of students achieved A*-B grades, art & design where 73% of students achieved A*-B grades, French where 71.43% of students achieved A*-B grades and Law where 68.75% of students achieved A*-B grades.

Principal and Chief Executive of Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group, Karen Dobson said: “I’d like to pass on my personal congratulations to the students at both Stafford College and NULC who are celebrating fantastic results in their BTEC and A Level qualifications. I am delighted with our results overall and as always, I am so proud of our student achievements. The class of 2017 will leave us fully equipped with the qualifications, skills and confidence to be successful in their further studies, employment or apprenticeship. We wish them every success in the future and we look forward to following their career progression with interest.”

Continued Karen Dobson: “With September fast approaching we are looking forward to welcoming many new students to Stafford College as we unveil our brand new £3.5M state-of-the-art Science and Technology Centre. Students joining us on the recently relaunched A Level courses at Stafford College will not only enjoy our first class facilities but be taught by a highly experienced team who have successfully delivered excellent results at NULC for many years – we hope that the students are excited to become a part of our continued success story.”

It is not too late to apply for full time courses starting in September 2017, please visit www.staffordcoll.ac.uk to find out more.


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