Students and staff from New College Durham’s Sixth Form Centre are celebrating another successful year for A-Level results which has seen even more students passing their courses and a further increase in high grades. For the first time, the college also had the opportunity to celebrate all level 3 students’ achievements on the same results day, with level 3 vocational students receiving their results at the same time as A-Level students.

A-Level students achieved an impressive 100% pass rate in 19 subjects. In addition, the number of students achieving high pass grades of A*-B has increased for the fifth successive year. There was also a significant rise in students receiving A* and A grades.

Vocational students who have so far received results have also had an exceptional year with 91% achieving their qualification. There were some stand out curriculum areas where significant numbers of students secured high grades including the Level 3 National Diploma in Film and TV production where 88% of students achieved a high grade and L3 National Extended Diploma Art and Design Practice where 83% of students secured a high grade.

Two A-Level students who were delighted with their high pass grades were Lia Seccombe, who achieved 3 A* grades, and Hannah Walton who earned 2 A’s and one A*. Lia, who studied History, Maths and Chemistry, hasn’t stopped smiling since she received her results. She said:

“I’m literally over the moon about my results. The last couple of years have been tough but my teachers have supported me to get these fantastic results. I can’t wait to go to Manchester University to study Law.”

Nathan Sharp who studied the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care was also celebrating yesterday. He said:

“I achieved an A* and I’m over the moon! I’m planning to go to Teesside University to study a BSc (Hon) degree in Occupational Therapy. I decided to study a vocational qualification because I preferred coursework and practical work to exams.  I knew I wanted to go into a career in health care from a very early age. I know the skills I learnt at New College Durham will set me up for my future career!”

Jane Ives, Head of Sixth Form Centre, commented on the success of A-Level students: “We’re delighted with our students’ success during a very difficult year. Their results demonstrate the hard work and dedication of our students and staff. Whilst assessment has taken place in a different way this year, the results are consistent with the results that our A-Level students would typically achieve when sitting traditional A-Level exams. It’s fantastic to see the college’s A-Level results continuing to improve year-on-year, ensuring our students can achieve their goals.”

Alison Maynard, Deputy Principal at New College Durham commented: “It’s been a demanding year for our students, but we have seen them rise to the challenge and work exceptionally hard in difficult circumstances. We wanted to celebrate our students for working hard so we’re meeting, greeting and congratulating them with some goodie bags to help make an occasion of this milestone in their education. We wish all our students the very best of luck as they embark on the next step of their journey.”

The New College Durham Sixth Form Centre students are now looking forward to progressing to a range of universities including Durham, Newcastle, London and Manchester. One student is traveling further afield having been awarded a place to study French at University of London Institute in Paris.

Many have opted to study traditional subjects with maths, law and the sciences popular choices. Others have elected for more unusual areas including anthropology, forensic science and criminology.

Likewise the college’s vocational learners are headed to a range of destinations including securing jobs in their chosen field, university and higher apprenticeship. Many learners have also chosen to continue their journey with New College Durham and study their degree level qualifications at the college.

Each year, the diverse range of courses and outstanding facilities at New College Durham attract students from across the region. The college is still enrolling for this September.  Visit the college throughout the summer 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday, and late on Tuesdays until 6.30pm; or log on to www.newdur.ac.uk for further information