Students across NCG have been celebrating huge successes in their A Levels and vocational courses this week, after another extraordinary and challenging year.
With exams cancelled for most students, grades this year have been based on learners demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of everything they’ve been taught throughout the year, and were submitted by teachers using evidence including mock exams, coursework and in-class assessments.
Learners across all seven colleges have been celebrating and here are just a few examples of some standout student successes:
Southwark College, which offers both A Levels and vocational courses, saw record results this year. As well as an increase in overall pass grades for all qualifications, more students than ever achieved top A-Level grades. A record number of students collected their BTEC results, with many achieving three distinction stars – the highest results possible. Its Creative Arts courses enjoyed some of the best results across the College, increasing their overall pass rate by +48% and achieving a 98% pass rate across all disciplines.
A-Level students at Newcastle Sixth Form College celebrated an exceptional year, with more sixth formers than ever progressing to university. These results have ensured that the College remains in the top 25% nationally for A Level progress for the third consecutive year. A recent Sixth Form Colleges Association report revealed that students at Newcastle Sixth Form College are 18% more likely to progress to university than the national average.
West Lancashire College students also celebrated outstanding A-Level results, especially those studying in its School of Medicine. 100% of students achieved A* or A grades across all of their subjects, and secured their first-choice university places.
Newcastle College is delighted with the achievement of its students, particularly the amazing results from final year students who are now progressing to higher education at Newcastle College University Centre or other institutions, apprenticeships and employment across a variety of curriculum areas. In Health and Social Care, there has been a significant increase in students being accepted to study nursing at degree level or progressing into employment in the sector. Maths GCSE results across the College have also improved for the fourth consecutive year
Overall pass rates at Lewisham College increased, including GCSEs, A-Levels and vocational qualifications. Many subject areas saw 100% passes across vocational courses, including Health and Social Care, Business, IT, Sport, Performing and Production Arts, Catering, Beauty and Access courses.
Many Lewisham learners on Level 3 and BTEC courses received impressive results, with some achieving Triple Distinctions (D*D*D*), including Samir Ibrahim, who has now completed an IT Extended Diploma course. He said: “I’ve received the results I needed to study Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence at the University of Nottingham and I couldn’t be happier. I can’t wait to start my course in September and taking everything I’ve learned at Lewisham College with me.”
Liz Bromley, CEO of NCG commented: “After an extremely challenging 18 months for all of our students and teachers, it is fantastic to see learners across all of our colleges celebrating a such an excellent set of results.
“The hard work, commitment and resilience that our learners have shown in order to succeed should not be undervalued. Alongside their qualifications, they have gained a unique set of skills that will ensure they are ready to face the challenges of their future.
“Despite some wider questions in the media around inflated grades, we have absolute confidence that our assessed grades fairly reflect the efforts and achievements of our students, following robust assessment, moderation and quality controls.
“Our collaborative and ‘one NCG’ approach ensures consistency across our seven colleges. These results are absolutely deserved and I am immensely proud of all of our students.”