Hard work of students and staff at Middlesbrough College is recognised on a results day unlike any other

AS #ALevelResults are released today after months of uncertainty around grading, @MbroCollege has praised students and teachers for their success after an unprecedented academic year.

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive of Middlesbrough College, said:

“We’re immensely proud that our students have done so well throughout this extraordinary time. This has been an academic year unlike any other, and the success that we’ve seen today is testament to the resilience, focus and determination our students have shown throughout their learning journey with us.

“We have a consistent track record of working with our students to deliver success, which is why we have today achieved an A Level pass rate of 99%. In addition, more than three quarters of students studying BTEC vocational qualifications got a distinction grade. This consistent record of success is why we are among the top further education colleges in the country for A Level and Vocational study.“

This year’s success stories include 18-year-old Lourdes Maigua Medrano, who has secured a place at Oxford University to study Biology. Lourdes, who has ambitions to pursue a career in animal conservation, said: “The students and teachers have been amazing throughout my time here. I never would have had the confidence to even apply to Oxford, but the way my teachers and fellow students have supported me gave me the boost I needed. It’s all paid off and I can’t wait to start at Oxford this autumn.”

Middlesbrough College worked quickly from the very beginning of the coronavirus pandemic to ensure that students were supported, shifting to online learning before lockdown came into effect and making sure that each student remained engaged with teachers and classmates.

This swift action echoes praise from Ofsted about the quality of the College’s teaching, the excellent support students receive, and the progress they make throughout their time at the College.

Zoe Lewis added: “We have always helped our students to get to their first-choice destination, and we’re continuing to work closely with students to ensure they get to where they want to be. We’re confident in doing everything we can to achieve that in this most unusual of years.

“It’s important to recognise the hard work of our students and staff, and to support our students in reaching their next step, whether that’s university, an apprenticeship, or taking their first step on the career ladder.

“We’ll also support any students who wish to appeal their grade, given the imperfect system that has been used nationally to generate this set of results give the COVID-19 pandemic.”

We are delighted that Melissa has gained a place at Harper & Keele Vetinary School, we wish you the best of luck ?❤️ pic.twitter.com/lGT3ypHYsP

— Mbro College (@mbrocollege) August 13, 2020