Middlesbrough College students celebrate near perfect pass rate

HARDWORKING students and teachers at Middlesbrough College (@mbrocollege) are celebrating yet another impressive set of results

Delighted students picked up their results today, which gave the college an overall A Level pass rate of 99 per cent, with 82 per cent achieving A*-C grades.

And there was 100 per cent pass rate in A Level subjects such as: art, biology, business, chemistry, computer science, English literature, film studies, geography, law, mathematics, media studies, physics, religious studies and sociology.

In addition, 83 per cent of learners studying BTEC vocational qualifications gained a distinction grade, with more achieving triple distinctions than ever before. This continuing record of success is why the college is among the top further education colleges in the country for A Level and vocational study.

Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, the college continued to adapt so that students didn’t miss out on valuable onsite teaching time and also received outstanding personal support.

Investment in digital devices and laptops meant students were equipped with the tools to succeed and to help develop and showcase their digital skills, ready for the world of work.

Grades have been assessed by teachers on a range of evidence including controlled assessments, mock exams, assignments, homework and classwork. Exam boards have put in place quality assurance arrangements to make sure consistent judgements have been made. The college will support any students who wish to appeal their grade and there is a clear process in place.

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive of Middlesbrough College, said: “We’re enormously proud of our staff and students – who’ve shown that despite a uniquely unsettling and challenging time, they never lost sight of their ambition.

“And that’s paid off in spades with these latest results, which set many of our students up to go on to their chosen next steps – whether that’s university, an apprenticeship or employment.

“We’re now set for an exciting autumn term with students returning to brand new facilities such as our Higher Education Centre, Digital Centre, Construction Skills Workshop and our new ‘campus heart’ which provides a new welcome area to the college.”

This year’s success stories include 18-year-old Sam Young from Stockton, who has secured a place at Durham University to study Physics and Astronomy, having achieved three A* in Maths, Chemistry and Physics.

Sam, who will be the first person in his family to go to university, said: “I was so nervous waiting for my results, but nothing prepares you for that feeling of achieving your dream grades.  

“From my first day here, I knew this was the place for me. Every aspect of my time at the college has been incredible and my tutors in particular, Linda, Tom and Janet, have been brilliant. I couldn’t have imagined anyone better and my grades are a reflection of them if anything.

“After life in lockdown, I can’t wait to go out and explore the world, meet new people and work towards my dream of becoming a Doctor of Science.”

Middlesbrough College’s new key role in the North East Institute of Technology means students now have a choice of higher-level technical courses exclusive in the Tees Valley, including in sector areas such as electronic engineering, civil engineering and construction.