STUDENTS and colleges have celebrated what has been a record-breaking day for A Level, T Level, and BTEC students.

Wigan and Leigh College

At Wigan and Leigh College, A Level and T Level students have performed above the national trends in the overall pass rate and the attainment of high grades.

This impressive performance saw A Level students once again achieve a 100% pass rate with 83% achieving high grades, placing them firmly on the right path to their chosen university or degree apprenticeship.

A Level student Esther Ndongala achieved A star in Art, A in Maths and A in Physics and will now progress to University of Manchester to study Physics with Astrophysics.

The former Harper Green School pupil said: “All of my tutors were the best and they made my college experience.”

A* student Esther NdongalaA* student Esther Ndongala (Image: Wigan and Leigh College)
Jamika Buxton also achieved top marks. She gained an A star in Sociology, B in History and B in Psychology. The former Golborne High School pupil will progress to Durham University to study History, International Politics and Philosophy.

She added: “I was really happy and I was confident in what I was going to get but it was a surreal moment. Looking forward to starting university. I really enjoyed learning here, it was a joy.”

Their success was mirrored by the first year A level students, where at Wigan and Leigh they have the opportunity to take AS exams. Gaining qualifications across 4 subjects the students can now use their performance to strengthen their university applications.

Jamika Buxton achieved A, B, BJamika Buxton achieved A, B, B (Image: Wigan and Leigh College)
Also eagerly awaited were the results for the advanced technical qualifications such as BTEC and T levels, which is the new technical flag-ship qualifications and equivalent to 3 A levels.

With work placements organised alongside examinations, this cohort saw an overall 98% pass rate with 82% achieving high grades.

The students have studied in high priority subject areas such as civil engineering, health and nursing, education and computing and they will now progress onto university or degree apprenticeships.

Many have secured employment with companies and businesses who supported them with placements over their 2 years of study.  

A-Level, T-Level, and BTEC students succeeded at Wigan & Leigh CollegeA-Level, T-Level, and BTEC students succeeded at Wigan & Leigh College (Image: Wigan & Leigh College)
Harvey Knowles, formerly of Albany Academy is progressing to a lucrative degree apprenticeship with Laing O’Rourke studying a Technical Engineer professional apprenticeship (Civil Engineering).

T Level Education students Libby Turley, Scarlett Coleman and Olivia Day, who were all former Bedford High School pupils, achieved Distinction grades and will progress to Manchester Metropolitan University to study Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status.

Students studying BTEC courses made sure they were not out done and similarly achieved outstanding pass rates and grades. Level 3 Health & Social Care student, Maynara Baptista achieved three Distinctions and will progress to Goldsmiths, University of London to study psychology.

Carter Bate achieved three distinctions for their Level 3 Applied Science course and will now progress to their first choice at Bangor University to study Geological Oceanography.

The former Shevington High School pupil commented: “I was nervous awaiting the results but I am happy and relieved now. I’m glad our tutors were there to push me and support me to get where I needed to be, and of course my mum too!”

Principal, Anna Dawe said: ‘We are delighted for students and staff, whose hard work has secured another set of outstanding results. Over the last 2 years we have witnessed the dedication and determination that our students have applied to their studies so we are thrilled to see that rewarded with exceptional grades. We could not be prouder – they have bright futures ahead.’   

St Mary's Sixth Form

Alysia Red and Emma Knowles celebrating their results at St Mary'sAlysia Red and Emma Knowles celebrating their results at St Mary's (Image: St Mary's)
In Astley, the whole community of St. Mary’s Catholic High School has also celebrated an outstanding set of A Level and vocational results.

Over the last 3 years there has been significant disruption to the education of these students and they have shown both resilience and commitment in the face of these challenges. 

St Mary's sudents and teachers responded to these challenges and have made huge strides toward achieving the highest grades with 14.8% grades being awarded as A*/A or their equivalent and over 41.9% achieving A*-B or the equivalent.

Ben Rose and Jack GardnerBen Rose and Jack Gardner (Image: St Mary's)
Denise Brahms, Headteacher, was delighted with the results and the success of the students. 

She commented: “The results that the students have achieved are outstanding and say so much about our young people and they reflect their innate ability, hard work and determination. 

"We all know that natural ability needs to be nurtured, challenged and channelled, particularly in the difficult situations these students have faced. I thank all the staff who have supported our students both academically and pastorally.

"These results are the key to enable our students to confidently take their next step in life to university, further training or work.” 

Milcah and Emma WelsfordMilcah Utumabahutu and Emma Welsford 
Exceptionally pleased with this year's results, Mr Owen Rayner, Director of Sixth Form said: "I am very proud of the students at St. Mary’s Sixth Form and the results they have achieved.

"We are very much an inclusive community with 36 different subjects and qualifications on offer to enable all students to find the right course to become successful.  

"We work to celebrate the success of every student.  Each qualification is a recognition both of two years hard work for the student and two years support and challenge from the college.” 

Harry Morrow and Joel GilesHarry Morrow and Joel Giles (Image: St Mary's)
There are many examples of individual students who have excelled and achieved excellent grades at St Mary's. These include:

  • Ellis Anderson achieved: Sport Distinction*, Criminology A. Business Studies B
  • Dylan Bennett achieved: History A, English A, Economics B
  • Joshua Burke achieved: Engineering Distinction, Applied Human Biology Distinction, Business Studies Distinction
  • Vanessa Chan achieved: Biology A, Chemistry A, Mathematics A
  • Calise Cottriall achieved: Media Distinction*, Performance Studies Distinction, Criminology B
  • Joel Giles achieved: Chemistry A*, Further Mathematics A*, Mathematics A*, Physics A*
  • Alannd Jamil achieved: Biology A*, Chemistry A*, Mathematics A*
  • Harry Morrow achieved: Chemistry A, Economics A*, Mathematics A*
  • Alfie Murphy achieved: Music Distinction, Performance Studies Distinction, History B
  • Aine Peck achieved: Engineering Distinction, Business Studies Distinction, Travel & Tourism Merit
  • Ben Rose achieved: History A*, Biology A, Music Distinction, English B
  • Beatrice Sarla achieved: Biology A, Chemistry A, Mathematics A, Spanish B
  • Milcah Utumabahutu achieved: Psychology A*, Criminology A*, English A
  • Emma Welsford achieved: Psychology A*, English A*, Biology A