New College celebrates exam success and pass rate increases

97% overall A Level pass rate (16-18 students)
192 students sat A Levels in English and Maths– 97% pass rate
132 entries for Biology, Chemistry and Physics – 99% pass rate
192 BTEC exam entries – 58% gained Distinction grades (up from 39% last year)
28 subjects with 100% pass rate
466 A*-B grades achieved at A Level

An overall A Level pass rate of 97% for 16-18 year old students at New College Swindon, calls for celebration.

The pass rate has increased by 1% from last year and improvements follow through to the number of grades at A*-B, with a 4.3% increase from last year. Over 40% of all grades achieved were A*-B this year. New College has the largest number of A Level learners in Swindon and Wiltshire and this year there were 1,119 successful exam entries.

These pass rates indicate that, once again, New College students have made great achievements. The 97% pass rate will stand students in good stead for a bright future and make them stand out in the competition for jobs and university places.

28 A Levels had a 100% pass rate as follows: Art and Design: Historical Practice; Art and Design: History of Art; Art and Design: Textiles; Classical Civilisation; Classical Greek; Communications Studies; Computer Science; Creative Writing; Economics; English Literature; Environmental Science; Film Studies; French; Government & Politics; Further Maths; History (American & British 20th Century); History (European & British 20thCent); History (Tudor & Stuarts); Italian; Media Studies;  Music; Physics;  Polish;  Portuguese; Religious Studies; Sociology; Spanish and World Development.

With the Government’s continuing emphasis on the importance of English and Maths, backed by employer organisations like the Confederation of British Industry, New College are pleased to report a pass rate of 97%, with 192 exam entries.

For the following subjects, over 50% of students achieved an A*, A or B: Art and Design: Historical Practice; Textiles; Classical Greek; Extended Project; History (European & British 20thCent); Italian; Further Maths; Physics; Polish; Portuguese and Psychology.

Ciara Lewis achieved three A grades in Classical Civilisations, Government and Politics and British and European History, at A Level as well as A grades at AS Level for Ancient History and English Literature. She said: “I’m so happy and I’m buzzing; all my hard work has really paid off. I’m going to the University of Oxford to study Ancient and Modern History. It’s been a lengthy process to apply and get to this point, but so worth it.”

Adult students (those aged 19+) often return to education after several years, to study for A Levels. 19+ students achieved an overall pass rate of 94%, with 34 out of 43 subjects having 100% passes.

This year saw a 3 percentage point increase in AS exam achievement for all age students, across 1932 exam entries. This will enable better progression opportunities for our students into A Levels.

We are delighted that 58% of our 192 BTEC Extended Diplomas students gained Distinction grades this year; a 19 percentage point increase from last year.  The BTEC Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A-levels and a distinction is equivalent to top A-level grades.

In total, there were 1093 (16-18) entries for Level 3 vocational studies. Learners have gained work-ready qualifications in areas such as Art, Business & Law, Computing, Creative Media, Education Training, English & Language, Financial Studies, Accounting, Health and Social Care and Early Years. Many of these young learners have worked part-time whilst at New College and have picked up the skills and work ethic that employers look for. There is a strong focus on developing employability skills at New College and the teaching of these skills is an integral part of the 16-18 programme, which includes communication, interview techniques, CV writing, personal finance, presentation skills, IT and work experience.

New College is confident that, once again, a high number of students will gain university places following these results. In Autumn 2017, over 500 students progressed to university and other higher education providers. For students looking for a local, affordable alternative to University, New College offers a great range of degree-level programmes. Exciting developments for 2018 include the opening of a dedicated Higher Education Centre and three new Foundation degrees. Delivered in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire, students can now study Cyber Security, Health & Social Care and Sports Coaching & Development.

Principal and CEO of New College Carole Kitching commented: “This is a really excellent performance by our A level, AS level and vocational students, continuing a trend of year on year improvement and this year seeing a significant increase in the percentage of high grades too. It’s fantastic to see so many young people and adults achieving their goals and moving on to higher education, apprenticeships and work. Congratulations and the best of luck to all of them and thanks to the brilliant teachers and support staff here at New College.”