New College Swindon is celebrating GCSE and Level 1/2results which it says demonstrate continued improvement across both academic and technical subjects.
This year's results, college chiefs say, showcase the strength of New College Swindon's broad educational offer and highlight the college's commitment to helping every learner realise their potential - whatever their starting point.
From its highly successful Pre 16 provision, supporting young people who may have struggled in previous educational settings, through to GCSEs, vocational qualifications and progression into A Levels, apprenticeships, higher education and employment, there has been plenty of good news.
Some of the most significant improvements were seen in the sciences, where students achieved substantial increases in the key grades 9–4, opening the door to further study in STEM subjects and careers that are increasingly in demand across the UK economy.
Strong GCSE science grades provide essential progression routes into A Levels, T Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications, leading to careers in healthcare, engineering, environmental science, laboratory sciences and many other high-skilled professions. Maths and English results also remained well above the national rate.
The college also celebrated exceptional success in its career-focused vocational provision.
Both Level 2 Beauty Therapy and Level 2 Hairdressing achieved 100% pass rates. These industry-recognised qualifications equip students with the practical skills and professional experience needed to progress directly into employment, apprenticeships or advanced study, reflecting the college's strong links with employers across Swindon and Wiltshire.
Among those celebrating was Henry Mapstone, who joined New College Swindon's Pre 16 provision two years ago.
Henry achieved an outstanding set of GCSE results, including two Grade 9s, four Grade 8s and one Grade 4, and will now continue his journey at New College Swindon studying A Levels.
Henry’s father, Gavin Mapstone, said: “Henry has always been determined to succeed, but he needed an environment that recognised him as an individual rather than expecting him to fit into a system that wasn't working for him.
"Carla and the Pre 16 team gave him exactly that. They believed in Henry, treated him with kindness and respect, and created the conditions for him to thrive and feel empowered.
"The transformation in his confidence has been remarkable, and the results he has achieved have put him on a pathway towards studying at a Russell Group university.”
Fellow Pre 16 student Gracie Haynes also celebrated success, achieving the grades needed to continue her studies at the College's North Star campus, where she will begin studying Business.
Their achievements are described as reflecting the impact of New College Swindon's specialist Pre 16 provision, which supports young people who may have experienced barriers to learning, anxiety, disrupted education or challenges in previous school settings.
Carla Sweeny, Pre 16 Coordinator, said: "We are so proud of all of our Pre 16 students. Many of them join us after having had a difficult or negative experience in another educational setting and have often missed significant periods of learning. Seeing them collect their results today, knowing how far they have come, is an immense achievement for every single one of them.
"Their determination and hard work have been incredible and today marks the beginning of exciting new chapters in their education."
The results continue the College's wider 'Journey to Excellence’, supported by significant investment in facilities, teaching and student support, alongside strong employer partnerships that ensure students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed.
As students collected their results, many were already confirming places on A Levels, T Levels, vocational programmes and apprenticeships, with New College Swindon continuing to provide clear progression routes from school through to university and skilled employment.
With enrolment now underway, the college is looking forward to welcoming the next generation of learners to begin their own journeys.
Leah Palmer, Principal and CEO of New College Swindon, said: “Everyone at New College Swindon is incredibly proud of the progress and excellent results our learners have achieved for a successive third year of improvement.
"This brilliance is achieved through our inclusive culture, engaging teaching and highly effective infrastructure of pastoral care from our safeguarding and wellbeing infrastructure at the college.
"Both our campuses have been incredibly busy with a third year of increased enrolments alongside results day, however, there is still time to enrol with us for the upcoming academic year.
"Come and speak to us, and we’ll support you in deciding your next steps.”
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