Sunderland College students celebrate outstanding results

Students at Sunderland College are celebrating making the grade after collecting their A-Level and vocational results.

Hundreds of the college’s students received their results today (Thursday 18 August) with many accepting offers from some of the country’s leading universities, progressing to higher level apprenticeships, or starting a new career.

Sunderland College Sixth Form’s overall pass rate for A-Levels was higher than pre-pandemic, with 10 subjects including Business, English Literature, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology receiving 100%. The number of students receiving A*-C grades also increased by 7% on 2019.

Outstanding individual achievements included Jared Turnbull, 18, who is heading to Teesside University to study Forensic Science.

He said: “I was so shocked when I saw I got an A* for Criminology, I was over the moon. Thanks to Sunderland College I found myself as a person; the level of expertise and care from the tutors is amazing and helped nurture me.”

Another delighted student, Cadence Boxall, 18, will be studying Media, Communications and Culture at Newcastle University after receiving AAB in Business Studies, Media Studies and Sociology.

She said: “I am so excited and happy. I have had lots of opportunities made available to me at college and the staff and teachers were so motivating.”

Milo Coates will also be attending Newcastle University to study History after receiving A*BB in Sociology, English Language and History.

The 18-year-old said: “I’m surprised and overjoyed that I got the grades needed for university. I’ve had nothing but support from my lecturers who really care about their subjects and students and I couldn’t have done it without them.

Those studying vocational courses also impressed with a high proportion of subjects receiving a 100% pass rate including Engineering, Computing, Sports Coaching and Applied Science.

UK medal winning swimmer, Pru Hubbard, achieved D*D*D* in Sports Coaching will be continuing her studies at Sunderland College on a Foundation Degree.

The 18-year-old said: “I was so proud when I saw my results. My lecturers have been so supportive in balancing my studies and sport and pushed me to reach my full potential.”

Fellow vocational student, Sophie Gibson, 19, will be studying a Higher Apprenticeship at the BBC after receiving D*D*D* in Creative Media, said: “It was an amazing feeling opening my results after working so hard over the past three years. It all seemed to have paid off in that moment.”

Uniform Public Services student Jake Gray will be studying Paramedic Science at the University of Sunderland in September.  After receiving D*D, he said: “I’m so relieved and exhilarated. Sunderland College is a great college with amazing staff and I’ve really enjoyed my time here.”

For the first time since the pandemic began, students sat exams in May and June, and then faced an anxious wait to find out if all their hard work had paid off. Results were available to collect from Bede and City campuses from 8am with those unable to pick up their results in person receiving an email later in the morning.

The college’s Matrix Standard accredited Careers team also hosted drop-in support and one-to-one appointments offering advice and guidance on grades, clearing and course options.

Principal Toni Rhodes said: “We are absolutely delighted to see so many students get the results they hoped for today.

“This year has been incredibly difficult year following the pandemic and for some the first time they have sat an exam, however we could not be prouder of every and every one of them and wish them all the best in wherever their journey takes them next.”

Sunderland College is accepting applications now from 2022 school leavers for its wide range of A-Level subjects, vocational and technical courses including T Levels.

Apply for a course online at www.sunderlandcollege.ac.uk or visit an open event to find out more.