After achieving an A-Level in photography, Darren progressed to university and then into employment with the BBC. He is a freelance cinematographer in Australia, travelling the world covering major tennis tournaments including the French Open and Wimbledon. His amazing work at the US Open for ESPN saw him win an Emmy Award in 2019.

I studied an A-Level in photography at Sunderland College’s Shiney Row Campus.

I was interested in photography so decided to give it a go.

The course was close to home.

Passing my A-Level which got me a place at the University of Sunderland.

It was relaxed and easy going at the time.

My will to succeed so I could get into university.

The college was a really nice place to learn when I was there. You never know until you try.

I am a freelance cinematographer in Australia. I spend a lot of my life travelling for work, which is amazing.

It was the very start for me, and each stage was a progression. It’s now been 25 years of progression and I’m still learning.

Student success stories

Maths and English for a Successful Future

Maths and English are everywhere! They are important life skills that will help you to achieve your best in your studies and to progress to your dream career. A GCSE Maths and English qualification could be the difference between being accepted onto a university course or getting a job promotion.

98% of our students progress to a positive destination

*Destination data for Sunderland College students aged 16-18, academic year 2017/18).

Why choose Sunderland College?

Our achievement rates are well above the national average.

We are the College of the Year.

(*Top college nationally for BTECs, Pearson 2019)

100% of our HND and HNC students progressed to employment or further study. 

(*Destination data, academic year 2016/17, HNC 19+)

We have recently invested £50 million in our facilities.