BTEC students make the grade on results day

Today, Sunderland College students are celebrating after receiving their vocational qualification results. 

Despite another challenging year, the students are a step closer to reaching their career and higher education ambitions. It has been revealed that the college achieved an overall 97.9% pass rate for BTEC Level 3 qualifications, an increase on last year, with courses including Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Engineering, Computing and Digital achieving an impressive 100% pass rate. 

Outstanding individual achievements included Megan Ellison, 18, who gained D*DD (Distinction) in Health and Social Care and is now heading to the University of Sunderland to study Adult Nursing. 

She said: “It’s been a particularly difficult year independently working rather than being at college but the results I have received are well deserved from the assignments I have done.” 

Classmate Brooke Atkinson, who received top grades D*D*D*, added: “I’ve really enjoyed this year, I’ve worked so hard with everything that has been going on and now I’m going to Teesside University to do Paramedic Practice.” 

Another ecstatic student, Katherine Lee will study Diagnostic Radiography at Sheffield Hallam University after receiving D*DD in Applied Science, said: “I’m absolutely ecstatic to receive my results and be going to a university I really wanted to go to. I am so pleased that all my hard work has paid off during what has been a challenging two years. 

“I have really enjoyed my time at Sunderland College, it has given me more confidence and the lecturers genuinely care about the subject and helping you achieve.” 

Twins Keanu and Kenu Bell, are looking to progress to higher education after receiving Distinctions in Engineering. 

Keanu, who is considering specialising in Electrical Engineering, said: “I was so pleased that I had passed, we’re both happy with our results. Sunderland College has helped us achieve good grades in our chosen subject and helped us decide on our chosen careers.” 

Brother Kenu added: “Remote learning from home was difficult at first, but we had lots of resources available, and the tutors were so helpful. If you’re thinking of studying at Sunderland College I would say, go for it!” 

Vocational and technical qualifications such as BTECs are specialist work-related courses in key industry sectors which provide students with the skills, practical understanding knowledge in preparation for further study and training or employment.  

Toni Rhodes, Principal, said: “We are really proud of all our students today, despite what has been an exceptionally challenging time they have demonstrated their resilience throughout and continued to strive for excellent results. 

“Today’s results really are a testament to all their hard work and how they have adapted to the situation, we wish each one of them success in their next steps.” 

Students at the college were able to pre-book slots to collect their results in person. This was to ensure student numbers were managed to keep everyone safe. For those students not able to collect in person, their results were emailed to them at 10am. 

Sunderland College is part of Education Partnership North East, one of the largest college groups in the country, which also includes Hartlepool Sixth Form and Northumberland College and offers an extensive range of A-Level subjects and vocational courses. New T Level courses will be launched at the college this September.