Sunderland College students celebrate outstanding results

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

Hundreds of the college’s students received their results today (Thursday 17 August) with many accepting offers from some of the country’s leading universities, progressing to higher level apprenticeships or starting a new career. 

Overall results this year included a 96.5% achievement rate for students studying Level 3 vocational qualifications. 

Sunderland College’s Sixth Form also achieved a high overall pass rate for A-Levels, with many subjects including English Language and Literature, Film, History, Politics and Sociology all receiving 100% with strong high grades. 

Outstanding individual achievements included 18-year-old Emily Pearce who is heading to York University to study English after receiving triple A* in her A-Levels. 

She said: “I was so excited and relieved when I opened my results. I’ve really enjoyed studying at Sunderland College as you receive constant support from the teachers and the facilities are excellent.” 

Another delighted student, Olivia White, 18, will be studying Midwifery at the University of Sheffield after receiving Distinction* in Law and Psychology, and C in Sociology. 

She said: “When I saw my results I was a bit nauseous but relieved. Sunderland College is a very encouraging place and I would really recommend studying here.” 

South Shields FC Academy and Sports Coaching and Development student-athlete Luke Duffy will be continuing with the college to study a higher education diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training. 

The 18-year-old, who received double Distinction* said: “I am so happy. The teachers at Sunderland College go above and beyond.” 

Sports and Exercise Science student Jacob Bowes will be progressing to Northumbria University to study Occupational Therapy. 

He said: “I am so happy and excited for my future. Studying at Sunderland College helped me prepare for my degree and the teachers’ positive attitude has helped me move forward in life.” 

Those students studying T Levels – the first cohort at Sunderland College to complete the two-year technical qualifications also impressed, with most Construction students achieving a merit or above.

T Level student Declan Urwin, achieved a Merit in Design Planning and Surveying, and will be studying Architecture at Northumbria University. 

The 18-year-old, who completed a work placement at Sunderland-based architects Building Design Northern as part of the course, said: I was really happy as I also had my university place confirmed whilst I was at college getting my results. 

“I really enjoyed the course, there was a good mix of theory and placement which gave me hands on experience as I was very involved projects at BDN.”

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: “As always this is an anxious time for students. Overall, we have seen some impressive results with many individual exceptional achievements both across A Levels and Vocational qualifications, in particular our first group of T level students who have shone in their achievements.” 

Sunderland College is accepting applications now from 2023 school leavers for its wide range of A-Level subjects, vocational and technical courses including T Levels in Construction, Digital, Health, Education and Science. 

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