Celebrations are in full swing at NPTC Group of Colleges as the Class of 2024 marks an incredible achievement in their A Levels and vocational qualifications. This is the first year since Covid that grade boundaries and qualifications have returned and reflect pre-pandemic standards.
With an amazing overall pass rate of 99 per cent, students have once again proven their dedication, talent, and determination to shine.
This year’s results are nothing short of remarkable where over half of the students achieved A* – B grades and more than a quarter of students achieved the top A*- A grades. Over three-quarters of students achieved A* – C grades. Students who follow the Gifted and Talented Excellence (GATE) programme continue to raise the bar, with 84 per cent achieving A* – A grades and 100 per cent A* – B grades.
Students sitting their Level 3 Vocational qualifications also excelled with 127 Distinction grades awarded, of these 39 were at Distinction Star level, the highest possible vocational grade profile, which is equivalent to an A* at A Level.
In addition, no fewer than 370 learners successfully achieved the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate with an outstanding pass rate of 100 per cent with 64 percent achieving between an A* and C grade.
With these incredible results, many of the students have secured their place at university while others are ready to embark on exciting career paths armed with the qualifications they need to succeed. With a wide-ranging apprenticeship programme on offer at the College, many students will take up an apprenticeship. The College currently delivers over 2000 apprenticeships every year as part of its successful programme.
Mark Dacey, CEO of NPTC Group of Colleges, expressed his delight:
“Our students and staff deserve the highest praise for their hard work and dedication. These results are excellent with an overall pass rate of 99 percent and A*-A grades on a par with last year’s success. Our Gifted and Talented Excellence (GATE) programme students have outdone themselves, and our vocational students continue to perform at the highest level. The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate results are equally outstanding, with a 100 per cent pass rate. This is a moment of immense pride for everyone involved. We are here to provide everyone with good quality advice, whether you want a university place, a job, an apprenticeship or to continue with your skills development in Further Education. We can answer any questions that you may have to help your decision-making. Congratulations to the Class of 2024, your hard work has paid off, and the future is exciting for each and every one of you.”Lynne Neagle, the Cabinet Secretary for Education sent a message expressing her total awe of the hard work and resilience that our students, as well as school children and students across Wales, have demonstrated over the last few years:
“They thoroughly deserve to be celebrated and recognized for their achievements, whether it be A Levels or a more vocational route.” She went onto say: “I would also like to extend her gratitude to you and your colleagues for the support you have provided your students during these unprecedented times.”Here is a round-up of some of our students fantastic results:
A Level student Jake Rees had an outstanding A* in Chemistry, A* in Biology, A* in Business and an A in Economics and has secured a place at Bristol University to study Chemistry. Jake said: “I’m excited for the future after College, I had all the support I needed to get into the Uni I wanted to attend!”
Jake Rees
Mila Collins achieved an incredible A* in Dance, an A* in Maths and an A in Further Maths and is going to the University of South Wales to study Drama. Mila really enjoyed her time in College saying: “The lecturers were amazing and I loved being part of the theatre and dance productions.”
A Level student Alfie Anley achieved an A* in Maths, A Further Maths and an A in Physics, and is off to Cardiff University to study Maths. He said: “The three words I would use to describe my time in College would be challenging, fun and different.”
Alfie Anley & Mila Collins
Level 3 BTEC Applied Science student Sameer Ali achieved an amazing Triple Distinction Star (D*D*D*) result and is off Swansea University to study Pharmacy.
Lloyd Jenkins is going to Warwick University to study History and Politics after achieving an impressive three A*s in History, Law and Politics. He said: “I’ve made friends for life and the lecturers made the subjects really enjoyable and interesting.”
Taran McNeil received an A* in Maths, an A in Chemistry an A in Music and an A* in his Extended Project, securing a coveted place at the London Conservatoire to study Music. Taran collected his results after coming back from performing clarinet at the Proms for BBC4.”
Tavian James secured an impressive A* in Graphic Communication, an A* in 3D Design, an A in Psychology and an A in his Extended Project. After taking a well-deserved gap year, he intends to study Graphic Communication at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
Tavian James
Riley Davies achieved an incredible triple A result in A Level Law, Psychology and Religious Studies as well as an A in the EVQ qualification and has secured a place in Cardiff University to study Law. Explaining his time in College Riley said: “College was good, the people and lecturers around me made me believe in myself.”
Cian Palmer is now going to Cardiff University to study Law after receiving an A* in Law, an A* in Sociology and a B in Government and Politics.
A Level student Daniel Collins received an A* in Drama, an A in Media and English Language and Literature, and is now going to the University of South Wales to study Film. “I’m really happy as I did not expect these results, College went so quickly – the two years flew by – it was diverse in terms of studying with so much to do, a pleasant experience with my lectures and a welcoming environment.”
Poppy Morgan achieved an A in A Level History, A* in Psychology, and an A in English Language and Literature and has secured a place at Cardiff University to study Psychology. “College was great, I really enjoyed it! I’ve learnt a lot it was such a good life experience; I’ve made lots of new friends and the lecturers were all really helpful and supportive.”
Beth Jones is going to Cardiff University to study Pharmacy after achieving an A* in Sport, an A in Chemistry and a B in Maths.
It was an A in English, an A in Graphics and an A* in Media for Ellie Evans, who is going to Manchester University to study Graphics. Ellie enjoyed College adding: “The lecturers kept the lessons fun.”
Jacob Benson had a Distinction in Childcare, he’s the first boy to receive the Level 3 CCPLD qualification, and now has sights on becoming a teaching assistant. Jacob said: “It was great to come here and get the valuable experience, my sister is now coming in September to do the same course!”
Jacob Benson
Emily Dye also achieved a Distinction Star in Level 3 Childcare and is off to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to study Primary Teaching with QTS.
Skye Protheroe is off on a gap year before going to University to study Social Sciences after getting a Distinction Star in Childcare, passing her Welsh Baccalaureate and a B in the Advanced Skills qualification.
Ellie Clark received a Distinction Star in Childcare, plus the CCPLD qualification and is going to Cardiff University to study Human and Social Sciences with the hope of becoming a play therapist. Nia Rees also achieved a Distinction Star in the same qualification and has walked straight into employment as a teaching assistant. She said: “I loved the course and everything about it, I would highly recommend it to anyone!”
Nicola Hire, the course coordinator for Level 3 Childcare added: “We have had our best results in Childcare to date – three Distinction Stars, seven Distinctions, six Merits and two Passes. Naomi Watkins and I are immensely proud of all our students.”
High Jumper Sam Davies achieved A, B, and C results in his A Level Biology, Chemistry and PE and is now going to Loughborough University to study Sport.
Business student Milan Howley achieved two Distinctions and a Distinction Star (D*DD), securing a place at Swansea University to study Economics.
Nathan Morrison is off to Cardiff University to study Politics and Sociology after achieving an A in Sociology, and Bs in Business and History. Nathan has been at Neath College for three years after deciding to enrol on the Introduction to A Levels course.
Nathan Morrison
Artus Cerkass achieved three Distinction Stars (D*D*D*) in Applied Science and is going to study Applied Medical Science at Swansea University.
Max Robinson received three Distinction Stars (D*D*D*) in Uniformed Protective Services. He is planning a career in the Armed Forces.
Anya Drummond-Dunn secured two Distinctions and a Distinction Star (D*DD) in BTEC Businesd and had been accepted to study Fashion Marketing at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Hanah Edwards was awarded two Distinction Stars (D*D*) in BTEC Dance and is going to Bristol University to continue her Dance studies.
At Brecon Beacons College, Abbigail Gerrish achieved a 3As in Health and Social Care Level 3 and is heading to Birmingham University.
Alfie Ratcliffe and Bryn Talbot achieved 2 Merits and a Pass (MMP) in Uniformed Protective Services.
Poppy Meadows received two As and a B in Health and Social Care Level 3. She has been accepted to the University of South Wales to study Psychology.
Emily Evans and Erin Bowen both received a Distinction in Childcare and the latter has secured a place at Chester University.
Erin Bowen & Emily Evans
Tilly Powell achieved a Triple Merit (MMM) in Business Level 3.
At Newtown College, Kai Knox was awarded an impressive Triple Distinction Star (D*D*D*) in his IT Extended Diploma.
Kai Knox
Hazel Davies, Amy Beddoes, Faye Jones all achieved a Distinction Star (D*) in the Health and Social Care Extended Diploma.
Hazel Davies, Amy Beddoes & Faye Jones
Tazmin Evans and Ffion Meddins secured 3 As in Health & Social Care Level 3.
Vivian Webster achieved an A in AS Level Fine Art.
