Petroc students ‘exceed expectations’ on A Level results day

Petroc students have been celebrating their A Level results as the college itself once again recorded a higher pass rate than the national average.

There was delight for many young people as they turned up at the college’s Sticklepath campus in Barnstaple yesterday (Thursday, August 15) to collect their A Level grades as well as various Level 3 qualifications.

Petroc has reported that its overall pass rate for A Level, T Level, Access to Higher Education and Level 3 Vocational qualification are all above the national benchmark.

Above: Students at Petroc hug after picking up their grades on A Level results day. Credit: Petroc

Deputy principal Dr Jason Jones said: “At Petroc we strive for excellence and so this academic year we have focused our energies on driving continual improvement in the quality of teaching and learning and providing a consistently high-quality learning experience for all of our students.

“We are therefore delighted our overall A Level, T Level, Access to Higher Education and Level 3 Vocational qualification pass rates this year are all above the national averages and this is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students and the dedication and professionalism of our staff.

“These results for our students are a positive reflection of the journey we are on at Petroc and I am excited about the plans we have in place for the coming academic year to keep building on this excellent foundation.”

Above: Pleased Petroc students after collecting their grades. Credit: Petroc

The college also announced that following its move from the former Brannams campus, Petroc’s creative industries courses achieved a 98 per cent pass rate from the UAL awarding body.

Individual outstanding achievements included A Level student Jake Phillips, who achieved three A* grades in maths, physics and computer science. Jake said: “The highlight of my time at Petroc has been making new friends and getting a Gold Award in the UKMT Maths Challenge National Competition.

“I'm going to Exeter Uni to do a masters in computer science and maths and hope to do something that makes the world slightly better.”

Above: Jake Phillips achieved three A* grades and eventually aims to achieve something to make the world a better place. Credit: Petroc

Above: Daisy Sharrock achieved a Distinction in T Level design, surveying and planning and will be going to university to study architecture. Credit: Petroc

Daisy Sharrock achieved a Distinction in T Level design, surveying and planning. She said: “This course has allowed me to go to university and study architecture.

“The lecturers were very friendly, down to earth, approachable - all the good stuff! The course was brilliant and I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in this industry, it was 100 per cent worth it!”

A Level student, Tabitha Andrews, who achieved A grades in biology and sociology and B in chemistry and computer science, was delighted with her results. She said: “I hadn't done GCSE sociology, but I discovered it at an open day and I loved it from the word go.

“Doing four A Levels allowed me to find the subject that sparked my passion the most, which was sociology, and that's what I am going to study at Cardiff Uni. The lecturers were amazing and gave so much support, especially in the UCAS process.”

Above: Tabitha Andrews discovered her love of the sociology subject at Petroc and went on to achieve A grades in biology and sociology plus B grades in chemistry and computer science. Credit: Petroc

Alex Carter achieved an A at A Level in economics and B in history and business and said: “I've done better than what was predicted so I'm really happy! I've really enjoyed my time here, the lecturers were really helpful and helped me grow.

“I've made some good friends and I'm coming back next year to do a Level 3 apprenticeship in business.”

Ruby Owen gained a Distinction in T Level education and childcare (assisting teaching) and said had incredible support throughout her course: “I struggled a lot with anxiety in the first year, but the support I received from my lecturers helped me to overcome those feelings and I am leaving Petroc with a Distinction! I am now going to Bath Spa Uni to study education and early years.”

Above: Petroc student Ruby Owen is leaving the college with a Distinction and going on to study at Bath Spa University. Credit: Petroc

Speaking on Thursday, assistant principal, Jo Byrn said every year the learners’ success exceeded expectations.

She added: “I’m incredibly proud of the students and Petroc teaching teams today. We have witnessed excellent results in A Level, T Level, BTEC and Access to Higher Education, with many learners achieving A* and Distinctions across the board.

“To see the expertise and dedication of our teaching teams have such a positive impact is extremely rewarding. We have maintained our very high pass rates and increased the number of courses experiencing 100 per cent success. We have also seen an increased percentage of our learners progressing to their chosen destinations.”