Scenes of celebration at New College Swindon as students achieve top results

Students and staff at New College Swindon are celebrating exceptional A Level and Level 3 results today as a result of their resilience and determination to succeed.

Almost 1 of every 5 grades achieved was at A* or A; an increase of 4% from 2019, the last time formal exams were sat.

Students studying vocational courses also achieved exceptional results with well over 50% gaining a Distinction grade which is equivalent to grade A at A Level. The majority of the courses secured a 100% pass rate. New College is predicting that, once again, a high number of students will gain university places with over 500 students achieving their first choice place at university. Many others are set to go straight into employment or a higher apprenticeship. This is the first year for T Level results which have also been strong with high grades across the board.

New College Principal Carole Kitching reflected on their success, in light of the difficult period they have studied in due to the pandemic, she said: “I am so very proud of our students. They have shown such determination and commitment to their studies despite the many challenges they faced. I am also extremely proud of our outstanding team of teachers and support staff at New College, who have gone the extra mile to help their students succeed. They have worked tirelessly to keep students engaged and minimise the disruption brought on by lockdown and social distancing.”

Robin Kinge achieved AAAA in English Literature, Sociology, Psychology and Graphic Design, and will study English Literature at the University of Edinburgh. Speaking about his time at New College, Robin said, “It’s been a wild ride! College has really helped me grow both academically and personally. I have never felt happier and every one of my teachers has given me a newfound confidence and belief in myself that I will be forever grateful for!”

Megan Lau achieved D*DD in Art & Design and now plans to do a degree in Comic & Concept Art. “My experience was really fun, it gave me a chance to be more independent and prepared me for going to university and what it would be like to work in the industry.”

Oliwia Bruska achieved ABB and has decided to stay on at New College to complete her university-level studies with a HND in Public Services. “It’s a great community at the College, the support from my friends, classmates and lecturers has been amazing.”

Francesca Noyes has accepted a place at the University of Southampton to study Marine Biology and is thrilled with her results of A*A*A*A. “I am so excited with my results, these just add to the confidence and self-esteem that I have already gained from my time at New College. My teacher, Luke, really inspired me to follow my passion for the environment and making a different. He also took the time to offer 1-to-1 support and helped me to believe in myself.”

Francesca was also a winner at the College’s FE Awards in July. 2021/22 has been a hugely exciting and successful year for students beyond the classroom. There have been national award winners, TV appearances, study abroad trips, exhibitions and performances, fundraising and volunteer projects and even a couple visits from some famous ex-students.

It’s this holistic approach to learning that Carole sees as a key factor in students wanting to choose New College Swindon for their post-16 study. She continued:

“With more choice, more support and more opportunities than any other provider in the area, we are able to give our students an enriching all-round experience. They learn from lecturers who are specialists in their subjects, with high academic credentials and many with real industry experience. This gives our students access to a wide range of work experience, enrichment activities, social groups, and national schemes. All of these experiences are preparing them for the next stage of their lives - they leave us with more than just good grades!”

Students are progressing to universities across the country but increasingly more are choosing to take advantage of opportunities closer to home. New College Swindon has a long history of providing excellent university-level courses, and the launch of the Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology (IoT) this Autumn will increase that offer across high level Apprenticeships and other higher level technical skills courses. The IoT is the biggest ever investment in higher skills in the region and brings industry-standard facilities and equipment together with a curriculum co-created with employers. Places are still available on university-level courses at New College and the IoT.

The College is anticipating more success when their GCSE and Level 2 students collect results next week. It’s also gearing up to welcome thousands of students for enrolment, as they look to carve their own path to success as part of the New College community.

For more information about the college and the new Institute of Technology visit www.newcollege.ac.uk