Truro and Penwith College sets the standard again with outstanding Level 3 results well above national averages

With over 2,000 A-level entries – significantly more than any other provider in Cornwall – students achieved a 99% pass rate and 172 A* grades, more than double the national average for General Further Education (GFE) colleges. A quarter of students achieved A*-A, 10% above the GFE national average, while 56% gained A*-B grades and 82% A*-C – well above national benchmarks and higher than Cornwall and South West averages.

Truro and Penwith College’s results, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and high grades, set a benchmark for post-16 education.

In STEM subjects, Further Maths (80% A*-A, 95% A*-B), Chemistry (66% A*-B), Biology (80% A*-C), Physics (70% A*-B), Geology (43% A*-A), Environmental Science (70% A*-C) and Electronics (50% A*-A, 100% A*-C) all outperformed national averages.

University progression is equally impressive. While the national average for students accepted onto their first-choice course is 82%, 93% of those students at Truro and Penwith College who received their decision on Thursday morning have been placed on their first choice (UCAS’ firm) degree level course.

This includes 10 Oxbridge successes and over 250 students securing Russell Group university offers.

Among the Oxbridge cohort is Poppy Dale, a former Penryn College student, who achieved A, A*, A*, A* in Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and Physics and will study Engineering at the University of Oxford. She said: “I was worried about studying quite male-dominated subjects, but everyone was really nice.”

Celebrating alongside her was best friend Mimi Irving, also from Penryn College, who achieved A, A, A*, A in History, Psychology, Geography and Spanish. Mimi plans to take a gap year before applying to study International Relations. Her advice: “Stay on top of things! But also enjoy your free periods with your friends – I have a lot of good memories from them.”

Also heading to Oxbridge is Rebecca Chellamuthu, who achieved A* grades in Chemistry, Biology and English Literature and will begin Veterinary Medicine at the University of Cambridge. She praised the quality of teaching and supportive environment at the College, calling it “a better stepping stone to university” and encouraging new students to, “keep on top of work from the start and don’t worry if you don’t know anyone – it’s easy to make friends here.”

For others, alternative high-level pathways are the destination. Alfie Gazzard, from Mount Hawke, gained B grades in A-level Physics, Maths and Chemistry, alongside the Maths Academy programme, and has secured a prestigious Technical Nuclear Degree Apprenticeship with the Ministry of Defence’s Submarine Delivery Agency.

His programme will include placements across the UK, leading to a Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Science or Engineering. “I saw the apprenticeship online and didn’t think I’d ever get in. The lecturers were really supportive and friendly, and college felt so different to school – more professional, where you’re treated like an adult,” said Alfie.

The College’s vocational and technical results were equally strong. Over 1,000 Level 3 Vocational students completed their studies, with over 70% of UAL Diploma students in creative subjects such as Art & Design, Games Development, Music, Photography and Creative Media Production achieving the highest grades. BTEC Level 3 Diploma students in Sport, Health and Business achieved high grades 14% above the national average.

Among this year’s vocational success stories are Isis Payne and Emma Dyke, former Mounts Bay Academy students who both completed the Level 3 Health and Social Care Extended Diploma at Penwith College.

Choosing Penwith for its welcoming atmosphere, excellent facilities and access they praised the supportive lecturers and valuable work placements, including experience at Treliske Hospital in antenatal, postnatal, theatre, and SEND support settings.

Both are progressing to study Midwifery at Plymouth University. “The one thing I’ll take away is the kindness of the lecturers and how they supported us every step of the way,” said Isis, while Emma added: “If you’re unsure, look into the diplomas — they’re equivalent to A Levels, but let you focus deeply on one subject, which we loved.”

Over 600 Occupational students achieved outstanding results across all levels, well above national benchmarks: Automotive (90%), Construction (92%), Hair & Beauty (87%) and Hospitality (95%), for an overall achievement rate of 91%.

The growing T Level programme saw 50 students completing their qualifications this year with exceptional results and impressive high grades. 34% achieving the highest grade of distinction in their occupational specialisms, against a national average of 18%.

Among them was Sonny Church from Newquay, who achieved a Distinction in T Level Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction. “I thought I’d get a pass or merit but turns out I got a distinction!” said Sonny. “The College’s construction facilities were brilliant, and visits from employers really opened my eyes to the options out there. If it wasn’t for my tutors, I wouldn’t have got this.” Sonny will now begin a degree-level Construction, Design and Build Technician Apprenticeship with Galliford Try.

The College’s International Baccalaureate Diploma students also excelled this year, achieving a 98% pass rate – up from 92% last year – well above the global average of 80%. The average points score of 35.29 exceeded the international figure of 30.58, with nearly a quarter of students achieving 40 points or more and 90% gaining 30 points or more.

Progress measures at the College remain exceptionally high, with the vast majority of students exceeding targets based on their prior GCSE performance at school. This demonstrates that students make significantly more personal and academic progress at Truro and Penwith College, achieving grades far beyond those predicted from earlier attainment.

Principal Martin Tucker said: “With a tradition of excellence that spans over three decades, our 2025 results are further evidence that Truro and Penwith College continues to set the standard for post-16 education in the region, offering a supportive and aspirational environment where students flourish both academically and personally.

“The College has continued to invest in high-quality staff development, underpinned by evidence-based practice and the latest insights from cognitive science. This, combined with the passion, expertise, and dedication of our teaching staff, who go above and beyond to support every student, ensures that the College remains an inspiring and exceptional place to both work and study.”