After two years of hard work and dedication, supported by the College’s brilliant staff, comprehensive enrichment offer and focus on student support and the student experience, over 1,600 A Level, Vocational Diploma and T Level students collected their results on Thursday, August 15.
For many, the aspiration of gaining a place at their preferred university has been realised, with almost 1,000 students leaving the College this summer having secured entry to their first-choice university, including eleven students who received the grades they needed to progress to the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge.
With over 2,500 combined A Level entries this year, significantly more than any other A Level provider in Cornwall, Truro and Penwith College students exceeded UK averages for overall pass rates (98%) and success in achieving the top grades A* – C (80%).
Almost a third of A Level students gained an A or A* grade, with over 1,400 A*-B grades issued. Published data released by Ofqual shows that in comparison to other Further Education colleges across the country, Truro and Penwith College students achieved double the amount of A*-B grades than those who studied elsewhere.
A staggering 42 A-level courses achieved a maximum 100% pass rate across a vast range of subjects, including Accounting, Fine Art, Graphics, Classical Civilization, Dance, Economics, Drama, English Literature, English Language, Further Maths and Spanish.
The College’s leading regional and national role in STEM (Science, Technology, Maths, Engineering) was evidenced once more, both in the extremely high quality of student outcomes, and in the large volumes of entries. Many A-levels, including multiple STEM subjects such as Biology, Psychology, Maths, Chemistry and Geology, achieved 10%-20% above national averages for high grades.
International Baccalaureate Diploma students are also celebrating exceptionally high results, including Redruth student Aimee Paull receiving the highest possible point score of 45.
Over 650 Truro and Penwith College students are also celebrating their superb results in their Level 3 Vocational Diplomas, with a 98% overall pass rate and over half gaining the top grades of triple Distinction or above (equivalent to 3 A grades or above at A-level) in an array of subjects including Sport and Exercise Science, Health and Social Care and Engineering. 100% of Media (Lens based) Diploma students achieved a high grade, with 70% of students achieving the highest possible grade, as did 82% of Games Design students.
The new T Level qualification is proving popular with students studying subjects such as Early Years Education, Construction, Health and Digital Production completing their studies. T Levels saw a 98% overall pass rate with 86% of students achieving high grades of a merit or distinction grade, equivalent to 3 B’s or 3 A’s at A-level.
Truro College student Gracie from Newquay studied A Level Psychology, Biology and Chemistry, where she got A*A*A. She is now moving on to Exeter University, where she will study Medicine.
Gracie reflected on her time studying at the College: “I could have gone to sixth form, but coming to Truro College was just a bigger and better opportunity. There’s a broader range of courses, which drew me here most. I’ve formed lots of new friendship groups, so I’m really grateful to the college for that.
“I went to Medic’s Academy, which was super helpful in preparing me for applying to medical school. It’s so nice to just crack open that envelope and see it all.”
Meanwhile at Penwith, Engineering student William from Hayle achieved a Triple Distinction Star helping him achieve his dream job without leaving Cornwall. William has achieved a Level 6 Design Engineering Apprenticeship with Falmouth Docks.
Commenting on his course he said: “I’ve loved every minute of College. The skills of our lectures and professional workshops are very impressive. Some of the things our lecturers have been doing with the CNC Machines is so impressive, one was trying to get a steel ball machined inside a cube. It was so exciting.”
You can read more of our student case studies on our website.
Speaking as hundreds of students attended both Truro and Penwith College campuses to collect their results, a delighted Principal Martin Tucker said: “This year marks another year of outstanding results achieved by students at our outstanding College, and I can’t commend them enough for the hard work and dedication they have put into their studies.
“It was fantastic to hear many of the students praising the College’s student experience, support from teaching staff and enrichment offer as they collected their results and I’m delighted that the College’s focus in these areas is proving successful for all our learners.
“Everyone at Truro and Penwith College wishes departing students our very best wishes as they start the next stage of their journey, whether to higher education or into the workplace.”
The fantastic achievements and outcomes of learners at Truro and Penwith College this year is the culmination of their efforts and diligence, supported through the care, expertise and dedication of our excellent staff.
