Results Day roaring success

Students, staff and employer partners at Walsall College are celebrating a variety of outcomes from T Level and BTEC/Vocational and Results Day 2023.

The college achieved a 94% pass rate across all T Level subjects, with 87% of students receiving the highest grades. This put them above the national average which was a 90.5% overall pass rate and 69.2% achieving a merit or above.

Richard Brennan, Assistant Principal for Curriculum at the college said: “We’re over the moon that our results are as strong as last year’s, with double the number of students having completed the qualification.

“T Levels provide an unparalleled student experience that shapes individuals for a bright future ahead.

“Well done to all our students and staff for embracing these qualifications and for their hard work.”

Among those celebrating was Bethan Austin who is progressing on to a primary education degree in the University of Wolverhampton after achieving a Distinction* in her T Level in Education and Childcare.

“I’m so happy,” she said.  “I never expected this grade.  I feel it’s down to my wonderful lecturers, Bal and Leanne.  They both have so much knowledge that their students can draw on.  And they’re always there for you if you ever feel overwhelmed by anything.

“Working in education has been my goal and now I’m a step further to becoming a teacher.”

It was double celebrations for Construction T Level students, Jemma Cotterill, Charlotte Gibberson and Finley Watson.  They’ve each achieved Distinction grades and have all been offered jobs as apprentice civil engineers with Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) who they completed industry placements with.

“My T Level has been an amazing,” said Charlotte.  “The exams were hard but having insights from people at BBV who’ve been in this situation and are in industry now really helped.”

Taylor Warner is using the Distinction grade on his T Level in Building Services Engineering to enhance his application with the military.

“I’m so glad I chose my T Level over A Levels,” said Taylor.  “I had considered a career involving geopolitics then found myself becoming more interested in engineering technology.  My T Level gives me a strong set of UCAS points and transferrable academic and personal skills that I hope will lead to me successfully applying to become a paratrooper.”

Walsall College’s vocational students also enjoyed tremendous success, with many progressing into work and university as well as higher education courses at the college.

Maryam Khalid who studied BTEC Business, Law and Criminology is moving on to HNC Protective Services at the college.

“My interest in a career in policing just keeps growing and my HNC course will support this,” she said.  “I know that every day representing the police force is going to be different and I’m excited to be heading further in this direction.”

Triple Distinction Star grades were awarded to BTEC Sports Coaching and Development students, Harry Brisbourne and Maja Szymkowiak.  Harry, an athlete with Birchfield Harriers will now be studying sports and exercise science at the University of Exeter while Sporting Khalsa footballer, Maja is joining the University of Birmingham as a sports exercise and health sciences undergraduate.