Students Celebrate Outstanding Success

School leavers are not the only ones celebrating their success at the moment, as many students who have re-sat their GCSEs or completed a vocational course are also receiving their results and certificates.

GCSE and vocational students at Walsall College have achieved outstanding results with large numbers receiving merits, distinctions and high grades.

Joshua Colin Broughton got top marks in his GCSE English, achieving a grade 8 through the College’s Achieving Together programme, which helps 14-19 year-olds gain formal qualifications if they are not in mainstream education or need to resit.

The 16-year-old said, “I’m really thrilled to get my grade! I left school because I was bullied, and was advised by the local council to come to Walsall College to sit my GCSE English. The safe environment helped me to focus and the tutors were brilliant, as they made lessons engaging.”

Walsall College’s vocational courses have been designed with significant input from employers to ensure students graduate with the skills and knowledge to give them a head start in the workplace or prepare them for university. They are a vocational alternative to the academic route offered by A-levels, giving students hands on skills and knowledge in their chosen industry.

Amongst the students celebrating was BTEC Level 3 Childcare and Education student Natalie Louise Piper, who received a Distinction on her course and is now off to Derby University to study Childcare Youth studies.

She commented: “I’m really happy with my grade! Studying a Level 3 diploma has enabled me to study at university.”

Other students who have completed their Level 3 courses this year have also already made a great start on their careers, securing full-time positions as well as apprenticeships with high profile companies.

Painting and Decorating student Brandon Neville, who passed his course with flying colours, has secured an apprenticeship with Bell Group.

Brandon said: “I’m doing different things every day. One day, I could be here and the next I could be somewhere else. I’m never bored.

My career aims is to progress in the decorating industry. Right now, I’m an apprentice, so I hope to get a job out of here soon, and then progress from there with the company”

Recognised as outstanding by Ofsted, Walsall College offers a range of full and part time courses and its state-of-the-art facilities give students an exceptional learning environment to start their journey to success.

Walsall College will be enrolling for courses from 23rd August – 8th September as well as offering careers advice and guidance on all the options available. For more information about enrolling on a course at Walsall College, please call 01922 657000.

Picture: Joshua Colin Boughton with his top mark results