Prior Pursglove Pass Rate for A-Levels reaches 97%

Students were collecting their A-Level and B-Tec Qualification results at the Guisborough College last week.

Students at the end of their time with Prior Pursglove College have praised the supportive teaching staff and friendly atmosphere at the Guisborough College, as they collected their A-Level results and B-Tec qualifications today.

The college reached a 97% pass-rate for A-Levels, including more than 40% at the high grades of A* to B.

Olivia Wytcherley, head of Prior Pursglove College, part of the Atomix Educational Trust, said the atmosphere at the college had been “fantastic,” as students collected their results.

“Students have performed brilliantly, and they’re going on to a range of destinations from Oxford and Cambridge to apprenticeships and employment,” she said.

This year, more Prior Pursglove students than before have been meeting or exceeding their target grades.

For B-Tec qualifications, 46% of students on these courses achieved a Distinction * or a Distinction.

Olivia said: “It’s amazing the range of emotions you get on results day.

“For teachers, it’s particularly pleasing to see those students who have overcome certain challenges while they have been here getting their results and seeing their hard work pay off.

“When students who have faced challenges or barriers achieve, witnessing that is what teachers go into education for.

“They are the students you come to work for.”

Olivia added the many teachers and managers, who attended the results day, also like to hear about the exciting opportunities they have helped students secure for next steps.

“For some students at the college, they will be the first people in their family to go to University,” she said.

“On results day, you see the life-changing side of qualifications that enable them to do that.

“When you hear them say they wouldn’t have reached this level unless they were encouraged by the staff here, that’s really rewarding.”

However, it’s not just about the teaching, as Olivia says staff are instrumental in helping them make the right decisions for them when it comes to their next steps.

“Some of our high flyers are doing degree apprenticeships and some are going straight into employment,” she said.

“We help them with whatever they need regardless of their next steps, whether it’s CV-writing, writing personal statements for university or helping them with interview techniques.

“It’s very important that the experience we deliver is not just around the academic teaching.”

All ten students who received an offer from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge have secured their places, the college’s best ever result:

Oxford

Alastair Dicken (Sacred Heart)– Biochemistry at Merton College:

Oliver Amor (UCA)  got A*s in Chemistry, Physics, Maths, and Further Maths.

“I’m going to study Chemistry at Oxford, Christchurch College,” he said.

“The teachers here are attentive and helpful, and it’s a wonderful environment.”

Also going to Oxford:

SU Vice President Lola Steinhauser Somers (Ryedale) to read PPE at Wadham College and Lucy Kelly (Rye Hills) to read Biology at Merton College.

Megan Kelly (All Saints) studied Classical Civilisations, Spanish, and History.

“I got an A* in History, an A* in Spanish, and two As in my other subjects,” she said.

“I’m going to Oxford to study Spanish with Beginner’s Russian at Queen’s College

“The one word I’d use to describe my time here is “support” – everyone from staff to students has been supportive. I wouldn’t have applied to Oxford if it wasn’t for my teachers.”

Lydia Walker (Rye Hills) is going to St Anne’s College to study Geography, after achieving an A* in Geography and As in Geology, Law and her EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).

She said: “I am really happy with my results and looking forward to going to Oxford to study Geography.

“I love the subject – it’s so broad – and Oxford is such a lovely University.

Lydia attended a summer school at the university before being encouraged to apply to study there, after doing a presentation at Christchurch College.

“I still can’t believe I actually got in,” she said.

“I’m going in October and I’m excited about it – I’m not nervous at all yet!

“My Mam got to travel down with me at one point and she liked it even though it’s four or five hours away, so we are all looking forward to it.”

Cambridge:

Holly Buckworth (Stokesley) – Natural Sciences at Fitzwilliam College

Sam Watson (Outwood Bydales) – Natural Sciences at Jesus College. Sam’s mum, Louise, also works at the college:

Athlete Matthew Downs (LJS) got A*s in Geography, Geology, and Biology.

While studying for his A-Levels, he also travelled to Spain to compete in the Aquathlon at the World Championships, facing the gruelling challenge of a one-kilometre open water swim followed immediately by a five-kilometre run.

“I’m going to study Geography at Cambridge,” he said.

“I also competed at the World Championships Aquathlon in Spain, finishing ninth.

“Balancing training and A-levels was challenging, but I enjoyed my time here.”

Sam Eddon (Freebrough) is also going to Cambridge to read Classics at Girton College

Stacey Williams studied Business and Maths.

“I got an A in maths and an A* in business,” she said.

“I’m going on to do an apprenticeship in accounting in September.

Speaking of life at Prior Pursglove College, she added: It’s been one of the most fun times of my life – very interesting and educational as well.”

Daisy Jackson studied Media Studies, Film Studies, and English Language & Literature, achieving an A in Media, an A in Film, and an A in English, which has led on to a Film and Television Production course at the University of York.

Speaking of life at Prior, Daisy said: “It’s been great – I’ve made lots of friends and had a really good time.”

Patrick Carter achieved Ds in Criminology and English and a Distinction in Law. He is now off to study Law at Northumbria University.

He said: “It wasn’t what I was targeted to achieve but I did my best and I’ve got to where I want to be at the end of the day.

“I want to be a law teacher eventually.”

Patrick, who was named ‘lead ambassador’ for the college in second year, admits he found College a lot tougher than secondary school, but the support of staff had been “really good”.

“I couldn’t recommend Prior Pursglove enough,” he said.

“It’s not just here for A-levels, there is an academic side but there is also a vocational side with B-Tec qualifications you can study for.

“My confidence has grown since becoming an ambassador and attending open days and promoting the college, so it’s not just about what you learn academically, as being at this college helps you build confidence.”

Angela Stephenson, deputy head at Prior Pursglove, said: “We aim to offer an inclusive and diverse curriculum where you can do a B-Tec or you can go down the traditional A-Level route – or you can also mix and match the two.

“We also have a new T-Level qualification we will be offering in Early Years in Education, which is starting in September.”

She added everyone at the college prides themselves on offering support and encouragement, saying: “We’re passionate about the sense of community and care we provide here.

“We want learners to achieve and do the best that they can do and we really want to be there helping them prepare for their next steps.”

Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland congratulated students as they picked up their results.

A former alumnus of Prior Pursglove College, he said: “I’m really proud to be back at Prior Pursglove, my old college, and I’m here today as MP to congratulate all the young people on their results.

“I have been blown away by the incredible young people we have got here.

“I also want to add that if you didn’t get the results you wanted, this is just one step in your journey.”

Remembering getting his own results, he added: “I was really nervous, but the staff were so supportive and being here gave me the foundation to go on in life and succeed.

“I’m really pleased we’ve got a college that works so hard to give young people the best opportunities.”

Enrolment for prospective students starts at the college on 21^st August and we look forward to welcoming everyone.

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