Celebrations are underway at Bede Sixth Form College where students are hitting their personal goals in what has been an “outstanding” year.

There’s plenty to smile about at the college in Billingham where the A level pass rate remains above an impressive 98%.

The college saw a 100% pass rate in 17 A level and 19 vocational subjects, and an 8% increase in students achieving the highest, A* to B, grades.

“I am so proud of what the students have achieved with the support of their tutors and college staff,” said Bede’s principal, Patrick Jordan.  “The results are testament to all the hard work and effort our learners put in, all year round.  We are happy to see so many achieving the results they need to move on to their first-choice destinations.”

At Bede, he explained: “We recognise that destinations aren’t always about going to university. While the vast majority of our students do go to university, we have become increasingly successful at supporting those that choose to progress through other routes.

“This year we have students moving on to incredible opportunities, including some of the most sought-after apprenticeships in their chosen field.”

He added: “I am also particularly impressed by the excellent results of our full-time sports students which, once again, demonstrates the standard being set by our Institute of Sport and Education in its work to support developing young talent.”

All of this comes in a year that saw Bede Sixth Form College, part of the Education Training Collective, recognised as an Outstanding provider by Ofsted.

Patrick added: “Following this very welcome judgement by Ofsted, it is great to get to the end of the academic year and see the students achieve fantastic results that will help set them up for their chosen careers!”