The hard work has paid off for students at Bede Sixth Form College, with results day providing plenty of reason to celebrate.
Overjoyed learners from the college in Billingham have picked up the grades they need to secure a place at their first-choice universities, higher apprenticeships and job offers.
“We are really pleased with our students’ results, and particularly proud to see the majority of learners successful in gaining their first-choice places at university,” said Bede’s principal, Patrick Jordan.
Results day success included an impressive 100% pass rate in 12 A level subjects and 12 vocational courses, while 37.5% of Bede’s A level students received A* to B grades and 13.5% achieved the highest A* or A grades.
Pals Ruby, Tess and Lucy, all achieved matching grades with three A*s and an A in their results.
Ruby, 18, of Billingham, said: “I am very happy, everything has been wonderful.”
While Lucy, 18, also of Billingham, said: “Wow, I am overwhelmed with my results.”
Tess, 18, of Stockton, added: “It’s lovely that we all got the same grades but in alternate subjects. We all study English literature together and we did the extended project, so we are good friends.”
Ruby is now off to study history at Royal Holloway, University of London, Lucy will study English literature at Newcastle University and Tess is going to the University of Glasgow to study English literature and the history of art.
Voted by his year group as the student most likely to return to the college as a teacher, Lewis, 18, from Billingham, is heading to Northumbria university to study sociology after receiving B grades in history and sociology and a merit in human biology. The former Our Lady and St Bede pupil described himself as “ecstatic and speechless.”
Meanwhile there was further success for Bede’s vocational students. Alisha, 18, of Ingleby Barwick, achieved a triple distinction star in sport and exercise science. The result has paved the way for the former All Saints pupil to continue her studies in the same subject with a place at Leeds Beckett University.
And the college’s full class of music technology students walked away with a distinction star for their efforts, the highest possible grade.
Patrick said: “Students successfully completing their college studies this year should be proud of all they have achieved.
“From Year 10 at school, this cohort of students are among some of those to have had their education most heavily impacted by the aftermath of covid. There aren't many cohorts who can claim such a high level of disruption to their studies.
“The resilience and determination they have shown, to still go on to progress to their chosen destination is an amazing achievement and should be recognised.”
A former Bede student himself, Patrick is happy to be leading the college in what has been an exciting year, including Bede’s 50th anniversary celebrations and overseeing the development of an all-new £2.4m annexe, due to officially open next month.
There’s still time to apply for courses starting at Bede Sixth Form College this September. Enrolling now, don’t forget to secure your place.
