Preparing to collect your A Level results? Support is available, whatever the outcome

In two weeks, thousands of students across Staffordshire will receive their A Level results and Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), wants to remind and reassure students that whatever their results, there are options and support will be available.

On Thursday 17 August, from 8:30am onwards, students are invited to return to Newcastle College and Stafford College to collect their A Level and T Level results and to enjoy a special, complimentary breakfast. Level 3 BTEC students are also invited to return for an afternoon barbeque from midday to collect their results and celebrate their achievements.

Knowledgeable and friendly staff will be on hand throughout the day to offer advice and guidance as students contemplate their next steps and a move to higher education.

Liz Wyman, Head of Learning Resources and Guidance at NSCG said: “Understandably, students can get nervous in the run up to results day, even though the vast majority get into university, an apprenticeship or employment without a hitch. For many though, these results are the culmination of two years’ hard work with often a lot riding on the outcome. We would urge students to stay calm and seek advice if they are unsure on their next steps.”

“As a caring college, we want to ensure that students have the best support available,” continued Liz. “Whether they have out-performed expectations, undershot or are simply having doubts about the choices they have made, it is important that students, including those from other sixth forms or colleges, are reassured that whatever their results, there will be options available.”

Despite two years of disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the NSCG 'Class of 2022' bucked the national trend to pick up record breaking results that exceeded all national benchmarks.

In 2022, A Level entries saw a pass rate of 99.1% with 87.4% of A Level entries achieving A* - C grades. High grades of A* - B made up 64.4% of the A Level entries sat.

Of the 1227 A Level entries, 23 reported a 100% pass rate, including Art & Design, Biology, Business, Computer Science, English Literature & Language, Graphic Design, History, Law, Maths, Psychology and Theatre Studies.

There was also a 100% pass rate on A+ Certificates including Business, Criminology, Human Biology, Financial Studies, Law and Psychology. Of those programmes, 60% achieved distinction star or distinction grades.

From the 1222 BTEC Extended Diploma entries, there was a 98.4% pass rate with 49% of BTEC entries achieving high grades of DDD or above - equivalent to AAA at A Level.

Continuing the tradition of being Staffordshire’s biggest provider of students to continue to higher education, around 1220 students progressed to more than 102 different universities around the UK.

For students choosing to stay closer to home, NSCG offers progression opportunities through a range of university-level programmes including Foundation Degrees, Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Diplomas (HNDs) and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs). These courses are a perfect option for those wanting to study in a dedicated University Centre within a smaller institution that boasts first class facilities, fantastic student support and excellent results. There are a range of course options available including, HNC/Ds in Business, Computing, Digital Content Creation, Engineering, Performing Arts and Sport and it is not too late to apply to start in September.

Principal and Chief Executive of NSCG, Craig Hodgson said: “This is always an exciting time of year as students across the country prepare to receive their all-important exam results. For many, a university place will be calling, but for an increasing number of young people apprenticeships are becoming an attractive choice. An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge in your chosen field, with the ability to study to degree-level, whilst earning a wage.”

NSCG currently works with around 900 regional employers and promotes a broad apprenticeship offering with strong achievement rates, 13% ahead of the national average. Currently there are around 67 local apprenticeship vacancies available through ‘The Apprenticeship Hub’ – the College’s dedicated facility housed within the main reception area at the Knutton Lane campus in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and the Victoria Square Campus in Stafford town centre.

To find out more about HE courses or apprenticeship options at NSCG, visit nscg.ac.uk.