Students and staff at Wigan & Leigh College are today celebrating after they have achieved once again an outstanding 100% pass rate in A Levels with 51% achieving A*-A.

Combined with an excellent 99% pass rate for BTEC students the students are now well positioned to secure the very best places at university or the most competitive apprenticeship vacancies.

The A level results performed strongly against national averages (England) with 6% more students achieving the highest grades possible and 95.7% achieving grades A*-C compared with 88% nationally.

This is the second year of assessments being adapted in light of COVID 19 but students have excelled with the opportunity to evidence their grades in a variety of ways. Unlike last year, students were able to attend college in person and celebrate their achievements with friends and teachers.

A Level student Rebecca Duffy achieved an amazing A* in Psychology, A in Sociology and A in Biology. The former Ladybridge High School pupil is off to The University of Manchester to study Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology.

The future neuroscientist said: "I'm really excited, I wasn't expecting to do so well and I can't wait to start university. The course has been really good, all of the teachers are super willing to talk to you about university opportunities and give advice.”

There was more success for BTEC Level 3 Health & Social Care student Bethany Neafcy who achieved the highest grade of Distinction Star, Distinction Star, Distinction Star grade.

The former Standish Community High School pupil is planning for a career as a radiographer and has accepted a place at University of Liverpool to study Therapeutic Radiography and Oncology.

The future radiographer said: “I worked very hard during college and our tutors were amazing. I couldn’t be happier with my results – I’m over the moon!”

Principal, Anna Dawe, said: “The class of 2021 have studied their A levels and BTECs in the most difficult and testing of circumstances. They have been without doubt exceptional, showing great resilience, working hard and remaining focused on their career aspirations and next steps.

“With their outstanding grades they can now progress to their chosen university or apprenticeship. We are immensely proud of them and their teachers.”

Leigh College A Level student Ella Tinsley achieved an amazing A in Psychology, A in Media and A in English Combined. The former Bedford High School pupil is off to The University of Salford to study Law and Criminology.

The future barrister said: "I'm so relieved with my results and that I managed to do this during covid. Thanks to all my teachers who kept us on a good schedule throughout the pandemic