Students from the college – the largest provider of A Level courses in the region – have maintained its near-perfect record, with more than 650 students receiving their results today.
Sunderland College – which has four campuses across the city – welcomed students from across the North East, who – after studying there for two years – were anxiously awaiting their results.
In total, 21 A Level subjects achieved a 100 per cent pass rate including Physics, English Language and Literature, Geography, History, Media Studies, Physical Education (PE) and Performing Arts.
Nigel Harrett, deputy principal at the college, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have maintained our high success rate, because behind each percentage point is a student we have guided to success – a young person who is now set to take their next step on the journey to their career of choice.
“A Level results day is a hugely significant occasion for every young person and we know that it has taken determination and endeavour to get through their exams to secure the future they have always hoped for.”
He added: “During their time with the college, our teachers get to know the hopes and dreams of each of our students, and all the work they put in is with the goal of guiding them towards realising their ambitions. We are delighted to celebrate their success with them today.”
One of the students who made the grade is 18-year-old Owen Underwood, from Barnes. He is set to study at Cambridge University for a three-year degree in Engineering, after achieving two A*s and an A.
He said: “I’ve studied for two years at the college and my main motivation was getting to today, so it feels slightly surreal.”
Owen is the first member of his family to go to university.
“My parents and brother didn’t go to university. I spoke to my dad who works away and he is really proud.”
Another student who has successfully made it through exams, and is set for Leeds University to study microbiology, is Michael Brigham.
Michael, 18, who achieved an A*, A and a B, said: “I’m really pleased and so proud of myself for achieving such good results after putting so much hard work in.
“My family are all over the moon – mum’s even been a bit emotional – but now we all know it’s such a relief.”
Sunderland College, was rated ‘Good’ with strong features by Ofsted earlier this summer, teaches more than 30 A-Level subjects, and is also well-known for its wide range of professional, vocational and higher education courses.
Mr Harrett added: “We’ve seen tremendous success right across the board, for both A-Levels and vocational qualifications this year and we feel that we are only getting stronger. Hundreds of students will join us in September and they will benefit from the same high standard of teaching and support that has helped us deliver such sustained success since 2009.”
“In addition, we are continually investing in our facilities. The opening of our new £29 million campus in the city centre this September will provide our vocational students and apprentices with industry standard facilities that will equip them with the skills necessary to progress successfully into employment and Higher Education.”
City Campus will house provision for advanced engineering, manufacturing, construction trades, automotive trades, travel and tourism, catering and hospitality. The building will also incorporate hair, beauty and barbering facilities, a spa, a bakery, a travel agency and a restaurant all of which will be accessible to the public
For more information about Sunderland College, visit www.sunderlandcollege.ac.uk or follow @SunderlandCol on Twitter.