Lancashire colleges beat national averages on results day

Colleges across Lancashire are celebrating after achieving A Level and T Level pass rates above the national averages.

Blackburn College's A Level students achieved a 99 per cent pass rate, including a 100 per cent pass rate in 20 subjects. Against a national decline of almost 10 per cent, Blackburn College achieved a seven per cent increase in high grades (A*-B).

The college's BTEC students achieved a 98 per cent overall pass rate. 

Dr Fazal Dad, principal and chief executive of Blackburn College, said: “We are absolutely delighted that our outstanding results have bucked the national trend with our students achieving a high proportion of top grades and securing places at some of the UK’s highest ranked universities.

"Following the Covid-19 pandemic, our students have sat unaided external exams for the first time. Therefore, their achievements are even more remarkable and reflect the dedication of both students and teachers at the college."

Blackpool and The Fylde College achieved an overall pass rate for T Level students of 94 per cent, which is 3.5 per cent above the national average.Sixty per cent achieved a Merit or above (equivalent to three B grades at A Level).

All students have gone on to other opportunities, with 53 per cent progressing to higher education – half of which will start at Blackpool and The Fylde College.

More than a quarter of those completing T Level courses are planning to go onto further education or an apprenticeship, while 21 per cent have secured employment.

Alun Francis OBE, who begins his new role as principal and chief executive of Blackpool and The Fylde College this academic year, said: "These results are amazing and demonstrate the hard work and commitment of the college’s students, professional tutors and employer-partners. Working together enables us to maximise the positive impact of the programme for all involved and we are incredibly proud of what this year’s students achieved.

"Collectively we are demonstrating that T Levels can be, and in our case certainly are, highly effective at creating the next generation of skilled employees for industry."

Accrington and Rossendale College achieve a 100 per cent pass rate across its Level 3 results.

Lisa O’Loughlin, principal and CEO, told the BBC: "I am so excited for our learners and the opportunities that lay ahead of them following their outstanding results.

"We know that, because of Covid, it has been a difficult few years for these students, but their hard work and determination is clear to see when we have so many of our learners progressing onto high value channels such as degree apprenticeships, university courses and competitive job roles."