Middlesbrough College celebrates record student results

This year’s cohort achieved what the college described as "extremely strong results" across academic and technical courses.

The college, one of the first in the country to offer T Levels in September 2020, is now among the UK’s largest providers of the technical qualification.

More than 800 students are currently enrolled across 17 T Level courses.

Olivia Cox (Image: Chris BOOTH)

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive of Middlesbrough College, said: "Today is about celebrating the tremendous hard work of our students, and they should be incredibly proud of their achievements.

"We are particularly delighted to see our vocational and T Level students succeeding.

"High-quality technical education has a hugely important role to play in developing the future skilled workforce, and these students leave us with not only fantastic qualifications, but valuable workplace experience."

More than 300 students received their T Level results this year, equivalent to three A Levels, with nearly three-quarters achieving high grades.

Middlesbrough College students getting results (Image: Chris BOOTH)

The college reported more than a 50 per cent increase in the number of students collecting T Level results compared to last year, reflecting growing demand for vocational education.

Olivia Cox, 20, from York, completed a T Level in Building Services and Design focused on electrical installation.

She has now secured full-time employment with her local fire service after completing a work placement as part of her course.

Miss Cox said: "The support I’ve had from the college has been amazing.

"I did 80 per cent of studying in the classroom and 20 per cent in work experience, and I’ve been offered a full-time job and I love it."

A Level students also had plenty to celebrate with a 99 per cent pass rate at the college’s sixth form.

The college recorded its highest ever number of students achieving A* to A grades.

More than 90 per cent of students secured a place at their first-choice university.

Over 20 per cent earned a place at Sutton Trust universities, including Leeds, Manchester, York, Newcastle and Durham.

This represents an 8.5 per cent increase in university placements compared to last year.

Shayne Jeffrey, 18, achieved A grades in Biology, Maths and Chemistry, along with an A* in his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

He will begin studying Medicine at Bangor University in September.

Mr Jeffrey said: "I’m really happy with my results and can’t wait to start my course next month.

"It’s a five-year course and from there I will look at where I want to specialise."

Students on T Level programmes in priority growth sectors such as cyber security, childcare, digital production, health, surveying and design also achieved strong results.

T Levels combine classroom learning with real-world industry experience, including an industry placement lasting at least 45 days.

Ms Lewis said: "At the same time, A Level students have achieved some highly impressive results, with many now progressing to exciting destinations across the country.

"Whether our students are moving on to university, an apprenticeship or directly into employment, we are incredibly proud of what they have achieved and look forward to seeing what they do next."

The college has continued to invest in facilities to support student success.

This includes a £12 million TTE Technical Centre, which expanded this summer to include six new classrooms to accommodate the growing number of students starting in September.

Middlesbrough College is also home to University Centre Middlesbrough and MC Apprenticeships and Training, formerly known as Northern Skills.

Its £130 million campus supports more than 12,000 students, including 2,200 apprentices.

The college said these investments aim to equip students with the skills needed by employers across Teesside and beyond, supporting the region’s economic growth plans.