Keep calm and seek advice says Staffordshire's leading college

With just a few days to go before thousands of students across Staffordshire receive their A Level and BTEC Level 3 results, Newcastle College and Stafford College, part of Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), is reassuring students that whatever their results, there are options and support available.

Liz Wyman, Head of Learning Resources and Guidance at NSCG said: “Understandably, students may be nervous in the run up to results day, even more so this year due to the disruption caused by the global pandemic, however, the vast majority will get into university, an apprenticeship or employment without a hitch. For many students, these results are the culmination of two years hard work and there is often a lot riding on the outcome. We would urge students to stay calm and seek advice if things don’t go to plan.”

“As a caring college, we want to ensure that students have the best support available, 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 form schools or colleges, are reassured that whatever their results, there will always be options available.”

For the second consecutive year, grades will not be based on a student’s final exam performance. Earlier this year the Department for Education cancelled external examinations and exams regulator Ofqual directed schools and colleges to submit ‘teacher assessed’ grades for GCSE, A Level and BTEC students. In awarding grades, teachers have used a range of robust evidence including mock exams, coursework, assessments and observations.

On Tuesday 10 August, NSCG Newcastle College and NSCG Stafford College will open its doors to hundreds of students collecting Level 3 results and will have knowledgeable staff on hand throughout the day to give advice and guidance.

Judged by Ofsted to be Outstanding in 2019, NSCG is Staffordshire’s largest and most successful General Further Education College and for several consecutive years NSCG has been Staffordshire’s biggest provider of students to higher education, with just over 1,100 students progressing to over 65 different UK and overseas universities last year.

For those students choosing to stay closer to home, NSCG offers progression opportunities through a range of university-level programmes including Foundation degrees and Higher National Certificates (HNCs). 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. It is not too late to apply for courses starting in September; there is a range of options available, including HNCs in Business, Computing, Digital Content Creation, Early Years, Engineering, Health and Social Care, Sport, Performing Arts, Public Services and Travel and Tourism.

Principal and Chief Executive of NSCG, Karen Dobson said: “After a difficult and disruptive 18 months for ‘the Class of 2021’, feelings of anticipation, trepidation and excitement will no doubt surround results day. 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 works with over 600 regional employers and promotes a broad apprenticeship offering with a strong achievement rates that consistently outperform the national average. Currently there are around 70 local apprenticeship vacancies available through ‘The Apprenticeship Hub’, a dedicated facility housed within the main reception area at the Newcastle College’s Knutton Lane campus and at Stafford College’s Victoria Square campus.

To find out more about apprenticeships and HE courses at NSCG Newcastle College and NSCG Stafford College, visit nscg.ac.uk. To enquire about apprenticeship vacancies contact The Apprenticeship Hub on 01782 254287 (Newcastle College) or 01785 275660 (Stafford College).