Staffordshire’s leading college prepares for results day and reminds students to stay calm

On Thursday 18 August, from 8:30am onwards, Newcastle and Stafford College will be welcoming A Level students back through their doors to collect their results and to enjoy a complimentary breakfast with knowledgeable staff on hand to offer advice and guidance as they contemplate their next steps. Level 3 BTEC students are also invited to attend a special afternoon barbeque to celebrate their achievements and to discuss their results with staff as they consider a move to higher education.

Liz Wyman, Head of Learning Resources and Guidance at NSCG said: “Understandably, students can get nervous in the run up to results day, even though the vast majority get into university, an apprenticeship or employment without a hitch. For many though, this is the first time they may have sat an exam due to COVID-19, and these results are the culmination of two years hard work with often a lot riding on the outcome. We would urge students to stay calm and seek advice if they are unsure on their next steps.”

“As a caring college, we want to ensure that students have the best support available,” continued Liz.

“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 forms or colleges, are reassured that whatever their results, there will be options available.”

The 2021/22 cohort of A Level students saw exams return to pre-pandemic standards with papers marked by exam boards rather than teacher assessed grades (TAGs) or centre assessed grades (CAGs) as per 2020 and 2021 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. For 2022, it is predicted grade boundaries will be set to reflect a midway point between 2021 and 2019.

In 2021, 99.8% of A Level students who sat exams passed with 60.7% of entries achieving high grades A* - B, 30.5% of which were A* - A and 85.6% achieving A* - C.

Of the 1050 A Level entries across 27 subjects, 26 reported a 100% pass rate, including Accounting, Art & Design, Business, Computing, English Literature, Graphic Design, History, Law, Psychology and Theatre Studies.

Continuing the tradition of being Staffordshire’s biggest provider of students to continue to higher education, more than 1100 students progressed to over 60 different universities across the UK last year.

For students choosing to stay closer to home, NSCG offers progression opportunities through a range of university-level programmes including Foundation Degrees, Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Diplomas (HNDs). 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. There are a range of course options available including, HNC/Ds in Business, Computing, Digital Content Creation, Engineering, Music, Performing Arts and Sport and it is not too late to apply to start in September.

Principal and Chief Executive of NSCG, Karen Dobson said: “This is an exciting time of year as students across the country receive their all-important exam results. 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 currently works with around 850 regional employers and promotes a broad apprenticeship offering with strong achievement rates, 13% ahead of the national average. Currently there are around 40 local apprenticeship vacancies available through ‘The Apprenticeship Hub’ – the College’s dedicated facility housed within the main reception area at the Knutton Lane campus in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and the Victoria Square Campus in Stafford town centre.

To find out more about HE courses, visit www.nscg.ac.uk.