A COLLEGE is celebrating after its A-level students achieved a 100 per cent pass rate.

Pupils waited anxiously to find out what grades they had gained at the Sixth Form Centre at Leigh Sports Village, part of Wigan and Leigh College.

But most were thrilled with their grades as the college achieved its best ever results.

One of the centre’s top performers is Simon Marshall who achieved an A* in mathematics, a B in further mathematics and a C in business to secure his place at The University of Manchester to study mathematics.

The 21-year-old said: “I am very happy. It is a relief because further maths was very difficult.”

Jonathon Kirk, aged 23, had given up on education until a spell of unemployment made him want to return.

He will be studying English literature at The University of Sheffield in September after he achieved and A in English literature, B in history and a C in English Language.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time at the Sixth Form, it’s turned my life around. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the brilliant teaching staff,” he said.

Leigh Journal:

Olympia Mitchinson, aged 20, will be attending Manchester Metropolitan University after being awarded a B in art, and Cs in mathematics and business.

She said: “I’ve found the tutors at the college really supportive and helpful. I’ve also secured the Nutrisport bursary which I’m delighted about as it will be a massive help to me at university.”

Other students such as 18-year-old Daniel Clare and Abby Keegan have secure themselves apprenticeships. Daniel started an ICT placement two months ago and Abby will take up a software development apprenticeship at MediaCityUK.

Teresa Farran, vice principal at Wigan and Leigh College said: “Congratulations to all our students on these outstanding results.

“The 100 per cent pass rate reflects our students’ hard work and excellent capabilities, as well as the dedication of our teaching staff who have supported them in reaching their goals.

“It’s been a pleasure to see the looks of delight on students’ faces as they opened their results and realised their hard work has paid off.

“Although for many this marks the end of their journey with Wigan and Leigh College we’d like to wish our students all the very best as they begin a new chapter and progress on their chosen career path.”

St Mary’s High School in Astley also celebrated its best ever A-level and BTEC results this year.

The sixth form achieved a pass rate of more than 99.5 per cent with a significant increase in the number of students achieving the highest grades.

Head teacher, Andrew Dawson, was delighted with the results and the success of the students.

He said: “The results that the students have achieved are outstanding and due to their ability, hard work and determination.

"We all know though that natural ability needs to be nurtured, challenged and channelled and I thank all the staff within the school who have supported our students academically and pastorally.

"These results are the key to enable our students to confidently take their next step in life to university, further training or work.

"I am very proud of the fact that in the last five years every student who has applied to university through St Mary’s has gained a place.”

Overall 41 per cent of the sixth form's grades were A*, A or their equivalent, 62 per cent were A* to B and an 86 per cent were A* to C or their equivalent.

Clr Joanne Platt, cabinet member for children and young people at Wigan Council, said: “We have an excellent education record here in Wigan Borough and once again we’ve received some brilliant results today.

"I’d like to congratulate all of our A Level students, whose hard work and dedication has paid off and those who teach them, for helping them succeed. I’d also like to wish them luck in whatever the future holds for them.”