Wigan & Leigh College outperform national average with 100% pass rate

Following the return of pre-COVID grading, students at Wigan and Leigh College were nervously waiting for their A-level and T-level results today (Thursday, August 17).

Despite the nerve-wracking wait, students across the borough achieved above the national average and hit stronger grades than those during the pandemic.

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Jaime achieved B, B, C on results day (Image: Wigan & Leigh College)

Across the different sites at Wigan & Leigh College, this saw A level students achieve a 100% pass rate, with 77% achieving high grades which have placed them on the right path to their chosen university or degree apprenticeship.

Jaime Milburn achieved a B in Sociology, B in History and a C in English Literature and will progress to study English Literature at The University of Salford.

The former Outwood Academy Hindley pupil said: “I am happy to get my university place confirmed. I am really grateful for the tutors I have had as they are really passionate and love what they teach.”      

Their success was mirrored by the first Year A-level students, where Wigan and Leigh students have the opportunity to take AS exams and strength their university applications

T-level students received experience with software companies like Nemiah (Image: Leigh Works)

In addition to the A-level results, students also received their advanced technical qualifications this morning, such as Btec and T levels.

T levels are the Government’s new technical flag-ship qualifications and equivalent to 3 A levels,  they include not only examination but a substantial work placement of 45 days.

Despite being the first T-levels results that the college has received, the students again achieved a 100% pass rate in Wigan and Leigh.

83% of the cohort achieved high grades and many achieved Distinction grades - equivalent to 3 As at A level. The T level Education (Teaching & Education) saw 82% of the students achieve Distinctions with the vast majority progressing to university to have a career in teaching.

Maxim McManus achieved a high Distinction grade in the Digital pathway and said: “I have enjoyed the T Level course a lot. The course is delivered by very knowledgeable tutors and the work placement at Nemiah (at Leigh Works) was enjoyable while it also tested my abilities.

"I think gaining the work experience is invaluable as it will make me stand out more to potential employers.”

Students studying Btec courses made sure they were not outdone and similarly achieved outstanding pass rates and grades.

Ella Ozdemir (Image: Wigan & Leigh College)

BTEC Level 3 Sport student, Ella Ozdemir achieved Distinction Star, Distinction Star and Distinction. The former The Westleigh pupil said: “I am over the moon with my results, I couldn’t be happier!

“I’m more than excited to start Edge Hill University in September studying physical education and school sport. I’d like to thank college and especially the sports department on helping me achieve these grades by giving me the specific tools, resources and guidance needed, they have also given me the perseverance and motivation with my exams and coursework too.”

Principal, Anna Dawe said “We were nervous for the results this year. We expected national A level attainment to be lower and our T level students were our very first completing cohort.

"Therefore this year’s achievements are extra special. Our students have worked so hard and it has positioned them well for their next steps at a time when the competition for university places and degree apprentices is so high.

"They have outstripped our expectations - we are so very proud of them.”