Students at Ashton Sixth Form College celebrated unprecedented success with yet another outstanding set of results.

The college has achieved its best set of results ever in 2017 with more students than ever achieving top grades, an outstanding 80% of students achieved high grades, well above the national average. 67 AS, A-Level and vocational courses at the college achieved stunning 100% pass rates.  
After an amazing year of success, including being recognised with the highest Ofsted rating in the borough and topping the Department for Education league tables in the area, this set of results highlights the incredible achievements of the students and staff.

At A level:

• 99.5% pass rate overall (1.6% above national benchmark)
• 30 courses achieved 100% pass rate
• Almost 60% of students achieved high grades (A*-B), improving on last year by 14% (above the national benchmark)
• 85% of students achieved A* - C, an outstanding 11% increase
• A record number of students achieved the highest grade possible (A*) increasing by 2% on last year

The Principal noted, "The significant improvement in results across the board is a fantastic end to the year. To see improvements of over 10% is an amazing achievement.”

Vocational performance continued to be outstanding in all areas:

• 100% pass rate for all vocational courses
• 9 out of 10 Vocational students achieved the highest Distinction grade (D*)
• Outstanding progression to higher education, apprenticeships and employment 

Anton McGrath added, “The consistent high performance of our vocational courses is phenomenal; to continue to produce first class outcomes year in year out is astounding. These students should be proud of their efforts throughout the year; it has been worth the effort!”  

Students this year, have progressed on to some of the most exciting and competitive career pathways. Six students who received offers from Oxbridge secured their places after achieving exceptional results. Many have accepted places at some of the most competitive universities across the country, while others are taking exciting routes on to higher apprenticeships.

Principal Anton McGrath congratulated the class of 2017, 

“The results our students have received today are the best ever in the long history of Ashton Sixth Form College. Once again, our students have surpassed expectation, achieving the highest percentage of high grades ever! Each and every one of our students should be proud of their achievements. They have worked tremendously hard during their time at Ashton Sixth Form College, ably supported by their fantastic teachers, senior tutors and all other members of staff at the college. They now have the qualifications to realise their ambitions and progress onto the next stage of their lives, whether moving to university, joining an apprenticeship or entering the world of work. We wish them all the best for the future”.

He added,

“What is more impressive is that these improvements and outstanding results have been achieved during a time of significant change in A level assessment. With terminal, linear assessment the stakes are higher; students have to perform on the day to achieve their grades. Our students have shown real resilience and have flourished in this new regime.”