Students and staff at Ashton Sixth Form College are celebrating yet another year of unprecedented success after receiving their best ever results in this summer’s examinations. These results build on a very successful academic year which saw Ashton Sixth Form College recognised as the best performing college in the borough (DfE, 2018). The college’s consistently high levels of student progress also saw Ashton placed in the top 10% of colleges nationally.

The college has achieved a phenomenal 100% pass rate overall, with the vast majority gaining A*-C grades or equivalent. More students than ever have achieved the very highest grades. In fact, over 700 A*/A grades (or equiv.) were awarded to students with 160 students gaining straight A’s (or equivalent). Almost 60% of A Level students and an incredible 95% of vocational students received high grades (A*-B or equiv.), enabling them to access the most competitive courses and institutions across the country. Ashton Sixth Form College continues to support and challenge their high achieving students, with a huge 9/10 students on the college's XL (Gifted and Talented) programme gaining A*-B and almost half attained straight A’s (A*/A) in their A Levels.

This year alone students have earned places at Oxford, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and other leading Russell Group universities, on competitive courses such as Medicine and Dentistry and on a range of higher level apprenticeships at employers such as Network Rail and the Civil Service. This success is a testament not only to the hard work and talent of the students, but also to the unrivalled experiences and support provided by the college.

College Principal Anton McGrath congratulated the class of 2018, 

“The results our students have received today are the best in the college’s long history. The college has 100% pass rate for A level and vocational courses, with an outstanding number of high grades across the board, exceeding the national benchmarks. We also have truly astounding vocational results with over nine out of ten students achieving the highest grades in their qualifications. The consistent high performance of our vocational courses is phenomenal; to continue to produce first class outcomes year in year out is astounding and students should be proud of their hard work.

Each and every one of our students should take some time to reflect on their magnificent achievement; we are proud of all of our students and wish them well for the next stage of their career, whether moving to university, beginning an apprenticeship or joining the world of work. They have worked with determination and enthusiasm, ably supported by the teaching, pastoral and support staff at the college and are now reaping the rewards. We wish them all the best for their futures.” 

He added, 

“What’s more impressive is that these 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.”

Ashton Sixth Form College continues to be a centre of excellence in the local area, providing students with the opportunity to achieve strong qualifications in a supportive and caring environment which prepares students well for their futures.