Last year was arguably one of the toughest and most unpredictable years our generation has faced.

From adapting to home learning to significant exams changes, students completing their studies in 2020 were faced with a number of challenges that tested everyone involved.

Despite this, those same students have achieved record success at Ashton Sixth Form College. 

Their hard work and determination has secured them the positive destinations they truly deserve.

72% of students progressed to university, the highest number of students to do so from Ashton in the last four years. 14% of students also progressed directly on to employment or an apprenticeship.

Of those going to university, 20% secured places at a Russell Group university.These are a competitive group of 24 world-class, research-intensive universities. 

Students secured a diverse range of top apprenticeships with leading employers, including Mazars, Grant Thornton, Ernst and Young, Northern Rail, IKEA and Greater Manchester Police.

The college's Ashton XL programme, aimed at helping high achieving students, has consistently supported students to gain places on some of the most competitive and sought after degree programmes in the country. This year, 83% of XL students progressed on to university, with over 60% of them successfully securing places at Russell Group Universities.

Principal Anton McGrath said, 

"Once again, we have seen an increase in the number of students successfully beginning courses at universities across the country. This year, 72% of our leavers progressed into higher education to continue their education. One phrase students at ASFC will be familiar with is 'why can't it be you?' ; we want all of our students to be ambitious and think big. To see almost three quarters of our leavers choose university is recognition of this ambition. We hope to stay in touch with our alumni in the future and track their careers and the difference they make locally and regionally, but also nationally."

 

"Students who choose Ashton Sixth Form College receive the pastoral and careers support, coupled with an outstanding quality of teaching and learning across all programmes and subjects so they can make the right decisions for their futures. Congratulations to the class of 2020 who prevailed in difficult circumstances and displayed enormous resilience in an unprecedented situation."