STUDENTS who studied at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College should be “immensely proud” of their achievements, the principal said on A-level results day.
The college in Brislington, which had 890 students sitting exams this summer, says 97% of A-levels were passed at grade A*-E, with 39% of results at A*-B and 68% at A*-C this year.
St Brendan’s is the biggest education provider exclusively for students aged 16 to 19, with around 1,800 students drawn from across the region, including many from the Downend area.
The college’s vocational course results included 378 BTECs at the highest Distinction and Distinction* grades.
Among the students whose achievements the college highlighted were Lewis Aldrich, of Downend, Alana Kendell, of Staple Hill, and Liv Robinson, from Mangotsfield.
Lewis achieved an A* in maths and As in physics, chemistry and further maths AS-Level and has a place at Nottingham University to read physics. He praised the freedom given to students studying at a sixth form college.
Alana achieved A*s in chemistry, physics, maths and further maths, and has a place to study mathematics/mathematics and statistics at Oxford University.
Liv achieved As in biology, film studies, maths and further maths, and plans to apply for a natural sciences course.
In total, 543 students applied to continue into higher education, with 84% of applicants gaining a place at their first-choice university offer.
Nationally, a record proportion of A-level candidates – 82% – secured a place at their first-choice university. The increase is seen as partly down to the increase in top grades and partly down to a decline in international students choosing UK universities after visa rules were tightened, which means universities are taking on more British students.
St Brendan’s principal Marian Curran said: “Every young person, and especially students here at St Brendan’s, should be immensely proud of the hard work they have put into their achievements.
“The academic success visible across the college today is a testament to their development as young people; and their unique talents and attributes.
“We are sure that their experience here at St Brendan’s will enable them to embrace new opportunities with confidence.
“I am incredibly proud of each and every St Brendan’s student’s work ethic and community spirit, and these results reflect the inclusive and transformative environment we strive to keep as a college community. I would like to extend my appreciation to our dedicated staff as part of that journey; and their outstanding efforts in supporting students shape their futures.”