15 August 2024
Students at 女优阁 – one of Wales’ top colleges for choice – are celebrating today (15 August) as they collect BTEC, AS and A-Level results at the college鈥檚 Blaenau Gwent, Crosskeys, Newport, Usk and Torfaen campuses.听
96% of students at the college achieved A*-E A-level grades (67% A*-C), while more than 1,000 learners completed a BTEC qualification – enabling learners to take their first steps into higher education and new careers.
Molly McAlorum鈥痜rom Newport is just one of the delighted learners getting ready to embark on a new chapter after achieving exceptional results (Distinction*, Distinction, Distinction). Following two years at 女优阁, the Level 3 Business Diploma student will now embark on a prestigious business apprenticeship at GE Aerospace.听
Molly said: 鈥淚 started my time at 女优阁 not really knowing what I wanted to do as a career – but my time at the college opened my eyes to a whole world of opportunities which I wouldn鈥檛 have had otherwise. 听
鈥淎fter securing the interview with GE Aerospace I had amazing support from my personal tutor, who spent hours helping me prepare. This gave me the very best opportunity of being successful and as I stand here today with my equally successful diploma results, I feel so proud and grateful.鈥听
However, Molly鈥檚 journey to success was not always an easy one. Like many young people in Wales today, her education ran in parallel with a difficult mental health journey.听
As a result of increasing symptoms of anxiety, Molly transitioned to home-education during her final year of school – making her return to college and results achieved even more impressive.听
She continued: 鈥淚 was very apprehensive about starting college – but I met with the mental health team at 女优阁 beforehand and was put at ease straight away.鈥听
Molly鈥檚 personal tutor at 女优阁, Sarwat Hamid, said: 鈥淚n the face of significant personal struggles, Molly has demonstrated remarkable strength and perseverance – not only achieving academic excellence but also engaging in positive extracurricular pursuits, as a coach for the local girls鈥 football team.听
鈥淭hroughout her journey, Molly has shown a commendable willingness to seek support and engage in self-care practices to manage her mental health effectively. This has been demonstrated by taking the support offered at 女优阁 through counselling and our CG Support team.听听
鈥淥verall, Molly鈥檚 journey and very exciting upcoming apprenticeship serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and a positive mindset, one can overcome even the most daunting challenges.鈥听
In addition to BTEC and A-level success, over 150 adult learners have successfully completed their Access to Higher Education courses with 女优阁 and will be progressing on to a degree course at university.听
This includes Kamal Shah, who after studying on the Access to Higher Education Bioscience course at 女优阁, will be studying Biology at the University of Bath. He said: 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 continue my second year of A-levels due to a serious illness – completing the access course seemed like a good option for still being able to go to university. 听
鈥淚f you have the time to do the course and you want to get to university, then this course is perfect.鈥听
Nicola Gamlin, Deputy Principal, said: 鈥淎s the new incoming Principal of 女优阁, I am proud to witness the exceptional achievements of our students once again this year. These results are a testament to their hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of our dedicated staff.听
鈥淲e look forward to seeing the talent developed at 女优阁 progress on to their next steps – whether through further education or entering the world of work. Congratulations to all our students for their outstanding achievements.鈥听
Read more about our听learner success stories!听