Rochdale Sixth Form College celebrate ‘fantastic’ A-Level results

Students at Rochdale Sixth Form College (RSFC) are celebrating a ‘fantastic’ set of A-Level results, with a 99pc pass rate.

On Thursday, August 18, sixth form students across the country received the results which would determine their life after secondary education.

Last year, grades were decided by teachers, using coursework and previous mock exams to determine the results, but this year has been a return for exams.

At RSFC 80pc of students successfully secured a place at their first-choice university and an increasing number of students successfully secured high quality apprenticeships and employment in a wide range of fields, including accounting, engineering, finance and legal.

One happy student was Ben Badham, who previously attended Whitworth High School and Our Lady and St Anselm’s Primary School, as he outperformed all other students in the country to be named the highest performer in OCR’s A Level Religious Studies.

Scarlett Fountain-Wilkinson, former Todmorden High School and Castle Hill Primary School pupil, will be heading to the University of Oxford to read English Literature having achieved A* in Drama, A* in History, A* in English Literature and an A in the Extended Project Qualification.

She said: “I feel excited and a little bit overwhelmed; it’s something I’ve dreamt of for so long and now it’s actually happening.

“I’m delighted to be studying English Literature at the University of Oxford; I know it will be hard but I’m ready for the challenge!”

Tayyab Shahid, who previously attended Falinge Park High School and Lowerplace Primary School, will be relocating to London after successfully securing a degree apprenticeship in Network Engineering with the Vodafone Group.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to starting my new learning journey and doing something different; getting experience working whilst gaining a qualification.

“I’m excited to meet new and experienced people who will support me in developing my skills. It’s true what teachers have been saying for two years – hard work really does pay off!”

Richard Ronksley, Principal at Rochdale Sixth Form College and CEO of the Altus Education Partnership, said the success was particularly impressive given the uncertainty and challenges of learning over the past two years as a result of the pandemic.

He said: “The results achieved by our students are awe-inspiring and are testament to the hard work and dedication demonstrated by everyone at the college, particularly in what has been a very challenging two years.

"I’m delighted that we have once again achieved a 99% pass rate, with an incredible 60% high grades, and that our students have secured places at a range of higher education institutions, on high quality apprenticeships or in meaningful employment.

“We are immensely proud of each and every one of our students and wish them the very best of luck in their future endeavours.”