Bradford College students are celebrating after achieving exceptional GCSE, BTEC and Cambridge National results this week, defying the national downturn in pass rates.
While many schools and colleges across England, Wales and Northern Ireland reported declines in performance, Bradford College announced that 67 of its courses for 16–18-year-olds recorded a 100% pass rate. This includes 21 Level 2 qualifications, taken by 1,001 students, and 20 Level 3 qualifications, completed by 707 students.
Image: Bradford College
Several Level 2 subject areas also celebrated a 100% achievement rate. At Level 2, Hairdressing achieved results 28% higher than the national average, Early Years was 25% higher, Beauty 19%, Music 16%, and Dental 7%.
Trades and vocational courses also excelled. Level 2 Plumbing results were 18.4% above the national rate, Level 2 Bricklaying 12.5% higher, Level 2 Motor Vehicle 18.5% higher, and Level 3 Motor Vehicle an impressive 21.3% higher. Level 3 Esports also outshone national figures by 21.3%, while Level 3 Business results were 18.2% higher.
Among those celebrating was student Hana Hussain, who completed a Foundation T-level Award in Health & Social Care and is progressing to a Level 3 programme. “I was very happy with my results; I was almost jumping for joy opening my certificates and seeing I had passed my maths!” she said.
Fellow student Sophie Drake, who is moving from a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner course to a T-level in Education & Early Years, also celebrated passing GCSE English. Reflecting on her success, she said: “Honestly, the best thing you can do is just keep trying. Even if it feels impossible, try and try and try again. That’s how you get somewhere, you just don’t give up.”
Other success stories include the College’s Progression to Learning & Work programme. Created for 16–18-year-olds with learning difficulties or without formal qualifications, also posted a strong 95% achievement rate.
Image: Bradford College
Vice Principal for Quality, Teaching and Learning, Sarah Applewhite, praised both students and staff: “We’re delighted to support so many brilliant students who have such bright futures ahead of them. This year’s fantastic results, especially across our world-class construction trades and motor-vehicle provision, show that we are achieving our mission of working together to transform lives in Bradford and beyond.
She has praised adults learners saying: “Congratulations also go to our adult learners. Our Level 1, 2, and 3 students aged 19+ knocked it out of the park, pushing achievement rates 5% higher than last year across the board, which is superb result. thank you to all our dedicated staff who helped students to reach their full potential”
You can learn more about courses starting this September on the Bradford College website or by dropping in on campus, where you can apply in person.
