Some good news for student achievement at West Suffolk College
Performance table published by the Department of Education show that West Suffolk College was the highest performing Further Education college at level three in the Eastern Region, both for overall points per student and points per entry.
The value added to these students is nine points above the national average.
This is a measure that recognises the performance level of the student on entering the course and the amount they have performed above where one might expect them to achieve.
In September this last year 366 (41 per cent) of the level three students went directly into 80 universities from as far afield as Bangor to the University of the West of Scotland and the University of Falmouth in the South West.
Courses covered a wide range of subjects including biomedical sciences, business management and enterprise, computer science, digital media production, engineering, graphic design, history, hospitality and event management, Japanese, quality surveying, sports science etc.
Some 36 per cent of these students went straight into employment.
The level two students those that are studying at an equivalent level to key stage four (five GCSE’s) achieved an 89 per cent success rate which is five per cent above the national average, 54 per cent have continued to study at the College, with 28 per cent taking up employment.
The level one students, those who are still not ready to progress to level two when they start at the college achieve 87 per cent success rate, five per cent above the national bench mark.
Some 54 per cent continued to study at the college at the end of their course with 28 per cent getting employment.
Apprentices have also been successful.
There are currently have in learning, 497, 16-18 and 449 19+.
The apprenticeship results for the last academic year were + two per cent above the national benchmark of 76 per cent.
The apprentices are in work and training across engineering and manufacturing technology, health, public services and care, construction, service industries and business administration.
West Suffolk College is ranked 31st in Suffolk according to A-Level points per candidate.
Phil Thirkettle, vice principal curriculum and quality at West Suffolk College, said: “The 31st ranking compares schools and colleges in the county by the number of points per A Level and equivalent.
“Like most colleges, West Suffolk College does not offer A Levels.
“We deliver a range of BTEC National Diplomas that complement the A Level offer made by Sixth Forms.
“These qualifications are accepted by universities for progression to higher education.
“Over 40 per cent of the college’s level three learners gained a place at university in 2012.”
The majority of students studying A Levels in a Sixth Form do a number of AS and A Level subjects plus other level three qualifications, all of which earn points.
The maximum points available to them exceeds 1000.
A college-based BTEC student can only earn around 750 points.
Mr Thirkettle added: “In terms of the number of points per qualification, also included in the DoE tables, the college scores much higher.
“At West Suffolk College the average points per entry was 215, only exceeded in west Suffolk by Culford School and top-performing upper schools in Bury St Edmunds; County Upper, King Edward Vl and St Benedict’s.”
“DoE performance tables for the Eastern region show that, of the 23 Further Education colleges, West Suffolk College students achieved the highest number of points per student.
“We also had a positive value added score.”
For all the latest news see today’s (Thursday, February 7) Echo.
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Weather for Haverhill
Friday 24 May 2013
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