Bishop Auckland College celebrates success stories on Level 3 results day
Hundreds of students are celebrating their Level 3 achievements at Bishop Auckland College Group, including Bishop Auckland College and South West Durham Training.
The college group saw strong achievement across its T Level and BTEC programmes, and many students are already taking the next steps in their chosen careers, while some are planning to return to continue their education journey.
Rosie Welch, 18, is one of those high-achieving students, having already lined up regular work as a teaching assistant while she studies to become a teacher.
Rosie, from Willington, arrived at the college with her nana and mam to learn she had received a Distinction in her Teaching Assistant T Level.
She said: “Because I got an A* and an A in early years and education units last year, this year I have managed to get a Distinction overall.
“I am working in two schools part-time now going into September. I got a job at St Anne’s Primary in Bishop Auckland before the summer break, and I am now doing two days a week at Sunnybrow Primary in Crook.
“It feels amazing. I am coming back later this week to enrol on the Education Studies degree, an evening course two days a week, and then I can get my Level 4, 5, and 6 because I want to be a teacher.
“I have always wanted to be a teacher since results day at school. I have never thought about doing anything else and couldn’t picture myself doing something else either, so this is the next step towards that.”
Ellen Vasey, from Barnard Castle, was diagnosed with ADHD during her time at Bishop Auckland College and was overwhelmed to have been awarded a Distinction in T Level Health.
The 20-year-old now plans to return to college to continue her education because she dreams of following in the footsteps of the tutor who inspired her.
Ellen said: “I got a Distinction in T Level Health. It feels good. I wasn’t expecting to have achieved what I have with the highest grade. The course has been harder than I imagined, but to pick up a Distinction makes me proud of myself.
“I am staying on here at college to do Level 4 and Level 5 Healthcare Studies, which is a foundation degree. I want to teach health and social care.
“I want to be like Georgina Peart, who has been teaching me for the last two years, because she has worked closely with me to push me way beyond what I thought I would be capable of when I left school.”
Another student returning to Bishop Auckland College is Ethan Loverance, who is working towards a career as a music teacher.
The 18-year-old, from Shildon, collected a Distinction Star in Level 3 Music Extended after achieving a Distinction in all eight of his units.
Ethan, a talented guitar, bass and drums player, said: “I am quite pleased. I came here expecting a Merit, but I have done better than I thought and will continue next year at college doing a HND in music.
“I want to be a music teacher, and it’s fantastic to be able to stay here at college where I have studied for the last couple of years.
“I started off wanting to be a rockstar, but I also love teaching, having already taught a few people in private lessons. I can play a few instruments, so to put those skills into helping others through teaching would be ideal.”
Bishop Auckland College’s Vice Principal for Curriculum and Quality, Judith Layfield, praised the students’ success.
Judith said: “We are thrilled with this year’s outstanding Level 3 results. Our students have shown tremendous dedication over the past two years, and these impressive grades are a testament to their hard work.
“Whether they are returning to us here at college, heading off to university, stepping into higher apprenticeships, or launching their careers, they are leaving us fully equipped for success.
“I also want to extend my gratitude to our outstanding staff at Bishop Auckland College and our brilliant employer partners – your unwavering support and invaluable industry placements have been instrumental in shaping these fantastic outcomes.”
