Oldham College has reported a third consecutive year of improvement in Level 3 achievement rates, with a 12 per cent increase in achievement for 16- to 18-year-olds since 2024.

Creative Arts, Design and Media courses saw strong results, with 100 per cent achievement in Graphic Design, Media, Photography and Fashion. Every Photography and Fashion student achieved a Distinction.

The Extended Diploma in Science achieved a maximum pass rate, with all students gaining high grades. The Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care recorded the strongest improvement over the three years, with a 29 per cent increase in its achievement rate.

T Level students also performed well, with a record number achieving high grades of Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. All T Level Investment Banking students achieved high grades, while 86 per cent of Surveying and Design for Construction students did the same.

Of this year's Level 3 16-18 cohort, six out of 10 are expected to progress to university or a higher apprenticeship. Others plan to move into an apprenticeship, further study or skilled employment.

Students, families and staff gathered at a celebration event to mark the results.

Among those celebrating was Joshua, who achieved D*DD on the Hardware and Networking Level 3 course and will study Cyber Security at Leeds Beckett University. He said: "I'm very happy with my results, and excited for my future and to be going to university. I've had a really good time at college, everyone has been supportive."

Riley achieved a Distinction in T Level Design, Surveying and Planning and is preparing to start a degree apprenticeship in Project Management with Croma Consulting in Manchester. He said the highlight of the course was his placement with Muse.

Lizzy, who studied a T Level in Supporting the Adult Nursing Team, will attend the University of Manchester to study Midwifery. She hopes to become a midwife and potentially a sonographer. She said: "The industry placements helped me a lot and I know they will definitely help me in the future with the course I am studying."

Harriet, who achieved a Distinction in Level 3 Dance, is heading to Liverpool Media Academy (LMA) to study Dance. She said: "I'm feeling a lot of emotions, I've put in a lot of time and effort and it has paid off. I'm excited but nervous for my next steps, but I'm ready for the new experience."

Adult learners also saw positive results. Access to Higher Education Business, the Diploma in Counselling Skills and Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair all achieved a 100 per cent achievement rate.

Simon Jordan, principal of Oldham College, said: "Congratulations to every one of our students who received their results. These achievements are a reflection of their hard work, determination, and ambition. As they take the next step towards their future, they should be incredibly proud of their accomplishments."

He added: "Our students benefit from industry-experienced tutors, knowledgeable support staff, and opportunities created by our strong employer partnerships. I would like to thank our staff, employers and partners for the support they have given our students throughout their time at the college, as well as parents and carers at home. We are incredibly proud of all of our students and wish them every success as they progress onto the next stage of their journeys."

Students still considering their next steps who are interested in joining Oldham College this September can find course information and enrolment dates at www.oldham.ac.uk.