Oldham College is marking a third consecutive year of improvement in Level 3 achievement rates, with the college reporting a 12% increase for 16- to 18-year-olds since 2024.

Students, their families and staff came together on campus on Thursday 13th August for a celebration event to recognise the results and hear about learners' plans for the future.

In Creative Arts, Design and Media, students on Graphic Design, Media, Photography and Fashion courses achieved a 100% achievement rate. Every Photography and Fashion student also gained a Distinction.

The Extended Diploma in Science recorded a 100% pass rate, with all students gaining high grades. The Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care showed the strongest improvement over the three years, with achievement up 29%.

T Level students also produced strong results, with a record number gaining high grades of Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. Everyone studying the T Level in Investment Banking achieved a high grade, while 86% of Surveying and Design for Construction students did the same.

Of this year's Level 3 16-18 cohort, 60% are expected to progress to university or a higher apprenticeship. Others intend to move into an apprenticeship, further study or skilled employment.

Joshua achieved D*DD on the Hardware and Networking Level 3 course and will go on to Leeds Beckett University to study Cyber Security. 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 gained a Distinction in T Level Design, Surveying and Planning and is preparing to start a degree apprenticeship in Project Management with CHROMA 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 possibly move on to work as 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."

Special guests joined the event, including James Kington, Director of Growth at Oldham Council, Kelly Beaumont, Project Officer at the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, and Dominic Green, Technical Advisor for Business Skills at City and Guilds.

Adults at the college also saw positive results, with 100% achievement on Access to Higher Education (Business), the Diploma in Counselling Skills and Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.

The college said: "Congratulations to every one of our students who received their results today. 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."

It added that students benefit from industry-experienced tutors, support staff and employer partnerships, and thanked staff, employers, partners, parents and carers for their support.

Students still weighing up their next steps can find information about courses and enrolment dates from the college.