Oldham College celebrates third year of improved Level 3 results

The College is celebrating a third consecutive year of improvement in Level 3 achievement rates.

The three-year growth represents a 12% increase in Level 3 achievement for 16- to 18-year-olds since 2024, reflecting the continued hard work and commitment of students and staff across the College.

Creative Arts, Design and Media saw outstanding results across the board, with students obtaining 100% achievement in Graphic Design, Media, Photography and Fashion courses. In addition, 100% of students in Photography and Fashion achieved a Distinction.

There were particularly strong results seen for the Extended Diploma in Science, which achieved a 100% pass rate with 100% of our students achieving high grades.

The Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care saw the strongest improvement over the last three years, with a 29% increase in achievement rate.

Our T Level students also achieved strong results, with a record number of students achieving high grades of a Merit, Distinction, or Distinction*. Standout performances included an impressive 100% high-grade rate for learners studying T Level Investment Banking achieved, while 86% of Surveying and Design for Construction students achieved high grades.

Of this year’s Level 3 16-18 cohort at the College, 60% are expected to progress to university or a higher apprenticeship, while others intend to progress to an apprenticeship, further study or skilled employment.

A celebration event, which took place on campus on Thursday 13^th August, brought together students, their families and college staff to recognise their achievements and share success stories.

Among these successes was Joshua, who achieved D*DD on the Hardware and Networking Level 3 course, and will now move 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 also achieved a Distinction in T Level Design, Surveying and Planning, and is now preparing to start a degree apprenticeship in Project Management with Croma Consulting in Manchester. He says the highlight of the course was his placement with Muse.

Lizzy, who studied a T Level in Supporting the Adult Nursing Team, will be attending the University of Manchester to study Midwifery. She has career ambitions to become a midwife and potentially progress to becoming 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. “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,” she said.

The students’ destinations reflect the range of opportunities available to Level 3 and T Level learners, including progression to higher education, apprenticeships, skilled employment and further study.

The celebration brought together students, families, and College staff to recognise their achievements and hear about their plans for the future.

Special guests, 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, also visited campus to join the celebrations and congratulate students.

We also saw positive results across a number of Level 3 courses for adults, including Access to Higher Education – Business, Diploma in Counselling Skills and Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, which all achieved a 100% achievement rate.

Simon Jordan, Principal, 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.

 

“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 who are still considering their next steps and are interested in joining Oldham College this September can find out more information about the courses we offer and dates for enrolment.