Bracknell and Wokingham College is celebrating the success of its A Level and T Level students as learners take the next steps into university, apprenticeships, employment and further study.
Students at Bracknell and Wokingham College have achieved excellent results, reflecting their hard work, determination and ambition across both academic and technical qualifications. A Level and T Level students alike are securing places at leading universities and progressing into skilled employment, apprenticeships and higher education.
Hannah O’Neill, Group Director of Academic Studies Faculty at Activate Learning, said: “We are immensely proud of all our students receiving their A Level and T Level results.
“These achievements are a testament to the hard work, determination and resilience our learners have shown throughout their studies, and we are delighted to celebrate this important milestone with them.
“Behind every result is an extraordinary story. Many of our students have overcome personal and educational challenges, demonstrated remarkable perseverance and achieved outcomes they can be truly proud of.
“Whether they are progressing to university, apprenticeships, employment or further study, our learners leave us with the skills, knowledge and confidence to take their next steps successfully.
“Our teams will continue to be available to support students requiring advice as they explore their options, including university clearing, apprenticeships and alternative progression pathways.
“I would also like to thank our exceptional teachers, leaders, support colleagues and employer partners. Our staff care deeply about what they do and are committed to helping every learner realise their potential. Their expertise, encouragement and dedication play a vital role in making these achievements possible, and we are proud to celebrate alongside them.”
A Level success
Bracknell and Wokingham College celebrated a 97% A Level pass rate this year.
Ten of the college’s 13 A Level subjects achieved 100% pass rates, with particularly strong performances in:
Biology, 5% higher than last year’s national average.
Chemistry, 5% higher than last year’s national average.
Law, 5% higher than last year’s national average.
Maths, 5% higher than last year’s national average.
Physics, 5% higher than last year’s national average.
Biology, Law, Maths and Physics all achieved a 100% pass rate for three consecutive years.
Kerry Davidson, 18, from Wokingham, had previously been studying online from year 8 to GCSEs but came to Bracknell and Wokingham College to do her A Levels. She achieved Grade As in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, with a B in Physics.
She is going to study a master’s in Chemistry with a year in industry at the University of Leeds.
She said: “I didn’t want to go to a sixth form because it would be restrictive. I wanted to go to a college because it would be less of a school environment and more of a work environment.
“College was really fun. It was the best education experience I’ve ever had!
“I’m so excited to go to university. I’m very excited to be more independent and spend time away from my family. “x
Aiden O’Donnell, 17, from Wokingham, achieved A grades in Business and Politics and a C grade in Mathematics. He has a place to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Southampton but is considering looking at other universities through Clearing as he did better than he expected.
He said: “I’m really happy! I was expecting a C for Maths as I struggled a bit, but I was not expecting the two As!
“My teachers were amazing at college. They helped me through my whole journey. I felt really supported. Whenever I had a question, they responded. My maths teacher answered all my questions and if I sent an essay to my other teachers, they always gave me constructive feedback.
“I wasn’t going to come to college originally. My GCSEs weren’t great, so I was going to my secondary school but then my mum’s friend recommended going to college, so I came here through Clearing, and I got to do the subjects that I’m passionate about.
“I’m glad because college is a lot freer. It’s the best transition option. I’d rather go to school, then college and uni. I’m better trained to use my free time, like I would at uni.
“I’ve got a place to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Southampton but I’m considering looking at other universities through Clearing because I could be able to get into a better university, like King’s College or the University of Exeter. But even if I can’t, I’m happy.
Kat Keedy, 18, from Ascot, came to do her second year of A Levels at Bracknell and Wokingham College, achieving A grades in Biology and Mathematics, and will now study a three-year Diploma in Dance at KS Dance Ltd in Warrington, specialising in Ballet and Contemporary dance.
She said: “I’m really happy! I didn’t think I was going to get two As because the exams were particularly difficult this year, but I’m happy.
“It was really good at college. Very independent. The teachers were really nice. They would always listen to me. Everyone was treated like an adult. It wasn’t like being at school where you had to call them Sir, I liked how you could call them by their first name because it’s more human.
“My teachers were really understanding of life events or if you’re having a bad day. If I didn’t understand something, they were proactive about going through it with me. Solveig, the Wellbeing Advisor, was also really nice.
“I originally met Bal, Curriculum Lead, at Activate Learning at an Open Event who listened to me and was really good at getting me a place.
“I love that at college, it’s not all about studying, you can have a laugh about other things, too.
“I’m really excited about studying Dance because it’s my passion. A Levels are really intense but I’m looking forward to doing what I love. I was going to go to university to study Neuroscience but I was doing a dance course in London on Saturdays, and I decided to do dance instead because it’s my passion and everyone was telling me I could do it.
“I’m looking forward to the new experience of moving out. It will be nice to put lots of energy into my dance because I’ve been doing lots of studying for the last few years.”
T Level success
Bracknell and Wokingham College also celebrated outstanding success in its T Level programmes, achieving an overall 100% T Level pass or better for both Health (Adult Nursing), and Business: Management and Administration T Levels.
Highlights for T Level Health (Adult Nursing) included:
- 100% pass rate, which is 4.5% higher than last year’s national average
- 100% pass rate for the third consecutive year.
Highlights for T Level in Business: Management and Administration included:
- 100% pass rate, which is 5.5% higher than last year’s national average
- 100% pass rate for the second consecutive year.
Paige Weston-Stannard achieved a Distinction in T Level Health (Adult Nursing) after completing an industry placement with Frimley Park Hospital and will now progress to The University of Southampton to study a master’s degree in Nursing (Adult and Child).
She said: “I’m very happy! I worked very hard, so it all paid off in the end.
“It’s been great studying a T Level. I gained a lot of experience in my industry placement at Frimley Park Hospital. I got to see so many different areas of nursing, and it was lovely to be able to confirm to myself this is what I wanted to do.
“I found it so beneficial to gain the experience. It’s a course that offers so many different things that you could never complain about it. It’s been amazing.
“At first, it was hard to study and do a placement. It helped to stay connected to my family. I always had my teacher to rely on which was amazing. Everyone at my placement was so supportive. I could email them if I had any concerns and I was very well taken care of.
“I’m really excited to go to be going to The University of Southampton to study a master’s degree in Nursing (Adult and Child). When I graduate, I can be either an adult nurse or a children’s nurse, so it gives you a lot more job opportunities. It will be a hard degree to do but the hard work will pay off. I’m excited to broaden my horizons.”
Valeria Plamadeala, 18, from Bracknell, achieved a Merit grade in T Level in Health (Adult Nursing) after completing an industry placement with Wokingham Hospital, part of Berkshire Health NHS Trust and will now progress to study Physiotherapy at the University of Northampton.
She said: “I’m really happy! It was great to do a placement. I got to meet new people and put my skills into practice. I got to meet patients and see how things were done. It helped me to decide what I wanted to do at university.
“Going off to university is quite nerve-wracking but I’m very excited to be more independent, meet new people, have new opportunities and grow as a person.”
Chanel Carter, 17, from Bracknell achieved a grade Merit in T Level Business: Management and Administration after completing an industry placement with the John Lewis Partnership and will now progress to employment with them as a Process Administrator, where she will do invoice processing.
She said: “I’m happy with my results. I found the aspect of having work experience on the side very helpful, especially for someone of my age at that time, who had no experience and needed experience to go into the world of work.
“It was really helpful to do a placement because we had the practical aspect as well as the learning aspect, so we’d been shown and taught stuff in class and seeing it in practical use at John Lewis, so it was a good combination.
“It helped me to learn practical skills in the working environment. It helped me with my communication skills as they push you to talk to people more. It also helped me to see how a business is run.
“It’s a really big step up to work full time but I’m excited overall because once you’re in it’s easier to stick around and if I don’t like it then I could transfer into another area.”
Many students completed substantial industry placements with local and national employers and will progress to university, skilled employment, apprenticeships and higher education.
Bracknell and Wokingham College offers a wide range of A Level and T Level programmes, providing students with both academic and technical pathways into university, apprenticeships and employment.
A Level subjects include:
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Classical Civilisation
- English Language and Literature
- History
- Law
- Mathematics
- Media
- Physics
- Psychology
- Sociology.
The college also offers the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside A Levels.
T Level programmes include:
- Business (Management and Administration)
- Digital Data Analytics
- Engineering
- Health: Adult Nursing
- Laboratory Science
- Legal: Crime, Criminal Justice and Social Welfare
- Media, Broadcast and Production.
About A Levels
A Levels are nationally recognised academic qualifications typically studied over two years. They provide students with in-depth knowledge in their chosen subjects, helping them develop critical thinking, analytical and independent study skills. A Levels are widely accepted by universities and employers and provide a strong pathway into higher education, higher apprenticeships and a wide range of professional careers.
About T Levels
T Levels are two-year technical qualifications designed in collaboration with employers to prepare students for skilled employment, apprenticeships or higher education. Equivalent to three A Levels, they combine classroom learning with a substantial industry placement, enabling students to develop the technical knowledge and practical skills employers need.
Activate Alumni
Graduating students are also invited to join the Activate Alumni network, celebrating the achievements of former students and apprentices while providing ongoing networking opportunities, exclusive benefits and lifelong learning opportunities.
Higher Education and progression opportunities
Activate Learning also offers Higher Education programmes in Berkshire and online, including degree programmes and higher apprenticeships. Find out more by visiting the Bracknell and Wokingham College’s website or calling 0800 612 6008.
