EXAM RESULTS: Blackpool and The Fylde College students celebrate 98 per cent pass rate

According to Ofqual, 1.5m people took AS and A-levels compared to 3.8m people who took vocational qualifications in England last year.

Blackpool and The Fylde College achieved a 98 per cent pass rate for 16 to 18-year-old extended diploma students, whose programmes are the equivalent of studying three A-levels in academic subjects.

Jacob Dodson’s triple distinction star result in Aeronautical Engineering, the equivalent of three A* grades at A-level, has put him on the radar of international aircraft manufacturer Airbus for an apprenticeship position.

The 18-year-old, from South Shore, said: “I took science in high school and enjoyed that so thought I would develop it into a career in engineering and working with aircraft.

“I chose B&FC because it had exactly what I needed to get into the job I wanted.

“One of my favourite parts of the course was our industry placements at Westair.”

Game Design Development student Connor Campbell was among B&FC students chosen for a government pilot scheme which saw extended industry placements in their programme.

The 17-year-old, from South Shore, who achieved a triple distinction star, said: “It was good to do time in industry because we got the experience of being in a work environment and work on development projects.

“I’m coming back to B&FC to do my degree this year but have also been offered an apprenticeship with a company, which I can do alongside my degree.”

As a female studying engineering, 18-year-old Lauren Nixon, from Marton, was keen to put forward the case for more women engineers.

After achieving an outstanding, Distinction*, Distinction, Distinction in Aeronautical Engineering, she said: “I love everything aeronautical and the science behind the theory of flight.

“I really enjoyed learning how to make things and seeing how they worked.”

Bev Robinson, principal and chief executive at B&FC, said: “Technical education is extremely important for the UK economy, especially in light of Brexit, and B&FC believes it has a vital role in providing a workforce with the relevant skills required by industry.

“It is important to celebrate the achievements of our students as they go on to higher education or embark on their careers in industry.”