Performance league shows student success

Staff at the college spoke of their delight following the publication of Key Stage 5 performance tables, published today.

The college, on Blackpool Old Road, has seen an increase in the crucial ‘average point score per entry’ measure for both A level and vocational qualifications.

The average point score per A level taken rose 5.6 points to 210.7 and the same measure for vocational qualifications such as the BTEC level 3, rose by 7.4 points to 256.

The college’s ‘value-added’ scores for both A levels and BTECs rose, showing that students were making excellent progress.

Blackpool Sixth Principal, Jill Gray, said: “Our students achieved fantastic results in 2015.

“The substantial rise once again in the ‘average point score per entry’ for both A levels and BTECs shows that our students are working hard to gain the very highest grades with the support of our dedicated and caring staff.

“We know that this gives them that vital competitive edge they need when they come to apply to university or their first job. It’s all about staff and students working together - helping to make sure that everyone succeeds.”

More than 960 students completed their qualifications at the college last summer, making for an impressive result.

Ninety nine per cent of students have progressed to university, further training, including apprenticeships or employment.

The college saw a particularly strong increase in the numbers of students obtaining places at the top universities - or high tariff universities. That rose by seven per cent. The number of students taking up apprenticeships also rose by three per cent.

A college spokesperson added: “The college offers a flexible and individually-tailored programme of study, which for around 40 per cent of our students means combining both A levels and BTECs.

“The ‘average point score per A level student’ measure is therefore not a helpful measure for comparison with providers who do not allow their students to combine A levels with BTECs.”

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, the statistics reflect a thriving centre which is performing above national average.

Catherine Hill, Deputy Principal at Blackpool and The Fylde College, said: “We are delighted to see the tables reflecting the high quality of technical and professional education provided at the College.

“On average our students are achieving distinction grades, the equivalent of A grades at A Level. This clearly shows our BTEC courses are an effective and respected route into Higher Education, as well as jobs with top employers.

“It’s also pleasing to see a significant increase in our value added scores for technical and professional courses.

“This means we’re performing above the national average and that students improve as they progress through the College.”

Pick up a copy of today’s Gazette for results.