Reading College and University Centre 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.
Reading College and University Centre students celebrate A Level and T Level Results Day success
Reading College and University Centre 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 Reading College and University Centre 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
Reading College and University Centre celebrated a 94% A Level pass rate this year.
Eight of the college’s 17 A Level subjects achieved 100% pass rates, with particularly strong performances in:
- Psychology, 4% higher than last year’s national average.
- Maths, 3% higher than last year’s national average.
- Sociology, 2% higher than last year’s national average.
- New subject, Classical Civilisation, 2% higher than last year’s national average.
Both Art and Design and Geography achieved a 100% pass rate for the third consecutive year, with Maths achieving a 100% pass rate for the second consecutive year.
Among this year’s high achievers was Xavier Sanz, who achieved three A* grades in Further Mathematics, Mathematics and Physics, with a B in Classical Civilisation and will now study Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, to then pursue Physics.
He said: ” I was expecting to get 2 A* and A and a B. So that’s what I needed to get into Cambridge basically. I’ve come out with 3 A* and a B, which is awesome.
“Studying maths was my favourite, because I really liked my teacher, Louisa. I could see that she was very passionate about the subject, and that resonated with me a lot. Obviously, I really enjoy maths as it is, so putting the two together made for a very good course.
“A massive thank you to my teachers. I worked very hard for this and I was always shown proper support by everyone, so I’m very happy about it.
“I think the A Level environment is very good. It’s very open. There are loads of people from different courses doing different stuff that you can meet. There’s a good amount of teachers doing different stuff with different backgrounds that will support you.”
Alice Worsfold achieved two A* grades for History and Sociology and an A grade in Government and Politics. She will now go to the University of Bristol to study Sociology.
She said: “My predicted grades were three As, but I actually didn’t think I would get that. I thought I’d get maybe three Bs, so I’m really pleased with two A* and an A!
“My favourite subject was Sociology. It was something I hadn’t done at GCSE, and I just really found a passion for it, so I knew I wanted to do it as a degree.
“I’d like to say thank you to my teachers for helping me in my A Levels and supporting me through it.
“I made some really good friends here at college and we’ve done stuff over the summer, so it’s been really good, and I think I’ll stay in contact with friends for a long time.”
Abel Thomas previously studied a full-time GCSE Science pathway student at Reading College and University Centre, achieving a Grade 8-7 in Combined Science, grades 7 in Maths and Statistics and a grade 5 in English in Summer 2024. He balances his studies with being a carer for his disabled brother, as supported by the college.
Abel achieved two As in Mathematics and Physics and a B in Chemistry, and will do a gap year to work before going to study Electrical Engineering at the University of Nottingham.
He said: “I was expecting A*, A* and A. But still I got into my second choice.
“I enjoyed studying maths because I found the complex calculations interesting.
“I’d like to just say thank you to my teachers, because they pushed me very hard. They gave me a lot of resources. They helped me to practise more.
“I’d recommend Reading College and University Centre because I’ve made great friends here.”
T Level success
Reading College and University Centre also celebrated outstanding success in its T Level programmes, achieving an overall 100% T Level pass rate for Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing, Education and Early Years, Management and Administration and Laboratory Science.
Highlights included:
- Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing T Level is 20.6% above last year’s national average.
- Education and Early Years T Level has maintained a 100% pass rate for the second year and is 3.4% above last year’s national average, with many of the students achieving a Distinction.
- Management and Administration has maintained a 100% pass rate for the second year and is 5.5% above last year’s national average.
- New T Level, Laboratory Science is 4.5% above last year’s national average.
Amelia Elmes achieved a Distinction in Education and Early Years T Level with a placement at a local primary school and will now progress to university to study Primary Education.
She said: “I first studied a Level 2 Diploma in the Early Years Practitioner, before progressing onto the T Level in Early Years and Education.
“We studied many things within the T Level, but my favourite part was the work experience, it was so rewarding!
“I’m planning to go to university to study Primary Education.
“I’d love to say a massive thank you to my teachers, especially to my tutor for all of her endless support, as well as my assessor for all of her amazing tips and guidance.
“I would happily recommend Reading College to anyone!”
Alannah White achieved a Distinction in Education and Early Years T Level and will now work full time, having secured a job with her placement.
She said: “I loved learning about the different developmental stages and how different impacts affect children.
“I would like to say thank you to my teachers for being so supportive and giving me this opportunity to be able to do what I love.”
Many students completed substantial industry placements with local and national employers and will progress to university, skilled employment, apprenticeships and higher education.
Reading College and University Centre 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:
- Art and Design
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Classical Civilisation
- English Language and Literature
- English Language
- Geography
- Law
- Mathematics
- Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Photography
- Physics
- Politics
- Psychology
- Sociology.
The college also offers the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside A Levels.
T Level programmes include:
- Accounting
- Business (Management and Administration)
- Digital Software and Development
- Education and Early Years
- Health (Adult Nursing)
- Laboratory Science
- Media, Broadcast and Production: Content Creation.
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 Reading and University Centre’s website or calling 0800 612 6008.
