City of Oxford College and University Centre students celebrate A Level and T Level Results Day success
City of Oxford 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 City of Oxford 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 and Director of City of Oxford College and University Centre, said:
“We are immensely proud of all our students receiving their A Level and T Level results today.
“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.
“At Activate Learning, our Learning Philosophy is built on the understanding that success comes from the powerful connection between brain, motivation and emotions. By helping learners feel safe, find purpose and see the progress they are making, we create the conditions for them to thrive, achieve their goals and realise their full potential. Seeing that growth and achievement reflected in today’s results makes this a particularly rewarding moment for everyone involved in their journey.
“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 today.”
A Level success
City of Oxford College and University Centre celebrated a 98% A Level pass rate.
9 of the college’s 19 A Level subjects achieved 100% pass rates, with particularly strong performances in:
- Biology, 4.6% higher than last year’s national average.
- Physical Education, 5.5% higher than last year’s national average.
- Chemistry, 4.6% higher than last year’s national average.
The Art and Design department achieved a 100% pass rate for the third consecutive year, while 70% of students secured their first-choice university place.
Students will progress to a wide range of higher education destinations, including University of Bristol, University of Sussex and University of Exeter.
Among this year’s high achievers was Martha Rombach, from Chippenham, who achieved an A in English Language and Literature, an A* in History and an A in Physical Education. Martha will go on to study Law at university.
She said: “I’m hoping to progress to university, where I plan to study Law. I’m really looking forward to taking the next step and continuing to develop my interests.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to my teachers for all their support and encouragement throughout the year. They’ve helped me build my confidence and have inspired me to keep working towards my goals.
“There were definitely challenging moments, particularly with balancing the workload and preparing for exams alongside being a part of the Activate Rugby Academy. However, I learned to stay organised and keep going when things were difficult.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at City of Oxford College and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a supportive environment where they can develop academically as well as personally.”
Holly Smith, from Wantage, achieved an A* grade in Sociology, an A in History and an A in Criminology, and will now study Criminology at the University of Bristol.
She said: “It honestly doesn’t feel real! I’m very happy with what I’ve achieved and I’m proud of myself.
“My teachers played a huge role in shaping my college experience. Anna, Isobel and Rory are all lovely people and fantastic teachers! It was the perfect mix of friendliness and being educational with the right feedback to help me. All I’d like to say is thank you and I believe they know that!
“I found all my closest friends here at Oxford, and they have a far superior support system than many other sixth forms or colleges in Oxfordshire.”
Eliza Hudson, from Milton Keynes, achieved an A in Psychology, a B in Geography and a B in Physical Education and will now study International Development and Spanish at Sussex University.
She said: “It feels a bit surreal to be honest! I’m just so relieved and happy that all my hard work paid off.
“I’m hoping to go to Sussex University to study International Development and Spanish.
“I was particularly inspired by my Geography teacher, Roger. He had such amazing stories and knowledge about the world and it made the lessons fascinating.”
Megan Philipps, from Aylesbury, achieved an A* in Mathematics, an A* in Further Mathematics and an A Physics, alongside studying an EPQ and a Diploma in Sporting Excellence at City of Oxford College and University Centre.
She said: “I’m so chuffed. It makes all the hard work feel worth it and I’m just really happy to get the grades.
“I’ve got a degree apprenticeship in Engineering at Rolls Royce for September. I’m so excited, and I appreciate my teachers and coaches for trusting me to do my work even when I had timetable clashes.”
T Level success
City of Oxford College and University Centre also celebrated outstanding success in its T Level programmes, achieving an overall 100% T Level pass rate.
Highlights included:
- Health, which achieved a 100% pass rate.
- Early Years and Education, which achieved a 100% pass rate.
- Management and Administration, which achieved a 100% pass rate.
Erin Goves achieved a Merit in T Level Health and undertook a placement at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
She said: “As part of the course, I was able to combine classroom learning with practical work experience, including placements at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
“This gave me valuable hands-on experience in a healthcare setting and helped me develop both my clinical knowledge and professional skills.
“I would like to thank Louise and Sally for their support, encouragement and dedication throughout my time at City of Oxford College and University Centre. They helped me develop both academically and personally, and their guidance has played a significant role in helping me achieve my goals and progress towards a career in nursing.
“I would also like to thank the staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital who supported me during my industry placement. Their willingness to share their knowledge, experience and expertise gave me invaluable insight into working in healthcare and further inspired me to pursue a career in children’s nursing.
“I would definitely recommend City of Oxford College and University Centre. The support from staff, the quality of teaching and the opportunities to gain real-world experience through placements have been invaluable. The T Level has provided me with a strong foundation for my future career, and I am grateful for everything I have learned during my time at the college.”
Summer Johnson, from Bicester, achieved a grade Distinction in T Level Health and will now progress to study Adult Nursing at the University of Sheffield.
She said: “I feel so relieved, knowing that I can live my summer knowing that I’ve got plans for September. I’m going to the University of Sheffield to study Adult Nursing.
“Louise is an amazing teacher, she will push you to your best and Sally is a great teacher as well.
“Exams were challenging, managing the exams and the revision, but it was all worth it in the end.
“I think the college is amazing, I think they really set you up well for the exams and give good feedback, which enables you to do well in the exam, and feel really prepared.
Many students completed substantial industry placements with local and national employers and will progress to university, skilled employment, apprenticeships and higher education.
City of Oxford 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, Chemistry, Business Studies, English Language and Literature, Geography, Further Mathematics, Government and Politics, History, Law, Mathematics, Media Studies, Photography, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology.
The college also offers the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside A Levels.
T Level programmes include:
- Health, Early Years and Education, Management and Administration
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 Oxfordshire and online, including degree programmes and higher apprenticeships. Find out more by visiting the relevant college website or calling 0800 612 6008.
