Highlights 2021

Read more: Students show resilience through pandemic to secure top GCSE grades

St Helens College and Knowsley Community College is celebrating the success of its A level and level 3 BTEC students today, with over a third of all A level grades awarded at A*- B and 100% overall A level pass rates in subjects such as English Language, Law, History, Religious Studies and Sociology.

Additionally, the College also achieved an impressive 100% overall BTEC Extended Diploma pass rate with 51.2% of students achieving triple distinction grades (DDD) or higher.

Having faced another disruptive year due to the pandemic, the students’ hard work and determination to stay on track with their studies has culminated in securing places at some of the best universities across the UK including University of Liverpool, University of Leeds, Lancaster University and Edge Hill University.

High flying A level student, Aidan, is celebrating after achieving an outstanding A*AA in History, English Language and Sociology at St Helens College. He is now progressing on to the Open University to study English Language.

The aspiring English Teacher said: "The level of support and standard of teaching has been amazing. Picking up my results today, I am shocked, amazed and excited for the future."

Casey is another student who has received top grades, AAB in Law, Religious Studies and History and has secured her place at the University of Liverpool to study Law. She said: "I’ve loved studying at College and have made some lifelong friends. My course and tutors provided many opportunities and helped me to achieve the grades needed to study Law and work towards a career in the legal sector."

Many final-year level 3 BTEC students are also celebrating after having achieved the highest possible grades of triple Distinction stars (D*D*D*) in their technical vocational courses and secured their places at first choice universities. D*D*D* grades amount to the same UCAS tariff points as those achieving A* grades at A level.

Computing students and friends, Dylan, Steph and Martin celebrated together this morning, after all achieving D*D*D*. Both Dylan and Martin have secured their places at first choice university, Lancaster University and Steph at Edge Hill University.

Martin, who hopes to start his own software business in the future, said: "This year has been challenging but the tutors are all amazing and supportive, and it has made me realise what I am capable of."

Travel and Tourism student, Sophie, is another high achiever after gaining D*D*D* in her studies. Sophie is looking forward to studying Tourism Management at Liverpool Hope University in September and credits her "passionate and knowledgeable tutors" for making her experience at College "enjoyable and engaging".

College Principal and CEO, Simon Pierce, said: "We are immensely proud of our staff and students, who have demonstrated unrelenting drive and hard work through such a turbulent time in education, all resulting in the students’ well-deserved achievements today. We wish our students the very best for their exciting futures ahead."

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2021, St Helens College and Knowsley Community College showcased the positive impact apprenticeships have on young people, local businesses and the economy.

Taking place from Monday 8th February, both Colleges launched a week-long campaign aligning to this year’s theme, ‘Build the Future’, featuring successful apprentices, employer insight and knowledge, and a range of apprenticeship opportunities available to both young people and adults. The campaign also highlighted how employers can use apprenticeships to build a future-ready workforce.

As one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the Liverpool City Region, currently offering apprenticeships in over 20 different sectors, from engineering and science to health and business, the Colleges works with a range of high profile employers; including NHS, CAL International, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Riverdale Global, Beverston Engineering and Gleeson Homes.

In addition to planned activity across social media channels, the College’s Apprenticeship Team hosted a live ‘All about Apprenticeship’ session via Zoom, covering everything from the types of apprenticeships available to useful hints and tips on how to apply.

The Apprenticeships Team also delivered informative, live Q&A sessions throughout the week to help inform and enhance the information provided about apprenticeships.

As the busy week came to a close, St Helens College and Knowsley Community College celebrated and congratulated over 200 of their apprentices, who successfully completed their apprenticeship last year.

For more information about employing an apprentice, visit: www.sthelens.ac.uk/employers.

Following the roll-out of a successful COVID-19 testing programme, St Helens College and Knowsley Community College has welcomed the safe return of staff and students to their campuses.

Read more: COVID-19 testing programme a success as staff and students return to campus

Last week, we encouraged our students and staff to take part in a physical, mental, and enjoyable challenge each day to help improve their mental fitness in aid of Mental Health Awareness week.

Read more: Staff and Students Accept the Challenge for Mental Health Awareness Week