Education Secretary praises Trafford and Stockport College Group students’ results

The Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, has praised students across the Trafford and Stockport College Group for their “impressive stories of hard work, ambition, and achievement” during a visit made on last week’s results day.

Speaking after meeting learners at the Group’s Trafford College, Altrincham campus, she said:

“Congratulations to all of the students here and a big thank you to those who spoke with me. It’s a nerve-wracking day but it’s a day of celebration, and it was fantastic to hear about the great outcomes they’ve secured – not just in what they’ve got today but also the university routes, the apprenticeship opportunities and for those moving into the world of work. A big thanks to the team here because I know how hard the staff have worked to get those fantastic outcomes for students.”

During the visit, the Secretary of State met with A Level, T Level and vocational students, including Callum Hitchen (T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction), Ali Imran (T Level in Business Management and Administration), Eden Milner (A Levels in Geography, Psychology and English Literature), Maedeh Zare (A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths) and Mollie Fairlee (Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business).

She emphasised the importance of providing varied routes into higher education and employment:

“It is really important that students have a range of different options, so it’s been great to meet those studying A Levels as well as students who’ve come through the GCSE pathway. Inclusion is a very important part of what the College does day in and day out, and our FE colleges are such an important part of the system for young people, but also for adults alike.”

One of the students she spoke with was Callum Hitchen, who is moving into an apprenticeship with Caddick Construction after completing his T Level studies. She also met Ali Imran, who achieved his T Level in Business Management and Administration and is now considering several apprenticeship offers.

Of meeting Trafford and Stockport College Group T Level students, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

“It was amazing to meet so many of the T Level students. They’ve had some great outcomes, and it was particularly inspiring to hear about the placement opportunities and the work being done between the College and local employers. That partnership is incredibly important, and I know there’s more to do in creating more placement opportunities, but the T Level students I spoke with have really bright futures ahead.”

She also congratulated the Group’s A Level and vocational students, including Maedeh Zare, who achieved A*AA and is progressing to Imperial College London to study Biotechnology; Eden Milner, who achieved AAA and will study Business Studies and Management at the University of Liverpool; and Mollie Fairlee, who achieved D*D*D* in Business and is heading to Lancaster University to study Finance and Accountancy.

She left with a final message to all of the Group’s students:

“Congratulations to all the students on completing your studies. I know you’ve worked really hard and I hope you’ve got what you need. The team here are behind you 100% if you need any further advice, but the very best of luck on the next step to very exciting careers and futures.”

James Scott, CEO of Trafford and Stockport College Group, said:

“Having the Secretary of State here on results day shines a national spotlight on the achievements of our students and the commitment of our staff. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate the impact our courses have on transforming the lives of young people, whether that’s progressing to prestigious universities, securing competitive apprenticeships, or moving into skilled employment.”

Carmen Gonzalez-Eslava, Group Principal, added:

“Visits like this highlight the vital role FE colleges play in opening up opportunities for everyone, regardless of their starting point. The students the Secretary of State met today represent the breadth of our offer – from A Levels to T Levels and vocational programmes – and the positive outcomes that are possible when students are supported to succeed.”

Also in attendance on results day were Connor Rand MP for Altrincham and Sale West, Sara Todd, Board Member of Skills England and Trafford Council CEO, Sarah Drake, Deputy Chair of Governors, and Rebecca Durber from the Association of Colleges, along with invited guests.