Stockport students celebrate exceptional results

Stockport students are celebrating another year of outstanding results, with success stories from the trio of Trafford & Stockport College Group campuses in the borough spanning A Levels, T Levels and vocational qualifications.

Many students from Stockport College, Cheadle College and Marple Sixth Form College are progressing to top universities, high-quality apprenticeships and skilled employment, building on the Group’s strong reputation for both academic and technical education.

A Level successes Marple Sixth Form College

One of this year’s stand-out achievers is Marple Sixth Form College student Charley Dean, who combined her creative and scientific talents through A Levels in Fine Art, Chemistry and Biology, achieving AA*A. She is progressing to study Animation at Sheffield Hallam University on a four-year course with a work placement or freelance year.

Charley balanced her studies with caring for her mother. She praised the support of her tutors for providing extra sessions and flexibility when needed. “It’s been challenging at times, but the encouragement I’ve had has made a huge difference,” she said.

Another Marple success is Mohammad Matin Maddah, who achieved AAB grades in Maths, Chemistry and Physics, securing his place at the University of Manchester to study Chemical Engineering. “Just come to Marple Sixth Form College,” he said. “It’s a small college so tutors really take good care of students, they are really caring.”

Overall, the college celebrated a 100% pass rate, with 40% of grades at A*–B. Top subjects included Film Studies and Media Studies, both achieving 100% high grades, while vocational results in the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design saw 45% achieve Triple Distinction* and 83% Triple Distinction or above.

T Level successes at Stockport College and Cheadle College

T Level students have once again impressed employers, with many securing jobs or apprenticeships from their industry placements. Stockport College student Callum Hitchen completed a T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction and will begin an apprenticeship in Site Management with Caddick Construction. Callum said:

“The mix of classroom learning and industry experience was perfect for me. My placement gave me the skills and confidence to step straight into my apprenticeship.”

Read more about Callum’s T Level experience at Stockport College.

TJ McKiernan also completed the same T Level and is starting a Level 3 apprenticeship in Civil Engineering with Quinns in Warrington after a placement with a family business. “The placement and employer visits really helped build my CV and interview skills,” he said.

Mahnoor Wahab, 19, completed a T Level in Childcare at Cheadle College, a decision she’s never looked back on:

“The T Level gave me more advanced skills and opened up better job opportunities for the future.”

Her course included an industry placement at Little Peeps Nursery in Cheadle, where she impressed staff so much, she’s now working as part of their bank team.

Mahnoor plans to continue her studies at Manchester Metropolitan University in Early Years and Childhood Studies, with the goal of completing a PGCE and becoming a primary school teacher. She added:

“I’m really proud of how far I’ve come, the T Level was the right choice for me.”

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The overall successes of the Trafford and Stockport College Group were marked by a visit from Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, who met learners, staff and guests to discuss how the group is meeting skills needs in priority sectors.

James Scott, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“The breadth of study options now available to students is remarkable, and the accomplishments being witnessed today are the results of our students’ passion, hard work, and determination.”

Carmen Gonzalez-Eslava, Group Principal, added:

“At Trafford and Stockport College Group we believe education should be accessible to everyone, whatever their starting point. Many of our learners have overcome significant challenges and today’s results show the incredible things they can achieve with the right support.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“The achievements of students across Trafford and Stockport College Group are a shining example of the talent and ambition we have here in Greater Manchester.”

Pictured: (left to right) Marple Sixth Form College students Mohammad Matin Maddah, Michael Blamey, Kate Redshaw and Charley Dean.