South Devon College students celebrate exam success

South Devon College A level students celebrated their exam 2023 results  with a 97% overall pass rate. 

This year sees the continuation of the College’s history of high pass rates with 65% A*- C and almost 40% of the cohort achieving an excellent A* to B result.  

 The College is celebrating 100% achievement rates across a broad mix of subjects including English literature and language, Business, Chemistry, Physics, Law, Sociology, Politics and Criminology. 

The College is also celebrating high results across a broad range of technical and professional qualifications including its first cohort of T Level students with a 95% pass rate and 40% achieving distinctions. 

Matthew Harbour, Vice Principal and Deputy CEO, said; 

“We are delighted with this year’s results especially given the national trend with the return to pre-pandemic grading results. This means that results across the country are lower than last summer and there are fewer A and A*s being awarded. In comparison to our A Level results of 2018/19, more students at South Devon College have achieved high grades this year. 

“All our students have worked incredibly hard to achieve their A level results with many securing places in top universities both locally and further afield.” 

18 year old Abbey Oliphant will be the first person in her immediate family to go to university. The student from Dartmouth studied A level geography, politics, biology and the Extended Project EPQ (A,A,B,D). 

 “I found A levels quite hard but the tutors at South Devon College were very supportive.” 

 Abbey has a place at Exeter University to study geography with politics on the side.  

 “Geography has always been my favourite course, there are so many different topics and it links to how we live. You can see geography in everyday life”, said Abbey, who wants to go on to take a Masters degree, then travel before going into teaching.

Paris Matthews from Torquay has secured her place at Brighton University to study film.

The 18 year old studied A level film studies, psychology and sociology (B B A).

“I made a lot of friends that helped me through and the tutors were all really nice.”

Fellow A level student, Fergus McGrath from Preston studied sociology, criminology and film studies (A B B).

He said the A levels he chose were areas he was very interested in. 

“A levels were difficult but also interesting and my advice is if you choose them make sure it’s a subject you enjoy and are good with a heavy workload.”

University Centre South Devon, part of South Devon College, is now receiving high levels of enquiries for Degree and Foundation Degree programmes through its Clearing hotline. 

Places in clearing are now open across the country, where unallocated university places are matched to students. University Centre South Devon (UCSD) has a dedicated Clearing page on ucsd.ac.uk and a Clearing advice Line you can call on 08000 21 31 81 so you can find out what’s on offer locally. Visit uscd.ac.uk/events for more information. 

If you’re interested in studying further or higher education, there’s still time to apply. The College’s expert team are in place to assist with progression to a variety of different pathways that your new qualifications will make possible, simply call 08000 380 123 or email them at enquiries@southdevon.ac.uk.  

Alternatively, drop in and meet with guidance and teaching staff on Thursday 25th August, 10am – 4pm. For more information, visit southdevon.ac.uk/events and start your future today.