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Students at a North East college are celebrating A-level success after securing university places and degree apprenticeships, with many meeting or exceeding their predicted grades and entry requirements.
Prior Pursglove College said students had achieved strong results, with many progressing to their chosen universities and apprenticeship programmes.
Among them is Paul Walker, 18, who achieved an A in religious studies, Bs in psychology and English language, and a C in his extended project qualification.
He said: "I'm looking forward to studying psychology at Newcastle."
"I’ve enjoyed my time at Prior Pursglove College.
"I was part of the students’ union and I was a mental health ambassador for the college.
"I took part in open evenings and as my favourite subject is psychology, I was there explaining my love for psychology to potential future students and why people would enjoy it."
Paul also supported other students as part of the college’s Headstarters project and completed work placements at a primary school.
He said: "I went to Redcar and did workshops for children inspiring them to believe that they can achieve whatever career that they want to and helping them explore what they want to be when they are older."
Max You with Luke Myer MP, an alumnus of Prior Pursglove College who came to congratulate students
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Angela Stevenson, head of centre at Prior Pursglove, described Max You, 18, as a "shining star" of the college.
Max achieved an A in computer science, an A in maths, an A in further maths, and a B in physics.
He is now heading to the University of Manchester to study an integrated master’s in maths.
He said: "I am hoping to apply my maths to a field such as economics, finance or accountancy but I’ve also previously considered radiology."
At the college prom, Max won two awards including student of the year and best open mic performer for his singing.
He said: "Apparently it was because at the start of the college joined the social media enrichment to try and help and support students."
Angela Stevenson, Prior's head of centre and Mathys Pappo with Luke Myer MP, an alumnus of Prior Pursglove College who came to congratulate students
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Mathys Pappo, 18, achieved an A* in chemistry, an A in biology, and an A in geography.
He has already started a degree apprenticeship with CPI in Darlington.
He said: "They work on producing vaccines and work with other companies too – it’s really varied.
"My predicted grades were ABB so I am over the moon with the results I’ve got."
Mathys praised the support he received at Prior Pursglove.
He said: "I had a great experience with the teachers at Prior, they were all really good and helped me from start to finish.
"It’s a great environment.
"When I started at Prior not a lot of people knew each other, so they did a lot of activities to help the students get to know one another."
James Arthur Hall, 18, achieved A* grades in maths, chemistry, and physics.
He said: "I got a D last year in chemistry, so my predicted grades weren’t very good, but I have done a lot of studying and revision.
"In first year I was doing further maths but I dropped it because I thought I don’t need it for my university place and I was able to concentrate on the three A-levels."
James is now heading to Durham University to study natural science.
He said: "I’m going to Durham University to study natural science and needed an AAB so I’ve exceeded what I needed to get my place."
He also praised the college’s facilities and staff.
He said: "I used to have the same spot in the library every day and the library was very good.
"The teachers were always massively helpful.
"They were available for you to go and see when you needed help.
"I would recommend Prior."
Holly Hill achieved A* grades in biology and chemistry, and an A in maths.
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She was also awarded the Atomix Plus Gold Award for the way she has embraced college life.
Holly said: "I’m going to Newcastle University to do medicine.
"I’d like to be a GP."
Ms Stevenson said: "Holly is a true ambassador for the college who we are really proud of.
"We have seen her develop so much in terms of her communication skills and that is down to the way she has embraced college life and got involved with activities like supporting our open evenings and much more."