ALTON College students achieved “outstanding A-level examination results” again this summer, with a 100 per cent pass rate from 1,400 entries, yet again exceeding the national average for sixth form colleges.

Three quarters of students were awarded A*-C grades, a quarter achieved A* and A, while 100 per cent of those taking the Extended Project Qualification achieved A*-C, with 66 per cent achieving A*-A grades. And more than 70 per cent of vocational students achieved the highest grade – Distinction* – in over 40 BTEC and Cambridge Technical courses.

Results in traditional A- level subjects such as English, maths, modern foreign languages, history, geography and other STEM

(science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects, alongside performing and creative arts, were particularly notable for success.

An “impressive 97 per cent of students” passed double maths (maths and further maths) A-level and nearly half of vocational engineering students achieved the top grades of three Distinction*.

Three quarters of performing arts students also achieved top grades.

Earlier this year, Alton College celebrated 36 years since its official opening on May 23, 1980, by the then education secretary, Mark Carlisle. The college was one of the first purpose-built sixth form colleges in the UK and opened for teaching in September 1978 to an initial cohort of 226 students.

The college was the first to be awarded outstanding status in three consecutive Ofsted inspections and was noted as the second highest achieving sixth form college in Hampshire by the Sunday Times in its latest league tables. 

Damian Hinds, MP for East Hampshire, who visits it regularly, said: “Alton College is a jewel in East Hampshire’s crown, offering students first-class tuition in an environment of great achievement and purpose and this is reflected each year in the college’s impressive exam results.

“When I meet students at the college, I am always struck by their confidence and their drive. Alton students are inquisitive and challenging, but engage easily with each other and their teachers.

“It is a fantastic place for young people to explore, learn, develop and thrive.

“We are fortunate to have such an outstanding academic institution in our area.

“The college has developed remarkably over the past 36 years and I look forward to it continuing to go from strength-to-strength in providing excellence in education for young people in the area for years to come.”

Principal Sara Russell said: “At 36 years young, we remain a thriving, modern sixth form college offering students an enviable choice of high achieving A-level and vocational courses in a dynamic learning environment.

“We have extremely experienced, specialist teaching and support staff who provide the perfect bridge between school and higher education or employment.”

She went on to say that the students are “amazing” and impress her year on year with their “outstanding achievements”.

“I would like to offer huge congratulations to our students this year,” she added.

“Yet again thanks to their dedication and efforts and the unique support and high quality teaching from our expert staff, the college has exceeded national averages and achieved yet another set of outstanding results.”