More students celebrating higher grades at USP College today despite Covid-19 challenges
Students at USP College have plenty of reason to celebrate this morning after the College saw a 7% increase in students receiving higher grades in their A-Levels.
Months of worry about how Covid-19 and the cancellation of the 2020 summer exam series would impact grades ended for many students this morning as they opened their results, with almost half of students receiving A* to B grades.
Among those happy and relieved to have received the grades they needed are:
Joseph Hurr, 18 from Grays
Maths A*, Further Maths A, Computer Science A, Physics B, EPQ B
Joseph who previously studied at The Gateway Academy said: “I am feeling really happy, I achieved what I wanted and I have reached the requirements of my conditional offers for university. I enjoyed the way I was treated at USP, there was a much more mature approach to my studies, a real step up from school and I am much more confident when it comes to working independently now.”
After receiving the results he needs, Joseph is looking to go to the University of Bristol to study Aerospace Engineering.
Kiera Blake, 18 from Canvey Island
Sociology A, Media Studies A, English Language and Literature B
The former Cornelius Vermuyden student said: “Considering the weirdness of the situation I am really happy, and I am looking forward to start studying Graphic Design at University. The College has built my confidence in the classroom and socially, I really liked that the lessons were delivered differently to in school and I built better relationships with teachers and made new friends.”
Happy with her results Kiera is going to attend the University of Suffolk to study Graphic Design this year.
Lydia Pearson, 18 from Elm Park
Maths A*, Further Maths A, Chemistry A
Lydia who previously attended Emmanuelle School said: “I am very excited, I have a confirmed place at Warwick after receiving my results so I’m over the moon. The teachers and staff have been supportive throughout my time at USP including the careers staff helping me with the UCAS process.”
Lydia will be attending Warwick University to study Maths this September.
Emma Tushaw-Hales, 18 from Rayleigh
Art & Design A*, Geography A, English Literature B
Emma who previously studied at Fitzwimarc was happy with her results this morning and said: “My favourite thing about the College was the freedom compared to school. I am very happy with my results and I am coming back in September to do a Foundation Diploma in Art.”
Emma will be continuing her studies at USP College this year with a Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design.
Daisy Knowland, 18, Leigh-on-Sea
Art & Design A, English Literature B, History C
Former Cornelius Vermuyden student Daisy said: “My teachers have always been supportive and I am very happy with my results. I have really enjoyed learning about the different art techniques and look forward to learning more when I study the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design before heading off to university.”
Daisy will continue her studies at USP College on the Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design.
Alyce Perry, 18, Basildon
Maths A, Accounting A, Economics B
Alyce who previously attending Woodlands School said: “I am happy with my results they are what I was expecting. The college has prepared me for my future especially with CPD Days where I got the chance to really focus on the skills I needed for the future.”
Alyce will be starting a Level 3 AAT Accounting Apprenticeship.
Liam Proctor, 19, Canvey Island
Level 3 BTEC Business, D*D
Former Castle View student Liam said: “I am really happy about my results, next I am going to UCFB Wembley to study Football Business and Media. The teachers have supported me very well throughout the two years and through the pandemic with regular contact. The College has helped me gain independence and more self-motivation. I would 100% recommend USP College to school leavers it is brilliant.”
Liam is going to UCFB Wembley to study Football and Business.
Tom Oughton, 18, Orsett
Economics A*, Maths B, Business B
Tom who previously studied at St Clere's said he would recommend going to USP College, adding: "I liked the casual approach at the College, I felt I was treated more like an adult and gained more independence which has prepared me for the future.”
Tom is going to Surrey University to study Economics and Finance.
In addition to the rise in numbers of students receiving higher grades, the College’s overall pass rate rose by 4%, with a large number of courses achieving 100% pass rates including Law, Economics, Art and Design, English Language and Literature, Computer Science and Geography amongst many others.
Dan Pearson, Principal and CEO of USP College said: “I’m thrilled for those students who have achieved high grades this year and have achieved what they need for their next steps as hoped. I’m also very proud of the resilience all our students have shown through a challenging few months and how they adapted to and engaged with distance learning.
“We are disappointed that around 45% of our center submitted grades have been downgraded and we intend to launch an appeal on behalf of those students as a college.
“In the meantime I would like to reassure students who are disappointed with their results that there are still plenty of options available. We have a dedicated team on hand to provide information, advice and wellbeing support, and students can call us on 01268 756 111 if they have any concerns or queries.”
USP College also offers a range of higher education courses from Higher National Certificates, which are equivalent to the first year of a university degree and can allow entry into the second year of university on successful completion, to full degree programmes. Anybody who is reconsidering their post A-Level options in light of their results and the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic is encouraged to visit www.uspcollege.ac.uk to find out more about what the College has on offer.
The College’s apprenticeship provider, ITEC also has a variety of apprenticeship options available in accounting, business, IT and education. More information can be found at www.itec.ac.uk.