Students at the Joseph Wright Centre (JWC) collecting their results
This year’s cohort has plenty to celebrate, with standout results across every qualification, a reflection of the determination shown by students and the dedication of the staff who have guided them every step of the way.
As one of the region’s biggest providers of A-levels, T Levels and BTECs, Derby College Group is immensely proud of what its students have achieved, recognising today’s results not simply as grades on a page, but as the foundation for futures that will shape their communities and beyond.
A-level highlights
The majority of A-level students have secured the grades needed to progress to their first choice university, reflecting both their hard work and the quality of teaching at DCG.
- 347 A-level students achieved results this year, an increase of 6% on last year, across a broad range of 26 subjects.
- A 97% pass rate was achieved.
- In Law, Psychology, Business and English Language, nearly half of students achieved A* to B.
- Over three quarters of Film Studies students achieved A* to B.
- Nearly two thirds of French and Spanish students achieved A* to B.
- Excellent results were also recorded in Media, Economics and English Literature, with Economics returning to the curriculum this year and nearly half of students achieving A* to B.
- Criminology remained the most popular subject, taken by over a third of all A-level students, with nearly a third achieving A* to B.
- 86 students completed Core Maths or an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Sally Archer, Head of A-levels at Derby College Group, said:
“I could not be prouder of our students this year. These results reflect not just two years of hard work, but the belief they have shown in themselves, often in the face of real challenges along the way.
“Behind every grade is a story of resilience, ambition and the support of staff who go above and beyond for their students.
“Whether they are heading off to university, starting an apprenticeship or taking their first steps into the workplace, our students leave Derby College Group equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed.
“I want to thank every member of staff whose guidance and encouragement has helped make today possible.”
There were so many stories of exceptional achievement, and the following is a selection of them.
Great successes for students
Oliver Roberts, 18, Mackworth
Oliver hopes to one day become Prime Minister of the UK
A-level student Oliver Roberts has no doubts about what he’d like to do with his qualifications. He wants to be an MP, and ultimately get the keys to Number 10.
Oliver gained an A* in Politics, an A in History and a B in Sociology, securing him a place to study Politics at LSE (London School of Economics).
Oliver has already embarked on a political career, having recently joined a canvassing session in Makerfield.
He said: “I’m very happy with my A-level results. I’ve been interested in politics from a young age, and I want to work my way up, hopefully becoming a political researcher then MP. I’d love to be Prime Minister.”
Ethan Davies, 18, Breadsall
Patrick isn’t the only DCG student with number 10 in his sights. Ethan, who previously attended Da Vinci Academy, achieved an A in Law, an A* in History and a C in Politics.
He is now weighing up whether to go to university or take a legal apprenticeship route into law, with the apprenticeship his preference, on his way to becoming a barrister. His Extended Project Qualification took an objective look at the impact of Margaret Thatcher.
He said: “My teachers have been really supportive, encouraging me to look at all sides of an argument and check the balance of things for myself. I’d like to go into law and become a barrister, but ultimately, I’d love to be Prime Minister one day.”
Alex Zurawska, 18, Derby
Alex has ambitions to become a speech therapist, helping children more specifically
Alex Zurawska needed two As and a B to study speech and language therapy at Newcastle University, but she’s exceeded all her expectations and got three A*s.
Alex, took English Language, Psychology and Sociology and is thrilled to have secured a place at the top university for her chosen subject.
She said: “I was nervous about getting my results and making sure I had the grades I needed for uni. I’d like to be a speech therapist, helping children with their speech, but we’ll see.”
Alex really enjoyed the freedom of studying for A-levels in a college environment, the facilities and the quality of the teaching at JWC.
Kingsley Pickering, 19, Mackworth
Kingsley will be the first in his family to go to University
Kingsley achieved an A* in Psychology, an A* in English Literature and a C in Criminology, and is heading to Durham University to study Psychology. He hopes to go on to complete a doctorate at Edinburgh and become a clinical neuropsychologist, and says his love of English Literature was really driven by his interest in psychology.
Kingsley is the first in his family to go to university.
He said: “When I joined college I had no real idea what I wanted to do. I spoke to one of my teachers, who was so informative and really helped me find my path. I’m the first in my family to go to university, so this means a lot.”
Gracie Ryan, 18, Breaston
Gracie completed an Extended Qualification Project alongside her A-levels
Gracie, who previously attended Trent College, achieved an A in English Literature, an A* in History and an A* in Film Studies, also completing an Extended Project Qualification. She is heading to York University to study History, with an eye on a future in screenwriting.
She said: “I love history because it’s all about telling stories and watching them play out. I love learning about people’s lives. College has been so relaxed and I’ve always felt able to express my own opinions, with teachers guiding me towards history along the way.”
Amarjit Singh, 18, Littleover
Amarjit thanks his teacher as he surprises himself with excellence in his Business A-level
A-level arts student Amarjit Singh is happy to be off to Nottingham University to study Arts Illustration. Amarjit has always enjoyed art and gained a C in A level Art and Design (Fine Art). Much to his surprise, he also achieved an A in Business.
He said: “I never expected that. I thought I’d get a B or C, but my Business A-level teacher at JWC has been great. There was a lot to learn but it was easy with a teacher like her.”
Ellie Middleton, 18, Chellaston
Ellie shed tears of happiness after receiving her results
Ellie has secured a place to study Psychology at Leeds University, after achieving an A* in Psychology as well as an A in Business and a B in Criminology.
Through tears of happiness, Ellie said: “I’ve done better than I thought I would. I’ve got the grades I need for uni. I’ve always been interested in psychology and I’m looking forward to studying it at degree level. I’ve enjoyed my time at Derby College. It’s helped me become more independent.”
Campbell Griffin, 18, Alvaston
Campbell jumped for joy after getting the results he needs to study Law at York University
Studying for a Law degree is the next step for A-level student Campbell Griffin, who has the grades he needs to take up his place at York University. Campbell gained an A in Law, a B in Chemistry and a B in English.
He added: “College has been great. I’ve made friends and I’ve liked my teachers. I’ve always wanted to go into law but have no idea in what area yet.”
