Reading, UK, 16th August 2012 – Reading College, the Thames Valley’s leading further and higher education institution, today announced its pride at AS and A2 results. Achieving even greater success than last year, 2012’s A2 students have achieved 98% overall achievement and boast a 9% increase in AS pass rates.

This year 272 A Level exams were taken at Reading College and students had a range of 18 subject disciplines to choose from. The class of 2012 secured a better achievement rate than last year’s students, with 67 percent securing grades ranging from an A* to C in comparison to 60% in 2011. Students in 13 out of the 18 subjects taken at A2 level achieved 100 percent pass rates and this statistic exceeds the national average in terms of overall achievement.

Students who studied STEM A Level disciplines such as Maths and Psychics were particularly triumphant and Reading College’s reputation for offering high quality learning in core disciplines as well as more vocational and non-academic courses has been reaffirmed. With 50 percent of Maths A Level students achieving grades between A* to B, the college’s results have surpassed the national average of 47 percent. Similarly, Physics secured 100 percent achievement and 43 percent of students were in receipt of the top grades. Other particularly successful subjects included Media Studies and Law, with 100 percent achievement in both and many students acquiring top results.

Cheryl Pennington, Head of Sixth Form at Reading College, comments on her delight at the students’ achievements:

“This year we have seen some great A2 results and I am over the moon that the hard work of our students has paid off. Reading College is known for its diversity in offerings and applicants and it pleases me to see a wide range of individuals achieve the results to secure their future. Some of our students come from difficult backgrounds and have triumphed in the face of adversity and others have met the requirements to follow their dreams. On days like today I know I have the best job in the world.”

This year’s AS results were also very successful and the college saw the overall pass rate increase from 72 percent to 81 percent. Subjects that students particularly excelled at included Sociology, Psychology and Maths, where the college is going from strength to strength. AS Maths students secured 91 percent achievement, succeeding the national average of 71 percent and also surpassing the national average in terms of achieving the higher grades. 46 percent of AS students received an A-B grade, which is much higher than the national average of 29 percent. Psychology was another subject star for the College, with 97 percent achievement received against a national average of 75 percent and with 51 percent receiving A to B grades against the national average of 22%.

Lesley Donoghue, Principal at Reading College, comments on her delight at the College’s impressive overall results at AS and A2 level:

“At Reading College we believe it is important to constantly improve the quality of our teaching whenever possible, to ensure that our students are offered the best possible start in life, with access to relevant and high quality education to enable them to thrive. This has always been our main aim and this year’s very pleasing individual and overall results at AS and A2 level show we are keeping our promise to our students. This year’s results are a credit to our staff, students and entire educating body and I’d like to say a big well done to everyone; you’ve done me, Reading College and yourselves proud.”

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About Reading College

Reading College is the further education college located at the edge of Reading town centre. With over 6,000 students on over 900 courses, the College offers a wide choice of full-time, part-time, higher education and work-based courses for people in Reading and the surrounding areas. Reading College is committed to raising skills levels in the region and to developing highly employable people for all sectors. More information about Reading College and the courses on offer can be found at: www.reading-college.ac.uk

Media Contact:

Janine Mitchell
C8 Consulting Ltd
janine@c8consulting.co.uk
+44 118 900 1132

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