News

Top Success

Students at Neath Port Talbot College (NPTC) have once again performed to an exceptionally high standard in their A Level examinations and National Diploma qualifications.
For the seventh year in succession, the overall pass rate exceeded 99 per cent (99.5 per cent).  In 41 subjects out of the 46 offered, students achieved a remarkable 100 per cent pass rate.
The pass rate at grades A* to B is 55.8 per cent whilst A* to C stands at 82.6 per cent. The pass rate at the College has once again exceeded the national benchmark and staff are very proud of the 21 students who achieved combinations of three grades at A*/A.

Furthermore, 48 students this year achieved an excellent outcome of triple distinction grades in the Extended Diploma qualifications, with a further 15 students achieving the highest possible grade profile of D*, D*, D*. The Welsh Baccalaureate qualification which is proving a popular choice with students also fared well with a record 162 students achieving the Advanced Diploma, which is the equivalent to grade A at A Level.

The results follow the latest Welsh Government’s Learner Outcomes Report (LOR) 2010/11, which shows that NPTC was the best performing FE College in Wales for AS/A Level success. As well as having an A Level pass rate of 99.2%, 42 of the 45 subjects taken at A Level had a 100 per cent pass rate. The College was also the best performer in five Sector Subject Areas (SSA) and over the last three years, learner success outcomes have improved more than any college in Wales. 

To coincide with its top class success, the College is launching a new Neath Port Talbot (NPT) Sixth Form Academy.  It will mean access to one of the widest ranges of A Levels in Wales and specialised support.  Its Gifted and Talented programme will also be extended to ensure students reach their full potential.
Mark Dacey, Principal at NPTC, said that it was great news for everyone involved.

“We have a strong reputation for the quality of education we deliver along with that of our partner schools.  It means we are providing our students with the best possible opportunity to gain outstanding qualifications and the new NPT Sixth Form Academy will ensure the success continues.”

Here are just a few success stories.

Chelsea Bond:  Two A* and two A grades in Accountancy, Law, History and English.
The 18-year-old will now go on to study Accountancy as part of a partnership programme with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Reading University.  The degree programme is innovative and challenging and designed to accelerate routes into employment, and progression towards a professional accountancy qualification.  It’s developed in partnership with PwC and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAE W).  Not only will it mean first-hand experience of on-the-job training, but a possible job offer at the end of her four-year studies should she gain a 2:1 in her degree. Chelsea, who is a former Cwrt Sart Comprehensive School pupil, said that she was relieved the waiting was over.

“I have really enjoyed my time at Neath Port Talbot College and the support has been fantastic.  I am happy that all the hard work has paid off.  The programme I will be following with PwC means I gain hands-on experience with work placement.  I am excited and looking forward to getting started,” she added.

Rebecca  Baker: Two A* in Maths and Physics and two A grades in Further Maths and Film Studies.
Rebecca’s fantastic grades mean she has now secured a place at Cambridge University to study Engineering.  The former Glan yr Afan Comprehensive pupil said that she couldn’t believe her results.

“I’m still shaking but really excited. Can’t wait to tell everyone. I’ll miss NPTC, it’s been great here.”

Chelsea Lewis: Triple star distinctions in her Extended Diploma in Sport. Also, a Welsh International in Netball.  Offered a place at UWIC but decided to take a year out to pursue her netball career by helping the national squad to qualify for the Commonwealth games in 2014.

“My time at College has been brilliant.  The facilities at Llandarcy are fantastic.  Looking back, I am so glad I decided to study at NPTC.  The staff at Llandarcy have been so supportive and let me fit in my training around my studies.”

Marybeth Thornhill: A* Law, A English, B Drama and Welsh Baccalaureate.
Off to Bristol to study Law.

“It’s been awesome at Neath Port Talbot College.  The staff have been brilliant.”

Thomas Williams:   A* Maths, A* Physics, A Music 
Off to Bath University to study Maths and Physics.

Alice Parson:  A English, A French, A History                                
Off to Warwick University to study French & English.

Alex White: Three A grades             
Off to Exeter University to study Physics.

Emily Kate Morgan: A Economics,  A English, A French
Off to Exeter University to study Economics with French.

Phillip John Maclean: A English, A History, Welsh Baccalaureate
Off to Swansea University to study English Language.

Shakara Brown: BTEC Extended Diploma Performing Arts
Has won a full scholarship to Liverpool Institute to study professional dance.

Ben Bateman and Hywell Price of Only Boys Aloud received their results – BTEC Extended Diploma Performing Arts.

Luke Millard won a scholarship to the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.

Joseph Robinson won a scholarship worth £30K to study at the Guildford School of Acting.

Daniel Russell: A Law, A Maths, A Physics, Welsh Baccalaureate

Nathan John:  A Law, Maths A*, Physics A*,  Welsh Baccalaureate
The friends are former Sandfields Comprehensive pupils and both  going to Bristol University. Nathan will study Maths and Physics and Daniel, Physics. Daniel was president of the Afan Campus Interact Club and Nathan Vice President and heavily involved in the club’s fund raising activities during their time at the College. They helped  to raise in excess of £2000 for charity. Both returned to their former school to help with Physics revision sessions and to represent the College during the initial school talks.

Shaun Barker: A Biology, A* Chemistry, A English  
Off to Cardiff University to study Biochemistry. Shaun is an ex pupil of Dyffryn Comprehensive School and also a member of the Interact club.
All the boys are budding musicians and played in a number of charity gigs.