How our BTEC courses create clear pathways to Higher Education for students

We spoke to BTEC students on results day to learn more about how their studies supported them in progressing to university.

Collecting your results after two years of study can be a stressful time. For students who complete one of our many BTEC courses, there’s often an element of continuous assessment which means that you have some idea of what to expect on results day.

We spoke to BTEC students collecting their results to find out more about their college experience and their varied and exciting next steps into Higher Education.

Dante

After winning Bronze in the Laboratory Technician challenge at the National WorldSkills Finals, Dante went on to receive a triple Distinction for the Applied Science Level 3 Extended Diploma.

What are you going to do next?

I’m studying Data Science at Northeastern University London with a degree apprenticeship at British Airways. 

How are you feeling about the results?

I’m ecstatic. It’s the best possible outcome – I was hoping this would happen and it happened. 

How has the college supported you in the last two years?

They’ve been wonderful! We have the tutors, the teachers – every day supporting you however you need.

What do you think you’ll remember most about your time at the college?

The teachers are just wonderful and have been supportive throughout both academic years.

Karina

Karina achieved a triple Distinction for the Uniformed Protective Services Level 3 Extended National Diploma.

What are you going to do with your qualifications?

I’m going to go to Greenwich to study Criminology and Criminal Psychology and probably apply for the Met to work as a police officer.

How are you feeling about your results?

I’m really happy. Honestly, I did not think I was going to get that high. I’m really happy that that’s the grade I got because it means I’ve got a very clear path to university. I don’t have to worry about going through clearing or anything like that.

How has the college supported you in the last couple of years?

It’s honestly been great. I was taught a lot of things that I know will be very useful at university. Because I was doing BTEC, I learned how to write essays properly and how to cite – and these are all things that are really important in university. And that’s probably the number one thing that I’m really grateful for because I know that once you go to university it’s going to be a shock if you haven’t done it before.

Were there any challenges on the way for you?

The first year was a bit rocky because you’re getting used to people and it was a bit hard to catch on with everything that was happening. Then about halfway through the first year, that’s when you get the hang of it and have a clear path to getting grades.

Ethan

Ethan completed the Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma in Engineering.

What are you doing next?

I’m going to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leicester.

How did you feel this morning?

If I’m perfectly honest, I knew what I was going to get in the first place because I did study BTEC and we were given a calculator of what grades we would get. Today, I still felt a bit nervous because I thought there could be a small change, maybe I got a different grade. I thought I might surprise myself.

Adam

Adam achieved a triple Distinction in the Uniformed Protective Services Level 3 Extended National Diploma.

How are you feeling?

Fantastic! I’ll be moving on to uni and I’ll be studying international relations at Goldsmiths. From there, I’ll be going into the Royal Air Force as an officer.

How has the college supported you?

I would say that it’s been fantastic, especially my lecturers. It’s been very personal, very good. My subject, especially, has been fantastic. Genuinely speaking, I wouldn’t have got these grades without that so thank you to the whole Protective Services Department on that front.

What will you remember most?

Well, what I’ll remember most is actually my class, my Uniformed Protective Services class. It was literally a team – with the teachers and the students. It’s something I’ll never forget, and that’s what I’ll miss the most.

Zach

Zach completed the Forensic Science – Level 3 Extended Diploma and received the results he needed to enter university.

What are you going to do next?

I’m going to the University of Westminster to study Cyber Security and Forensics.

How has the college supported you?

Your tutors are a very big help because they help with your personal statement. Also the head of department – they can actually help with exams and anything that’s wrong with the grades, so they support you through the whole thing.

Sarah

Sarah was awarded a Distinction and two Merits after completing the Applied Science Level 3 Extended Diploma.

What are you going to do next?

I’m going to study Biomedical Science at the University of Westminster. I’m really happy. When I saw the message that I got into uni I was screaming.

How has the college supported you?

With BTEC, everyone kind of thinks that it’s lower than A Level but they [the college] made sure to tell you that you will get into uni. They really make you feel comfortable with BTEC.

Gabrielle

Gabrielle was awarded a Distinction in the Uniformed Protective Services Level 3 Extended National Diploma.

Where are you going next?

I’m hopefully going to the University of Essex.

What was your reaction to the grades?

[It was] Kind of expected.

What do you put your success down to?

Just enjoying the course went a long way.

How did the college support you?

They [the teachers] were really helpful, they were really understanding, considerate and tailor your learning to how you learn.

Study a Vocational course

Our expert-led BTEC courses provide students with the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge across a broad range of subject areas. Students benefit from support in completing UCAS applications and comprehensive career guidance, all while being part of a community-based college that is committed to setting students up for academic and professional success.

Take a look at our wide range of courses and enrol now!

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