Member Article

Gateshead College is top performing North East college

Gateshead College has been confirmed as the top performing further education college in the North East of England.

New Government performance figures also name the college as the third best in the country (out of 218 colleges) for success rates and the number one for Level 2 courses.

The news follows figures released by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) which show college performance tables for success rates based on the number of students staying on at college and successfully gaining qualifications.

At Gateshead College, 17,243 students successfully completed their A Level, technical and vocational studies during the academic year 2013/14 – a success rate of almost 92% (8.2% above the average for all colleges).

The SFA figures reveal that nationally nearly 40% of students at FE and tertiary colleges and independent learning providers failed to achieve their qualification in the last academic year.

Judith Doyle, Gateshead College’s CEO and principal said it was a fabulous result and the success further strengthened the view that students are more likely to stay on at Gateshead College and gain their qualifications than with most other providers.

It also reflected the huge focus on providing high quality teaching and learning to drive up student performance levels.

She said: “We are transforming the way we deliver education and training and developing innovative and beneficial partnerships with industry to ensure the curriculum delivers the skills employers need and that our students achieve their full potential at Gateshead College.

“This sees our students leaving us with the skills, ambition and confidence that gives them a real edge when it comes to securing employment, going on to further training or university or starting their own business.”

James Ramsbotham, chief executive, North East Chamber of Commerce, added: “This is great news for Gateshead College and another reason we’re proud to have them as one of our 200th anniversary year patrons.

“Gateshead College not only takes responsibility for delivering academic skills, but the skills our members need in everyday business. By working together to link business with education, we can show young people the wide variety of options available to them, raise aspirations and grow the skills our region needs now and in the future.”

These figures are the latest success for Gateshead College which announced earlier in the year that it was in the top 10% of apprenticeship providers in England for a third year in a row and student destinations for 2013/14 showed 91% of full time students went on to further or higher education or into work.

Anyone interested in studying at Gateshead College can attend an open event on April 27, 4.30pm – 7pm. More at www.gateshead.ac.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gateshead College .