STAFF and students are celebrating after their efforts secured their college’s reputation as one of the best places in the country to learn.
More than 92 per cent of the almost 10,000 students who study at Darlington College achieved their qualification placing it first in the Tees Valley and sixth in the country for FE.
Darlington College provides a learning environment for students aged 14 to 70 and beyond from across the region. The latest figures from the Department for Education assess student retention and qualifications secured in the core area of full and part-time courses offered to post-16 students.
Courses cover an array of vocational and academic areas including engineering and construction, hospitality and catering, hair and beauty, games, media and journalism, business and management, childcare and health and social care, computing and IT, art, design and photography, health and safety, motor vehicle, outdoor sport and fitness, football academies, uniformed public services, travel and tourism, maths and English and teacher training.
Principal Kate Roe said: “This demonstrates that regardless of age, background and the level of qualification, whether that’s entry or foundation degree, every student can excel at Darlington College.
“We have created a culture of high expectation at the college and challenge all our students to reach their highest potential.”
Deputy principal Carole Todd said: “We must also praise all of our staff for the tireless support they offer to our students which inspires them and gives them the flexibility and confidence to succeed.
“We pride ourselves on making the college an inclusive place to study, creating a happy successful atmosphere in which they can thrive.”
Assistant principal Mike Chapman, who studied at Darlington College himself, added: “Everyone who comes here knows they are going to be able to do their very best thanks to outstanding facilities and support.
“Great emphasis is placed on helping students become ‘work ready’ so courses meet industry standards and are relevant to the modern world. We are working with a huge range of businesses and local organisations who support us with apprenticeships and extended work placements, which are vital to the success of the college.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.