College is best in the North

Staff and students at New College Pontefract are celebrating after government figures revealed it has the third highest achievement rate out of all the sixth form colleges in the country.

The statistics, from the DfE’s Skills Funding Agency, mean that the Park Lane college is the best sixth form college in the North of England for the second year.

The assessment is based on achievement rates, formerly known as success rates, which measure how many students both complete and pass their course.

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Jeff Finnigan, the college’s learner progression, learning support and LRC manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted with these figures, which are a testament to the hard work of our students and staff.

“The key to this achievement can be attributed to the individualised support students receive in their transition from school to college, through their time at New College, and their progression beyond.

Teachers, study support staff and progress tutors show great commitment and passion in helping to ensure students reach their potential.

“The success of our students, whatever their needs, is an outstanding feature of the college and puts us first nationally.”

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The college - which is rated outstanding by Ofsted - has an overall achievement rate of 94.8 per cent for the 2014-15 academic year.

The report also praised the sixth form’s study support team.

The staff help students maximise their educational achievements and make the most of their time at college, through a variety of different ways.

Principal Pauline Hagen said: “We’re very proud of the achievement of all our students.

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“As an inclusive sixth form college, to be outperforming so many selective independent schools and sixth form colleges with extremely high entry requirements is fantastic to see.

“All the results are testament to the quality and passion of our teachers and the hard work and commitment of our talented students.”