Newbury College Learners on the Road to University
Created on 18.8.2010
A record number of learners have been accepted onto University places from Newbury College this academic year. This increase has continued year on year, and reflects a 21% rise in Newbury College learners accepting University places over the last two years.
The College prides itself on offering high quality learning alternatives to A Levels and GCSEs in the form of qualifications including BTECs and New Diplomas.
Pat Relph, Learner Advisor at Newbury College is delighted at the amount of learners going to University and said, “Not everyone is suited to A Level study. This does not mean that they are not capable of gaining high level qualifications and progressing to University or into a good job. At Newbury College we are pleased to offer alternatives to A Levels that simply provide a different route.”
Newbury College offers a range of qualifications including a selection of the new diplomas. The Level 3 BTEC extended Diploma and Advanced Diplomas are said to be the ‘real world’ equivalent to A Levels. The Level 3 Diploma is studied over two years and is equivalent to three and a half A levels.
Sophie Crawford, National Diploma in Business learner at Newbury College said, “I think studying this Diploma was the best decision I have made and I’ve learnt invaluable life and business skills during my time here. I enjoyed coming to College every morning knowing something different would be in store and I have been offered a place at Bournemouth University where I will study BA (hons) International Business.”
Learners on BTEC and New Diploma programmes at Newbury College benefit from the practical approach to learning and skills development and these qualifications are recognised and respected worldwide by employers and educational institutions alike. They earn UCAS points and are therefore valued by Universities, allowing you to go on to Higher Education. On BTEC courses, work is continually assessed by a series of assignments throughout the course, and there are no exams.
Luke Wilcox, another Newbury College learner added, “Even though I haven’t studied A-Levels, I am still able to go to University with my BTEC National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering. The College has been a great stepping stone for me to progress onto higher learning and this course was more focussed towards my chosen career than A-Levels would have been.”
Newbury College offers a wide range of Diploma courses ranging from Art, Games Design and Business to Travel and Tourism, IT and Engineering. If you would like to find out about these or any of our full or part time courses, please call 01635 845000 or email info@newbury-college.ac.uk