A memorable day of celebration unfolded at West Nottinghamshire College today (Thursday 13 August 2026) as a record number of students proudly collected their A Level and Level 3 technical and vocational results.
There were plenty of joyous smiles from jubilant students on this year’s results day.
Learners were congratulated on achieving the grades to take their next steps into higher education, apprenticeships, employment and beyond.
This year saw 581 exam entries from 216 A Level students, while 748 students sat external assessments on second-year T Level, City & Guilds Technical and BTEC National courses.
A Level results included an overall pass rate of 95.2%, with more than half at A*-C.
It was also a momentous day for 133 students who received the results of their T Level technical qualifications following two years of study on programmes in animal care, building services, construction, computer science, education and early years, engineering, and healthcare.
T Level students achieved a pass rate of 99.3%, with more than three quarters achieving an overall high grade of a distinction or a merit.
Equivalent to three A Levels or a Level 3 vocational qualification, T Levels combine classroom learning with a substantial 315-hour (45-day) industry placement at a respected employer.
This blend of technical study and hands-on workplace experience enables students to develop industry-specific knowledge, practical skills and professional networks, giving them a strong foundation for apprenticeships, higher education and careers in their chosen field.
Among those celebrating their achievements were students who have secured places at leading universities and employment in their chosen sectors. Many took the opportunity to reflect on their success and share their ambitions for the future.
A Level student Parth Babani, 18, from Glapwell, is celebrating securing his place to study medicine at the University of East Anglia after achieving an A* in maths, A grades in further maths and chemistry, and B in economics.
Parth’s ambition now is to make a successful career in medicine – being the first in his family to enter this sector.
He said: “My family is more from a business and commerce background, so medicine is a new field for me and something I really want to explore.
“I want to push my limits educationally as well as challenge myself in an environment where I’ll be interacting with people all the time. Medicine gives me that opportunity and I’m really excited to get started.”
The teenager is open to learning all about medicine and doesn’t have a specialist area in mind just yet, but has a willingness to discover more as the years progress.
He added: “Things like cardiology and neurology are so interesting, but I think once I start the course and learn about the different areas, I’ll be able to make up my mind.”
Parth described college as “a unique experience”, adding: “At school you can be a bit more spoon-fed the information, whereas college makes you much more independent. You have to organise things yourself and take your education into your own hands, and I think that has really prepared me for university.”
Parth Babani is looking forward to beginning his medical degree at the University of East Anglia after achieving an A* in maths, A grades in further maths and chemistry, and a B in economics.
For Jess Bowler, achieving a distinction in her T Level in animal care and management represents an extraordinary journey – having joined the college after spending two years being home-schooled.
Jess, 18, initially left mainstream education after experiencing bullying at school, which affected her mental health.
She said: “I just didn’t feel like I was able to thrive in a normal school setting anymore.”
Returning to college was initially daunting, but she quickly found her feet – and her courage has been rewarded with the grade she has worked so hard for.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic with my distinction! This is just amazing,” said Jess, from Stanton Hill, Sutton-in-Ashfield. “I’ve excelled on my course after being home-schooled for two years before college.”
Jess admits the transition back into education was challenging.
“It was rough at first. It was kind of overwhelming to have so many people there again and having to find my feet, but luckily the animal care team are just all so lovely and supportive,” she said.
Her experience at West Notts has also transformed her confidence.
She said: “I made loads of friends and was able to get to know the people around me. The sense of community is fantastic.”
Despite missing two years of schooling, Jess did well in her GCSEs, achieving a grade 7 as her highest grade – and says continuing this pattern of success with her T Level distinction was an especially satisfying achievement.
She is now set to study a veterinary nursing degree at Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst campus as she pursues her dream of becoming a vet.
“I want to be a vet nurse and specialise in critically ill cases, treating really poorly animals and extreme emergencies. I’m excited for what the future holds.”
Jess Bowler’s distinction in the T Level in animal care and management means she’s set to study to become a veterinary nurse at Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst campus.
Aspiring politician Callum Laidlaw, 18, achieved an A* in film studies and A grades in politics and history in his A Levels to secure his place at the University of Leeds to study political science.
“I’m really happy with my results,” said Callum, from Mansfield. “I was hoping I could do even better, without sounding too big-headed, but I’ve achieved the level I thought I could and I’m really satisfied.
“I’m going to Leeds to study political science, which is essentially politics and sociology applied together. It’s quite a narrow course and that really appealed to me because it feels exactly suited to what I want to do.”
Callum was keen to study at the college as two of his subjects were not offered at his school’s sixth form, and he is glad he made the decision.
He said: “It can sometimes be difficult to find specialist teachers, which was one of the reasons I didn’t stay at sixth form. I came here and had three great teachers who taught me exactly what I needed to know.
“As much as I’d like to put the results down to my own hard work, sometimes you need that leg-up and I’ve definitely had that from my teachers at college.”
Callum, whose ultimate goal is to become a politician, said: “To begin my career, if I could become a local MP, that would be amazing in itself. Otherwise, I’d be interested in industrial relations or teaching.
“I think the most important thing is doing something you’re genuinely interested in. I’ve worked hard for two years, so it’s definitely worth celebrating, and I’m really looking forward to what comes next.”
Callum Laidlaw’s A* in film studies and two A grades in history and politics have earnt him a place at the University of Leeds to study political science.
Avery Alsop is celebrating after achieving a distinction in his T Level in health – a result that puts him firmly on track to pursue his ambition of becoming a nurse.
The 18-year-old, who completed his industry placement at King’s Mill Hospital’s discharge lounge, said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I thought I was going to get a merit and this is even better, so I’m very happy.”
Avery, from Huthwaite, Sutton-in-Ashfield, admits the two-year T Level was more challenging than anticipated.
“I didn’t think it would be easy, but I also didn’t think it would be this difficult either, but I’ve pushed through,” he said.
His industry placement gave Avery the opportunity to experience working in a hospital environment for the first time, which he described as “fantastic.”
He said: “I’ve never been in a hospital ward properly from a work perspective, and it went so well. The team were amazing.”
Alongside his studies, Avery took on extra-curricular responsibilities as the lead learner representative for his department and was also a student governor, balancing course commitments with board meetings and representing other students.
“Sometimes it was a bit difficult, when you’re thinking ‘I’ve got revision to do’ but I just found a way to balance it evenly,” he said.
Avery will now progress to studying for a degree in adult nursing at Nottingham Trent University’s Mansfield hub, with ambitions of eventually working in a hospital’s intensive care or accident and emergency departments.
He said: “I think I either needed a pass or a merit for the degree I’ve chosen, and I’ve got a distinction, so I’m really pleased,” he said.
Reflecting on his time at West Notts, Avery added: “I’ve enjoyed it so much. The staff are incredible. They’ve always made sure to support us, no matter what.”
Avery Alsop pictured with proud mum Marie Froggatt after discovering he’s achieved a distinction grade in the T Level in health, which will see him study a degree in adult nursing at Nottingham Trent University’s Mansfield hub.
Charlie Hogg, from Mansfield, is heading to the University of Leeds to study astrophysics after achieving an A* in maths, an A in physics and a B in history in his A Level studies.
“I’m really happy with my results and I’ve got the grades I needed to go to Leeds,” said Charlie. “I visited a few universities, but I really liked the campus there and I’m looking forward to starting at the end of September.”
Charlie explained that he’s been interested in space and astrophysics since he was a child but realises now it’s much more complex.
He said: “Space is an easy thing to be interested in when you’re younger, but when you actually get into the subject you realise it’s basically a lot of maths – so you’ve got to really like maths, which luckily I do.”
The 18-year old was full of praise for his time at college.
He said: “College has been really good. A few friends I already knew came to study at West Notts, and it really helped knowing some familiar faces, but it was also easy to meet new people and connect with them.
“I’ve had a good time here and I think it’s probably been my favourite part of education so far.”
Charlie Hogg’s A* in maths, an A in physics and a B in history will take him to the University of Leeds to study astrophysics.
Hollie Stevenson, 18, admitted she “couldn’t believe” her A Level results after achieving A* grades in biology and psychology and an A in English language.
“I did well in my mock exams, but I was still really nervous about results day, so I can’t believe I’ve actually done it,” said Hollie, from Sutton-in-Ashfield. “Especially biology – I came home after that exam panicking because I genuinely thought I’d failed it, and now I’ve got an A* grade!”
Hollie’s next chapter in her learning journey will see her going to the University of Reading to study clinical applied psychology – a subject that has appealed to her for many years.
“My degree course will be quite practical and therapy-based, which really appeals to me. I’ve known that I wanted to do something involving therapy for quite a long time – probably since the end of primary school,” she explained.
“I’ve already visited Reading, looked around the accommodation and seen the psychology clinics they have on site, so I feel confident about where I’m going and I’m looking forward to starting.”
Hollie insisted the college provided a “really supportive” environment, explaining: “I did find A Levels quite stressful at times and the welfare team was very helpful. There are lots of nice people here and the teachers have all been really supportive too.”
Hollie is keen to advise up-coming sixth form students to not overly worry, saying: “My advice to anyone starting their A Levels would be to try not to stress too much.
“Even if things don’t go exactly the way you want them to, everything will be fine.”
Hollie Stevenson was overwhelmed with her two A* grades in biology and physics and an A in English language, which have secured her place at the University of Reading to study clinical applied psychology.
Sadie Grace, 18, from Hucknall, was thrilled to achieve three A grades in law, biology and criminology in her A Levels – exceeding the grades she needed to study biomedical science at York St John University.
“I’m so happy because I really didn’t think I was going to get three As,” said Sadie. “I needed two B grades and a C to get into university and biology was the subject I was most worried about. I didn’t think I was even going to get the B I needed, so to open my results and see an A was amazing,” she said.
“At the start I didn’t actually like biology that much, but something just sparked when I started revising and really getting into it. I realised how much I enjoyed learning about the human body and that whole aspect of biology, so biomedical science felt the perfect course to study.”
The college’s sixth form has been a place of camaraderie and great friendships, according to Sadie.
“College has been really good,” she said. “Even when we didn’t have to come into college, my friend and I still came in so we could revise together. I’d have been disappointed if all that work had been for nothing – but it’s definitely paid off.
“I’m going away on holiday tomorrow, so tonight we’re going to have a few drinks at home and celebrate. I’m just so happy.”
Triple A grades in law, biology and criminology left Sadie Grace excited for her future at York St John University where she’ll study biomedical science.
Jake Myerscough was delighted to achieve a distinction in his T Level in engineering, manufacturing, processing and control, which he hopes will help him secure a highly- competitive degree apprenticeship and ultimately a career in aerospace engineering.
Jake, 18, had been predicted a distinction but admitted there was still uncertainty when he opened his results.
“I feel absolutely amazing,” he said. “I was expecting a distinction but you never know when it comes to the results. You might get a merit instead, so when I saw my grade, my eyes lit up.”
The distinction is particularly significant for Jake as he has ambitious plans for his future.
“It was very important, because I’m aiming high. I feel like having a better grade will give me a greater chance of getting into where I want to go,” he said.
Jake, from Clipstone, plans to spend around a year working to gain even more industry experience.
His next step will be to join F1 Laser, in Shirebrook, where he completed his industry placement as part of his T Level studies.
“I’ve proved myself to be very useful and a good worker, so I’m really looking forward to that,” he insisted.
After that, he aims to apply for a degree apprenticeship and is aware of how competitive these opportunities can be.
“Degree apprenticeships are difficult to get hold of, depending on where you look. Companies such as Rolls-Royce and ITP Aero want the best of the best,” he said.
Jake hopes to specialise in mechanical engineering, and has a particular interest in aerospace – and credits his college course with setting him on the right path.
“The T Level was tough – very tough,” he said. “But I knew what I was getting into. I wanted to challenge myself and I put in the effort and it’s really paid off.”
Jake Myerscough’s distinction in the T Level in engineering, manufacturing, processing and control means he can begin employment with the ambition of eventually securing a degree apprenticeship and career in aerospace engineering.
Principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley MBE said: “Today is a proud milestone for our A Level and Level 3 technical and vocational students, and I congratulate them all on what they have achieved.
“Their success represents two years of effort, commitment, resilience and determination, with students embracing opportunities both inside and outside college to prepare for their futures.
“Whether they are progressing to university, an apprenticeship, employment or further study, they leave us with the skills, knowledge, confidence and personal qualities to make a positive contribution wherever their next steps take them.
“We are incredibly proud of everything our students have accomplished and grateful to the families, carers and employers who have supported them throughout their journey.
“I would also like to thank our exceptional teaching and support staff, whose expertise, encouragement and unwavering belief in our students help them realise their ambitions. Their commitment changes lives every day, and today's achievements reflect that shared success.
“To all of our students, we wish you every success and happiness as you begin your next exciting chapter.”
Abu Bakar Yasin from BBC’s Newsbeat team discovered more about Jess Bowler’s dreams to work with animals.
West Nottinghamshire College offers one of the widest ranges of A Level subjects in the area, delivered at its dedicated Mansfield and Ashfield Sixth Form College on the Chesterfield Road campus, Mansfield. The site boasts fully-equipped classrooms, science laboratories, IT suites, and dedicated social and support areas – creating an environment where students can thrive, aided by cutting-edge facilities and high-quality teaching.
Technical and vocational courses, including T Levels, are taught at the Derby Road campus in Mansfield, as well as the college’s specialist construction and engineering centres in Mansfield, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield respectively. Each site is equipped with state-of-the-art, industry-standard resources where students develop the skills for successful careers, taught by teachers with industry experience.
Anybody interested in studying at the college should call 0808 100 3626.
To watch the video from results day, take a look below: