New College Swindon Celebrates Outstanding A Level and Level 3 Results Day Success

New College Swindon (NCS) is celebrating the achievements of its students on Results Day 2025. With results now in across A Levels, T-Levels, BTECs, and technical qualifications, the college is thrilled to see students reaching new heights in their academic and personal journeys.

With the overall pass rate up on last year, across both A Level and Vocational courses, Principal and CEO Leah Palmer shared her pride in both students and staff: “Today is a celebration of the hard work, resilience, and ambition of our learners. It’s also a reflection of the passion and dedication of our teaching staff, who work tirelessly to unlock the personal potential of every student. We’re incredibly proud of the results and the future opportunities this sets our students up for.” Talking about the journey to excellence that NCS is on, Leah is excited by the promise of more success over the coming year for returning students, “This upward trajectory is further validated by even better AS Level outcomes, showing that our commitment to enhancing the NCS student journey is having a real impact and delivering measurable success.” A highlight for the College this year is the success of its students within the creative fields, such as art, textiles, photography, performing arts, and media studies. With an almost 100% pass rate across the 14 creative A Level and AS Level subjects. With national engagement in theatre, music and visual arts surging, many are now preparing for careers in one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse industries. Becky Turner gained B, C, B in Media Studies, English Literature and Language, and an Extended Project Qualification, as well as Distinctions* in Music Performance and Digital Music Production. She loved how practical the courses were and how supportive and encouraging the lecturers are. Her advice to new students, “throw yourself in to everything you do, talk to everyone, you never know where it could take you”. Becky is starting a Location Sound Recording Masters Diploma at the National Film and Television School. Reflecting on the past year Lynne Plested, Deputy Principal – Curriculum and Quality says, “Our success today is built on the quality of our courses, the expertise of our teaching staff, and the breadth of progression opportunities available to our students, whether a degree or a higher apprenticeship. We’re delighted that many students are choosing to continue their studies locally at our University Centre (NCSUC), where places are still available for September. NCSUC is a great option for those with ambitions of doing a quality degree but who want to stay local and save money.” NCS continues to drive growth, not only in student achievement, but in its own evolution as a leading provider of further and higher education. With cutting-edge facilities, a dynamic curriculum, and a culture of high aspiration, the College offers a learning environment where students thrive. Although further education for 16–18-year-olds is a key part of the College’s offer, New College Swindon also plays a vital role in upskilling the wider community, with qualifications and training opportunities for all ages. Matt Butcher, Vice Principal of Commercial, Skills and Partnerships is excited to share future plans for the new academic year. The £45million investment includes the brand-new Electric Vehicle Training Hub at the North Star Campus and substantial renovations at both the Queens Drive and North Star campuses that will enhance the student experience. He says “it is vital that we offer the high-quality courses and affordable training that the local community and surrounding areas need. We are very proud of all of our students today, and wish them every success for their future careers”.

— Student case studies below —

Duaa Musid

Duaa gained B, C, C in 3D Design, Photography, and Graphic Communication, loved how
practical her courses were and the support from the college allowed her to develop useful skills for
her future career.

Zach Butler

Zach achieved a Merit, Merit, Pass in Art and Design Practice chose the course because he
wanted to study locally. He found the course widened the variety of techniques, especially in
photography. Zach is looking forward to a gap year and then plans to attend University.

Trephil James

Trephil James plans to go straight in to employment after gaining B, D, Merit in Business, Economics,
Sports and Exercise Science. “The A Levels I chose have given me a strong foundation in how to run a
business and make money”.

Ruby Cook

Ruby Cook received a Merit in T Level Health and Social Care – “I chose New College Swindon
because of the skills lab and the passion of the lecturers. They offered great placement opportunities
and the support I received is amazing. I’m looking forward to studying adult nursing at Winchester
University.”

Emily-Kate Pastiljone

Emily-Kate Pastiljone who was delighted to gain A, A, C, C in Textiles, Film, English Literature, and
the Extended Project Qualification says, I really liked how much I could express myself through each
of the courses. Emily-Kate is off to study Film at the University of Westminster.

Ruby Blackburn

Ruby Blackburn who was a student Ambassador alongside studying Level 3 Performing Arts gained
D*, D, D. She plans to take a gap year before applying to university next year. Ruby says of choosing
to study at NCS, “the course provided me so many opportunities to work with those in the industry,
and has given me a feel for the working world rather than just focussing on going to uni”.

Gauri Sharma

Gauri Sharma received A*, A*, A*, A, Distinction* in Chemistry, Maths, Physics, an Extended Project
Qualification and Engineering is off to study Physics at her ‘dream university’ the University of
Manchester. Gauri chose New College Swindon because she wanted the independence that college
life could offer, as well as offering a supportive environment.

Evelyn Long

Evelyn Long gained D*D*D* in her BTEC National Extended Diploma in Art and Design Practice
(Photography) is looking forward to taking a gap year before starting her course at Bath Spa
University. Her advice for future students is, “to enjoy it all and make use of all of the amazing
facilities so you can keep improving your skills.”

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