Celebration is underway at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) following a "record-breaking" year of A Level, T Level and vocational results for the Class of 2026.

Learners across the Newcastle, Stafford and Leek campuses are today celebrating top-grade achievements that pave the way for exciting future destinations.

Commenting on the results, Craig Hodgson, Principal and Chief Executive of NSCG said: "Results day is always a moment of incredible pride and the Class of 2026 has set a phenomenal standard.

"Seeing our students' relentless effort, drive and passion pay off today is hugely inspiring.

"Their success opens doors to top-tier universities, prestigious apprenticeships and exciting careers, and we couldn't be prouder of their achievements.

For A Levels, 1,435 entries recorded an overall pass rate of 99.2 per cent, with 62.5 per cent of students earning top grades of A*-B (58 per cent in 2025) and 28.4 per cent achieving A*-A (24 per cent in 2025). Overall, 85.6 per cent of entries achieved A*-C grades (85.3 per cent in 2025).

The A+ Programme* saw 78.4 per cent grades Distinction or above.

A Level subjects with a 100 per cent pass rate included Animation, Art & Design, Business Studies, Computing, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, Film Studies, Graphic Design, Geography, History, Law, Media Studies, Philosophy, Religion & Ethics, Photography, Physics and Politics.

T Level Pathways had a 99 per cent pass rate, with 30 per cent of learners achieving Distinction grades or higher and 83.7 per cent achieving Merit grades or higher (73 per cent in 2025).

Particularly strong subjects included Digital Production Design & Development, where 66.7 per cent of students achieved Distinction grade or above, Education and Childcare where 59 per cent of students achieved Distinction grade or above and Legal Services, where 44 percent of students achieved Distinction grade or above.

For Vocational Qualifications (BTEC), 1203 entries achieved a 99 per cent pass rate, with 58.6 per cent securing high Triple Distinction grades (56.2 per cent in 2025) and 82.3 per cent achieving DMM or higher (80.2 per cent in 2025).

Vocational Disciplines Securing High Grade Success (% of learners achieving Triple Distinction** or above):

• Fashion (Stafford): 94.7 per cent
• Music Technology (Stafford): 91 per cent
• Applied Science: 88.2 per cent Newcastle / 72.7 per cent Stafford
• Travel & Tourism (Stafford): 84 per cent
• Sport & Exercise Science (Newcastle): 74.5 per cent
• Games Design: 72.2 per cent Newcastle / 69.2 per cent Stafford
• Media Production (Stafford): 71.1 per cent
• Photography (Newcastle): 69 per cent
• Graphic Design (Newcastle): 68.8 per cent
• Travel & Tourism (Newcastle): 68.5 per cent

* BTEC vocational subjects studied alongside A Levels (one A Level equivalent).

**Triple Distinction status carries the equivalent weight of AAA at A Level.

Craig Hodgson added: "Behind every great student is an extraordinary team, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our outstanding teaching and support staff. Their guidance and commitment remain the foundation of our success.

"As we celebrate today's triumphs, we also look forward to welcoming our new intake this September to begin their own journey with us."

NSCG students are set to make their mark at world-class institutions nationwide.

Destinations for the Class of 2026 include the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, King's College London, University of Birmingham, University of Manchester, University of Nottingham, University of Liverpool, Durham University, Falmouth University, Loughborough University and Edinburgh University, as well as prestigious apprenticeships with the likes of BAE Systems, Bentley Motors, Rolls Royce and Capula.

To find out more about NSCG, visit the website here.

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