Wiltshire College & University Centre (WCUC) is celebrating another year of remarkable student achievement, with a 97% pass rate in vocational technical Level 3 qualifications.
Many departments achieved a perfect 100% pass rate, including Beauty, Health, Performing Arts, Motorsport Engineering, Life Sciences, Sport and Equine, while Visual Arts, Public Services and Travel and Tourism students recorded an impressive 99% pass rate.
At T Level, the College once again saw every student succeed, with a 100% pass rate across the two-year courses that combine classroom learning with 315 hours of industry placement.
Results day was one of joy and relief for students across Wiltshire’s campuses. Among those celebrating was Engineering and Manufacturing T Level student Harrison Coles from Trowbridge, who earned a Distinction. Harrison completed his placement with Knorr-Bremse in Melksham and is now progressing to an engineering apprenticeship with Apetito. “This course has given me the industry knowledge I needed, and I’m really happy with the result,” he said.
Fellow Engineering student Ella Gould, 18, from Chippenham, also achieved a Distinction after completing her placement with Penta ESP in Corsham. She will begin a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship in September. Business student Ruby Martin, 18, from Calne, was thrilled with her Distinction, which secures her place at Bournemouth University to study Marketing and Digital Strategy.
Health and Science T Level students also shone, with many securing Distinctions and Merits. Tiegan Painter, 18, from Melksham, who is going on to study Paramedic Science, praised the practical side of her course: “I’ve had over 300 hours of placements in real settings. It wasn’t just textbooks—it was hands-on experience that has prepared me for the future.”
Her classmates shared similar experiences. Paige Jackson from Warminster gained a Merit and hopes to pursue nursing after completing her placement at Royal United Hospital in Bath. Izzy Wallis from Melksham, also with a Merit, is heading to UWE Bristol to study Midwifery. Chelsea Stephens, 19, from Westbury, described her placement at the RUH as invaluable, saying hospital staff provided encouragement and hands-on learning. She will be taking a gap year before studying paediatric medicine at Oxford Brookes University.
Other students are still finalising their next steps, but many reflected on how placements boosted their skills and confidence. Charliann Perry, 19, from Trowbridge, said: “Before, I didn’t have a lot of confidence, but the practical side of the course really helped me. Now I know I want a future in healthcare.”
Deputy Principal Curriculum & Quality, Jo Grenfell, praised both staff and students for their achievements. “It is really exciting to see pass rates improving. Our staff are absolutely delighted, because we’ve seen at first-hand the commitment these students have put in. Results day is always a celebration of that dedication. Most importantly, these results show that our students are leaving with the skills, knowledge and confidence to take their next step—whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or employment.”
With exceptional results across the board, Wiltshire College & University Centre continues to demonstrate the strength of its vocational and technical education, preparing students to thrive in higher education and industry alike.
For more information about courses at WCUC, visit: www.wiltshire.ac.uk
