Doors open for students as results day celebrations begin

LAKES College celebrated another year of exceptional results, with 97 per cent of students who applied to university securing a place, alongside many others progressing into apprenticeships, skilled employment and exciting new careers. 

Our T Level learners achieved great success, with 75 per cent of achievers securing a merit or distinction – a testament that reflects the dedication of its students and staff. 

T Levels are two-year technical qualifications, equivalent to three A Levels, developed with employers to meet industry needs. They combine classroom study with a minimum of 45 days on industry placement, preparing learners for their next steps. 

Lakes College was one of the first providers in the country to deliver T Levels in 2021, starting with courses in Health, Construction, Science, Digital, and Education and Childcare. Since then, the offer has grown to include Business and Engineering. 

Principal Chris Nattress said: “We are incredibly proud of all our learners and the outstanding results they have achieved this year.  

“T Levels provide a fantastic combination of academic knowledge and practical experience, and these results are a reflection of the commitment shown by our students and staff. It’s wonderful to see so many progressing into their chosen careers, higher education, or skilled employment – they are an inspiration to future learners.” 

Students across a range of subjects shared their excitement about their results and the next steps in their journeys. 

Libby Cross, who completed her T Level in Health, is heading to Northumbria University to study Adult Nursing. She said: “I’m proud of my results. The mix of practical and theory gave me real hands-on experience – even leading to a job from my placement.” 

Natasha Bell, who studied T Level Science, will begin her degree at the University of Cumbria after gaining valuable experience on placement, which led to a summer job. She said: “My work placement was brilliant – it gave me a real insight into working in a professional environment and showed me what’s possible.” 

Harley Bowness, a T Level Digital Student, is joining Cumbria Police through the degree entry route. He said: “Work placements showed me industry standards like professionalism, and gave me a real insight into jobs in the digital industry. However, this course allowed me to keep my options open, and I’ve been able to take my transferrable skills into my path to policing.” 

Other learners are heading into fields including midwifery, business, and further study, with many crediting their T Level placement experience as a crucial step towards their goals. 

As well as T Level students, learners on other Level 3 courses who had completed their studies also collected their results on the day, celebrating alongside their peers.