STUDENTS in Thurrock have been finding out how they fared in their A-levels after results were announced today (Thursday, 18 August).

Borough Mayor Cllr James Halden visited USP College's Palmer's campus and the Harris Academy at Chafford Hundred this morning to speak to students as they collected their rsults.

He was accompanied by education portfolio holder Cllr Barry Johnson who said: "We met a number of young people receiving their A Level results and it was wonderful to speak with students reflecting on their time in school and talking about their aspirations and next steps.

Cllr Halden at USP Palmer's campus.

"As we move further forward following the coronavirus pandemic, its impact is still being felt by many young people through the education system. Reflecting this uneven impact, and in partnership with partnering local authorities in other areas of the country, we will not be making a statement about the specific results today.

"I would encourage you to focus on the individual young people and their successes today. These results are for them and I would like to congratulate students for their resilience, determination and the results that they have worked so hard to achieve."

USP College principal Dan Pearson has spoken of his pride in students at the three campuses in South Essex (Seevic Campus based at Runnymede Chase, Benfleet and Palmer's Campus based at Chadwell Road, Grays and the Xtend Digital Campus at Canvey Island). He said: "I'm delighted to see such high percentages of successes across our career paths, with many students getting the grades they need for their exciting next steps and future plans."  

Dan Pearson.

"These results come on the back of the significant progress we've made over the past couple of years, culminating in a positive outcome of Good from the Ofsted inspection last year. A big well done to the students who've achieved these great results, it's been a privilege working with them on their learning journey at USP College." 

95.3% of A-Level students passed at USP sites.This is an increase of 5.2% from 2019, the last year which exams were run, where the college achieved a 90.1% A Levels pass rate.  

The 2022 USP College A Levels cohort also boasts an 86.6% achievement rate, which is four per cent above the national average for General FE Colleges (82.6%).  

In addition, the percentage of students achieving at least an A* or B grade has increased by 10.7% from 2019.  

15 A Level courses achieved a 100% pass rate across the USP College campuses in Benfleet and Grays. These included Art & Design, Biology, Classical Civilisation, Drama & Theatre, English Language & Literature, Further Mathematics and Media Studies. 

Inspire Youth Hub Careers Advisers offer free help for young people in making their next steps, supporting them to discover a world of further education, training, apprenticeship and job opportunities.

Anyone aged 16 to 25 is welcome to drop into Inspire Youth Hub (24-28 Orsett Road, Grays) Tuesday to Friday, or contact the team in advance to have a conversation or make an appointment. For more information go to www.thurrockopportunities.co.uk/inspire-youth-hub, email [email protected] or call 01375 413 735.