Richard Taunton Students Prepare for Next Steps
Students at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College have successfully secured their futures at a range of destinations, despite uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Two thirds of students applied to university this year, and initial progression reports indicate that roughly 66% of these students are taking up places in Hampshire, and the nearby counties of Sussex, Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire and Surrey. Increasingly, students are choosing to continue their studies locally, with nearly 20% of them accepting places at Southampton-based universities.
Richard Taunton students are also set to attend music schools and specialist performing arts schools. Additionally, a number of students are choosing to take up competitive apprenticeships with organisations such as accountancy firm BDO.
Hard Work and Dedication
Head of College, Paul Swindale, praised the hard work of students and staff:
“The college has always put a strong focus on preparing students for the future and this year has been no different. We are very proud of the hard work and dedication our students and staff have displayed during the lockdown period. They adapted so well to the changes and challenges that have been prevalent throughout this pandemic. The ambition and determination of our students to do well stands them in good stead for the future, and we are here to help ensure their plans are not affected adversely by the changes that have been made this year.”
In line with all education establishments across the country, the results awarded to Richard Taunton students this year were calculated in a standardised way. This approach takes into account the previous attainment of a student, a centre assessed grade, and the past performance of the college.
On the allocation of results, Paul Swindale said:
“Our overall pass rate is currently sitting at 97% for both A Level and vocational courses and this is not dissimilar from our results in 2019. With that being said, we know there are students who have been downgraded as a result of the standardisation process and we will be following this up. Recent visits from Ofsted and other external agencies have confirmed that Richard Taunton is rapidly improving and we believe that the calculated grades put forward by the college better reflect this. As a college we will do everything we can to help students reach their goals, but it is likely that we will not know the true outcomes of this year for quite a while yet.”
The college is supporting any students who need advice and guidance regarding UCAS applications, clearing, and any other future plans that may have been impacted by the pandemic and results.
Individual student success stories
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