Full Time Learners Aged 16-18 Years – Destinations (2020-21 Year-End)

Learner Destinations

All Levels

We successfully support the vast majority of our learners into positive destinations with 91.6% continuing in training, employment of higher education. This equates to 4,359 positive destinations.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

88.7% of Level 1 learners progressed into positive destinations.

89.4% of Level 2 learners progressed into positive destinations.

93.8% of Level 3 learners progressed into positive destinations.

The high rates of Level 1 and Level 2 learners continuing in education and training demonstrate the strength of our programmes in supporting young people to progress. These courses develop technical skills, build confidence and enhance future career prospects. Seamless progression pathways support individual learners whilst positively contributing to the productivity of the local and regional economy.

Overall the survey reported that 2,387 (95.6%) completing learners progressed to a positive destination, Higher Education (University), education, training or employment.

A positive progression rate is seen at all levels; Level 1: 97.2%, Level 2: 95.7%, Level 3: 94.6%. This continues a three year trend of positive outcomes for our learners.

3,404 learners (34.4%) from Level 3 progressed directly into Higher Education and 380 (32.3%) progressed into employment. The number of learners choosing to progress to Higher Education is consistent with numbers reported in 16/17. The numbers progressing to employment has increased again (+2%).

At lower levels the majority of learners continued in education. This is due to many learners arriving at college with less than five GCSEs grade C or above who followed preparatory qualifications as a stepping stone to Level 3 and beyond.

Impact on Regional Skills and the Regional Economy

STEM in the curriculum – trend analysis

Bar chart showing qualifications by 16 to 18 learners in STEM subjects

The local economy relies on a workforce with high level skills in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and especially in Mathematics). The chart shows the percentage of qualifications completed by learners aged 16-18 years that were in STEM related subjects. In 2020-21, 2,350 (48%) of our young people followed STEM programmes of study which is broadly in line with the previous year. We continue to see a good percentage of our learners studying STEM, showing our continued focus on ensuring we develop curriculum to meet the needs of these important sectors.

Progression to advanced level – trend analysis

Bar chart progression to advanced level courses by 16 to 18 learners

As detailed in the graph, 61% of all the College’s Level 2 learners progressed directly into Level 3 provision – an increase of 3.8% on the previous year. This demonstrates the value of our Level 2 provision in supporting learners to progress into advanced level technical training. The growing numbers of learners choosing this option shows the impact the College is having on the lives of young people and the benefits to the local and regional economy.