UCS Bolton students celebrate A-level and technical success

Among those celebrating was Sofia Omar, who achieved Distinction, Distinction, Distinction** and will study podiatry at the University of Salford.

The school’s Applied Science students achieved an average grade of Distinction*, the highest results ever recorded for the qualification at UCS Sixth Form, while engineering students also delivered the strongest results in the history of the sixth form.

The impressive outcomes continue a successful period for the school, which is on course to achieve a third consecutive year in which every student progresses into a positive destination, including university, higher and degree apprenticeships, employment, or further training.

Stephanie Ossai achieved an outstanding triple Distinction* and has secured a healthcare assistant apprenticeship with Brighter Futures, while Zertashia Mir gained Distinction, Distinction, Distinction* and will begin a Level Three Dental Nurse Apprenticeship with Rodericks Dental in Farnworth.

Another student marking a significant personal achievement was Raghda Abdulrahman, who achieved a Distinction and two Distinctions in Applied Science* and will study Nursing at the University of Salford from September.

Raghda joined UCS Sixth Form in 2024 after moving to the UK the previous year and overcoming significant disruption before settling in Bolton.

Her results represent the culmination of determination and hard work as she prepares to embark on a career in healthcare.

Niall Muncaster, Head of Sixth Form at UCS, praised the achievements of students and highlighted the range of progression routes secured by this year’s cohort.

He said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and the results they have achieved today.

“What makes these results particularly special is the range of destinations our students are now moving on to.

“Some are heading to university, others are taking higher and degree apprenticeships, and others are moving directly into employment.

“UCS has always believed that there should be different routes to success, and our job is to make sure every student has the qualifications, skills, and confidence they need to take their next step.”

Headteacher Ian Barry said the results showed that technical and vocational pathways can be just as effective as traditional academic routes in preparing young people for successful futures.

“Our students’ superb results prove that the technical and vocational routes work perfectly for many students.

“There are many different routes to success and these routes provide the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to progress into higher education, apprenticeships, skilled employment, and rewarding careers.

“This is strongly aligned with the direction of travel championed by Andy Burnham.

“His vision for a system that gives every person a clear line of sight to a good career, connects education with employers, and values technical skills alongside achievement is one that we wholeheartedly support.”

Students at UCS Bolton today were able to celebrate their success but also the beginning of exciting new chapters as they take their next steps towards careers in healthcare, science, engineering, and other growing sectors.