City’s T-level pioneers are staying local to go far

Stoke-on-Trent’s first students to achieve the government’s new T Level qualification have spoken of their decision to stay local to go far. 

Ben Stevenson and Hamza Hussain, both studied T Level Digital Design and Development at City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College and are now set to progress on to degree courses at Staffordshire University. 

Ben, who achieved a Distinction, will be taking up his offer of a place to study BSc (Hons) Cyber Security. He said: “I feel amazing. I’ve had a permanent smile on my face since I opened my envelope.” 

“Staffordshire University was quite local and that was a big push to go there. Also I was really interested in the facilities when I took a look at what they had.” 

Hamza has confirmed his offer of a place on the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree. He added: “I just went to Staffs and looked at the computer science teaching and the equipment they have and everything and it’s really good and just made me want to go there.” 

Executive Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions, Sapreena Kumari said: “We want to say a huge congratulations to students who have got the grades they want and who will shortly be joining our university community.” 

“We aim to be a first choice university for students in our region wanting an excellent academic experience and have invested millions in our facilities to make the student experience even better. 

“We are also interested in hearing from students who haven’t yet decided their next steps as we have places available on courses across a range of subject areas.”  

Staffordshire University was recently named the fourth best university in the UK in the 2022 StudentCrowd Awards – based entirely on student reviews. It also came ninth for job prospects, 14th for course content and 16th for teaching quality. 

Stoke-on-Trent Sixth form College have reported their best results in over a decade with many of their student gaining a place on their chosen course at university. 

Their impressive student performance includes a 99 per cent pass rate across A level and vocational subjects and an increase in the number of students achieving high grades.  

The sixth form college was also one of the first places nationally to pilot T Levels, and all students receiving their grades have achieved their qualification including the subject specialism and industry placement. 75% achieved the equivalent of higher grades A* to B. 

College Principal, Mark Kent said : “Congratulations to all our students who have been so positive and worked so hard to achieve their excellent results. Throughout the interruption of the pandemic, they have demonstrated great determination and resilience in sitting formal examinations and assessments.  

“With more than 50 academic and vocational courses studied, it is great to see that yet again as a college we have maintained our track record of excellence and for the first time T Level results – all students achieved their industry placement and 75% achieved the equivalent of A*-B grade.” 

Clearing Information Advice and Guidance from Staffordshire University: 

• Visit staffs.ac.uk/clearing to view all courses in Clearing, access our offer calculator generator and talk to us via our Live Chat function 

• Talk to experts by calling our Clearing Hotline on 0800 590 830 

• Book onto our on campus open day taking place on Saturday 20 August from 9.30am – 3.00pm 

• Message us on social media – find us by searching @staffsuni. 

Maria Scrivens

Communications Manager

t: 01782 294375

m: 07766 520339

e: m.c.scrivens@staffs.ac.uk

Staffordshire University is a Civic University which plays a leading role in improving the regional economy and enhancing quality of life in local communities. We pride ourselves on being connected to the needs of students, academic partners, business and society.

We ranked 6th for social inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 and were in the top 15 for Student Satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2022.

Our main city campus in Stoke-on-Trent features excellent learning and teaching facilities and good transport links. We have a Centre for Health Innovation in Stafford and our Staffordshire University London campus is committed to preparing students for careers in new and emerging tech industries.