Derby College Group T Level students celebrate outstanding results

Derby College Group (DCG) students have once again demonstrated the power of T Levels in preparing young people for the world of work, with strong results across seven subject areas and success stories that show the value of combining classroom learning with real-world industry placements.

Across the 85 students completing their T Levels this year, a quarter achieved a Distinction – the equivalent of three A grades at A Level – and 91% achieved a Merit or above.

In Construction, half of all students secured a Distinction, this has doubled from the previous year. The success comes in the same week that DCG received national recognition as one of only nine institutions in the UK, and the lead organisation for the East Midlands, to be named a Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC).

In Education and Early Years, 60% of students achieved a Distinction, and the course is already oversubscribed for the next academic year, highlighting its popularity and proven track record.

Brian Maylan, Vice Principal, Technical and Vocational Education said: “These results showcase the dedication, skills and ambition of our T Level students, alongside the quality of teaching and the strength of our employer partnerships. T Levels are a fantastic route for young people to develop both technical expertise and professional confidence, setting them up for success in higher education, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workplace. I’m extremely proud of what our students and staff have achieved.”

Priya Sangha, T Level student received an Academic Performance and Professional Behaviour Award from Dr Omar Tawfiq - Teacher of Professional Construction.  

Priya Sangha, 18, from Duffield, has completed her two-year T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning with a Distinction and is now working with Kier Construction as a Degree Apprentice in Quantity Surveying.

She gained valuable hands-on experience through her T Level placement with Kier while studying at DCG’s Roundhouse campus.

“I’m delighted to be starting my career at Kier Construction,” said Priya. “I love being involved in exciting projects. T Levels have helped me develop both practical and academic skills, and they’re perfect if you know the career you want. They’ve fast-tracked me into my chosen profession.”

Carl York, Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator at Kier Construction, added: “Priya is fantastic and has quickly become part of the team. We’re very pleased with the work she’s been doing. T Levels are a great option for our business as they allow us to recognise and nurture talent like Priya’s early on.”

Majd Khador, Curriculum Manager – Professional Construction said: “Priya’s story is exactly why T Levels are so valuable, they give students the skills, experience and confidence to walk straight into a career. Our recent recognition as a Construction Technical Excellence College further strengthens our ability to work with industry leaders like Kier and ensure our students are at the forefront of construction innovation.”

Josh Arlott, 18, from Sinfin, achieved a Merit in his Science T Level and has secured a degree apprenticeship with Intertek in Derby.

Over the past two months, he has been working with the company as part of his T Level placement and will begin a four-year part-time Metallurgy degree at Sheffield Hallam University this September.

“T Levels appealed to me more than A Levels because I prefer practical work to purely academic study,” said Josh. “The course and placement have been great, and the experience I’ve gained has directly led to my degree apprenticeship.”

Jayden Waghorn, 18, from South Derbyshire, (below right) achieved an Overall Distinction in his Digital Production, Design and Development T Level. Always passionate about programming and IT, Jayden thrived on the challenge of complex problem-solving.

His course included an industry placement at Rolls-Royce, where he worked on software development projects.  “I’ve loved the teams, both at college and during my placement,” said Jayden. “The experience has built my confidence and given me a whole new set of skills.”  

Jayden praised DCG’s supportive environment and engaging course content: “The college has been really supportive, and the course has been fascinating. I’ve learned so much about both the technical and practical sides of digital production.”

Now that Jayden is equipped with his T Level, he is now considering his next steps.