Record-breaking students celebrate results at Accrington and Rossendale College

Top marks for future teacher Rosie

A career working with children is on the cards for Rosie Proctor after completing her Level 3 Education and Early Years course.

The former Mount Carmel student achieved A*, the highest grade possible, on the Accrington and Rossendale College course.

The Accrington resident has now secured her dream job, working as a nursery practitioner at Tudor House Day Nursery in her hometown.

“I was quite nervous before getting my results but as soon as I opened them I was really pleased, I can’t believe how well I’ve done,” said Rosie. “I’ll be telling my mum first and then I’ll be celebrating by going out for food and to a party with my friends.”

The Level 3 course included a 750-hour placement at the nursery where she’s now employed, where she spent time with different age groups.

She said: “Getting the experience made me realise I definitely want to do this job. I got to plan activities for the children, which was fantastic.”

She praised the college for the help she received during her studies. “All the tutors were really supportive, if I ever needed anything they were there, which made a huge difference,” she said.

Switching colleges was a game changer for Leon

Future games designer Leon Haque turned his grades around after switching to Accrington and Rossendale College – and is now destined for university.

The former Rhyddings pupil achieved two Distinctions and a Merit on his Level 3 Digital/IT course and was shocked to have done better than expected.

“I thought I knew what I was going to get so when I opened my results it felt crazy – it was a lot higher than I expected,” he said. “I thought is this really mine, I thought that’s a result that smart people get! But I must be smart.”

Leon, who lives in Oswaldtwistle, had begun his course at another college but wanted a fresh start after not achieving as much as he hoped. “The college have been 100 per cent supportive and really pushed me to get my grades back up,” he said. “It was tough at times, but it was what I needed.”

As part of his course, Leon completed a remote work placement with Harrington’s Learning Centre, which gave him social media skills and other real-world experience.

He’s now taking up a place at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge on a BA (Hons) games design degree, turning his gaming hobby into a career.

Leon, who was excited to reveal his results to his mum and sister in person, said: “I’ve grown up playing games and I thought it would be amazing to create something that’s out there, being played. My course has given me the experience and confidence to do that and I can’t wait to get to university.”

He added: “For anyone considering this course, I’d say do it. It can be challenging but in a good way.”

Final score for high-flying sports coach Ryan

Accrington and Rossendale student Ryan is celebrating an outstanding achievement by securing the highest grades possible, D* D* D*, in his Level 3 Sports Coach Development Course.

Ryan’s passion for sport extends beyond the classroom. Outside of college, he coaches an U13s grassroots football club and stays active through regular exercise like running and swimming.

The former St Augustine’s student will continue this passion by working full-time for a year as a leisure attendant at Accrington Academy before starting a university course in sports marketing.

The Level 3 course involved a three-week work placement in Salerno, Italy, where he gained practical experience coaching football for children. He said: “I enjoyed getting away and having the opportunity to learn and apply my skills in a different environment.”

Ryan also praised the college, saying: “My time at Accrington and Rossendale College taught me so much but it was also a laugh.” He went on to compliment his tutors, talking of the top-quality support he received, the fantastic friends he made during his time at college and the solid work relationships he built with his tutors through valuable one-to-ones.