Ellesmere College students are celebrating the first results of the summer with the publication of the BTEC Sports and Coaching Development Diploma and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma results this week.

Students have to achieve at least 24 points to achieve the IB and the average of this year’s cohort at Ellesmere College was 27 points – with the top performer achieving 42 points out of a maximum of 45. This equates to 4 A*s at A level.

For those who took the BTEC 100% of them passed, including several Distinctions, the equivalent of A* at A level.

Another group of Ellesmere College students opted to complete the Extended Diploma – equal to 3 A Levels – and over 50% of grades achieved were Distinction star or Distinction.

Two students achieved the highest mark possible – three Distinction Stars – equivalent to A*A*A* at A Level.

He said: “I am delighted for our pupils who have done so well in the International Baccalaureate Diploma and BTEC programmes. Once again obtaining a 100% pass rate in both programmes which is a tremendous achievement.

“I commend them for how well they adjusted to the various disruptions to their school life over the duration of this two-year course, but they’ve moved to online learning and back seamlessly.

“They have certainly worked very hard and achieved an excellent set of results.

“They are exceptionally well prepared for university or their chosen career path following the rigorous demands of these courses of study.”

The IB Diploma was introduced at Ellesmere College 15 years ago, as an alternative to A Levels. Students who follow the course study six subjects, a course in The Theory of Knowledge, and produce a university standard Extended Essay as part of their assessment.

The BTEC Sport and Coaching Development Diploma is aimed at students who have their sights set on a career in the sporting, health and leisure industry and is seen as the ideal route into higher education and ultimately full-time employment within sport-related fields.

Ellesmere sixth formers’ have embraced the global perspective with places secured to study undergraduate programmes both in the UK and across the world.

The publication of A Level results will be on August 18 and GCSE results on August 25.