Many hundreds of students have again excelled on vocational and skills-based courses at Truro and Penwith College.

Nearly 1,000 students have completed level three courses this summer, with an exceptional number achieving high grades, which confirms Truro and Penwith College as one of the largest and highest-quality providers of higher-level vocational qualifications nationally.

On BTEC level three extended diploma courses, 396 students achieved at least a triple distinction - equivalent to three As at A level - representing nearly two thirds of all the students, which is nearly double the national average. Over half of these students attained the very highest grade possible, the triple distinction star - equivalent to three A* grades at A Level.

The majority of students on these diploma courses will be progressing onto degree courses in the autumn, including some of the most competitive Russell Group universities.

Two examples of students achieving the triple distinction star grades are Katie-Ann Meeson and Sam Weedon, both from Wadebridge. Katie-Ann, who gained the exceptional result in her production arts and live events diploma, is progressing onto the Guildhall School of Music and Drama to study BA technical theatre arts while Sam, who completed his engineering diploma, will be taking on an apprenticeship with Daften Die Casting.

Fellow engineering diploma student Sam Philp, a former Looe Community Academy student, will be setting off to work for an engineering company in Canada while former Camelford student Jamie Williams is off to Plymouth to study mechanical design and engineering.

David Wilson from Bodmin also achieved a triple distinction star in his IT (general) diploma and has secured a place at Bournemouth to study computing. Travelling to Bournemouth alongside David will be former Richard Lander student Tylor Arnold, Sam Friggins from Hayle Community School and Lewis Dean, previously from Mounts Bay Academy.

Other triple distinction star students include Alabama Seymour, who attended Richard Lander prior to Truro and Penwith College. She has gained a place at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance where she will study a BA Hons in ballet and contemporary dance.

Triple distinction stars on the extended diploma in dance have also been achieved by former Penryn College student Mitchell Davis who will study a BA Hons in contemporary dance at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance while Talia Sealey, previously from Mullion School, will attend the London Contemporary Dance School to also study contemporary dance.

Applied science (medical science) diploma students Alex Doyle and Chloe Dillow, both from Richard Lander, will also progress onto university with Alex studying a BSc Hons in biomedical science at the University of Surrey while Chloe is off to the University of Bath to study a BSc Hons in biomedical science and placements.

Mark Arnold, director of quality at the college, said: “The exceptional achievements of our students on these courses means that they have the best possible progression opportunities onto university, into employment or into apprenticeships. With such a wide range of employment-linked courses on offer, which includes over 20 different extended diploma courses, as well as other full-time, specialist occupational and skills-based courses; we can ensure students are able to choose the right course for them. They can also be assured that by choosing one of only three further education or tertiary colleges to be graded outstanding, over the last two years of 130 college inspections, they will receive a teaching and learning experience that is second to none. All staff here are delighted for these students and wish them well in the great progression opportunities their success has made possible.”