Colleges for North East England, a powerful partnership of Further Education providers, is celebrating exceptional achievement rates with the region collectively outperforming national averages across A-Levels, T Levels, apprenticeships, and a range of vocational and technical subjects.
The results, published in the Department for Education’s National Achievement Rates Tables (NARTs) for 2024-25, highlights the strength and impact of the North East’s further education sector which continues to deliver high-quality outcomes while playing a vital role in opening up opportunity and driving social and economic progress.
For 16-18 student achievement, the North East surpassed the General Further Education (GFE) rate of 88% with standout performances in manufacturing and engineering, digital technologies, and construction.
T Levels outcomes were also highly successful, with the region achieving pass rates above the national 93% benchmark. Programmes in health, building services engineering, and design surveying and planning placed the North East among the top-performing regions in the country, while courses in agriculture, land-based and production also exceeded the national average.
Apprenticeships performed strongly, with a combined achievement above 70% – exceeding the national benchmark – reflecting a commitment to employer engagement, delivering training that meets the needs of industry, and supporting economic growth.
In a joint statement, the CEOs of Colleges for North East England, said: “We are incredibly proud of the North East’s outstanding performance in the latest National Achievement Rates Tables. These results reflect the exceptional quality of education delivered across our region and the dedication of our staff, students and partners.
“As colleges at the heart of our communities, our collective mission is to widen participation, remove barriers to learning and ensure every learner can thrive. To see the North East consistently outperform national averages across so many subjects and pathways demonstrates the powerful role further education plays in creating opportunity, supporting local talent and strengthening our regional economy.”
Colleges for North East England brings together the regions colleges to work collaboratively to drive sustainable economic growth, advance social justice and foster innovation.
Consisting of Bishop Auckland College, Derwentside College, East Durham College, Education Partnership North East (Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form), Gateshead College, Newcastle College, New College Durham, and Tyne Coast College, the partnership is focused on advancing skills in high-growth sectors, to ensure the North East remains at the forefront of skills development, economic resilience, and social progress.
Collectively, Colleges for North East England is responsible for educating and training significant volumes of young people, adult learners, and apprentices, with provision spanning from entry-level to higher education.
With over 62,000 students, the partnership is committed to ensuring that people from all backgrounds can access life-changing opportunities.
