RNC celebrates strong exam results and student achievement

RNC is delighted to announce another year of positive results for its students after their recent A Level/Level 3 examinations. These achievements demonstrate the College's continued success in providing a wide range of academic and vocational pathways that prepare blind and visually impaired students for higher education, employment, and independent living.
Students achieved an overall A Level pass rate of 81.35% (A* to E), with 68.75% achieving grades A* to C across Biology, Geography, History, Mathematics, Psychology, and Sociology.

Students completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) achieved an impressive 90.90% pass rate (A* to E), with 72.73% achieving grades A* to C. The EPQ is highly regarded by universities and employers as evidence of independent research, critical thinking, and project management skills.

Amelie Ford picked up an A in Geography and an A* in her EPQ, adding to the C in Biology and B in Psychology she previously gained at RNC, alongside Level 1 and Level 2 passes in Braille.

Reflecting on her time at RNC, Amelie said:

‘Studying at RNC has been an amazing experience for me that’s really boosted my confidence and encouraged me to be more independent, as well as getting me to the point that I can go to university.'

Amelie will be heading to Royal Holloway, University of London to study Environmental Geology with a year in industry. But before that she will be taking a well-deserved gap year with big plans ahead.

Firstly, she'll be playing for England at the Euros in Turkey this Autumn, after which she will take up a post with a charity for the visually impaired in Italy, empowering others to travel independently - from navigating airports to climbing Mount Etna!


Pictured: Amelie in front of the the entrance to RNC's Learning Hub

Harvey Ford-Simms picked up a B in A Level Psychology and a B in A Level Mathematics, adding to the B in A Level History he previously earned at RNC.

Harvey is taking a gap year before taking up his place at Newcastle University to study Aerospace Engineering. During his gap year he will be undergoing some surgery, but, once recuperated, he plans to spend time travelling, volunteering, and building up some more aviation work experience.

Looking back on his time at RNC, Harvey said:

‘I couldn’t have done this anywhere else. RNC really supported me.'


Pictured: Harvey standing in front of the Learning Hub entrance

The College also achieved an outstanding 100% pass rate across all Level 3 vocational qualifications in Business, Creative Music Industry, Fitness and Personal Training, Health and Social Care, Massage and Complementary Therapies, and Sports Coaching and Development.

Lucja Wyrwantowicz secured a Distinction* in her BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, an A in her EPQ, a C in A Level Psychology, and a Merit in the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Certificate in Health & Social Care.

She also balanced her busy final year of studies and sports to train with her new guide dog, Ulla.

Next stop for Lucja is the University of Salford, where she will be putting her passion and experience into practice studying Psychology of Sport. Lucja said:

‘RNC has opened so many doors for me. I’ve grown as a person in many areas and RNC has let me do that through academic and sporting experience. I wouldn't have developed as much or grown into the person that I am without the support at the College, and I've made some lifelong friends.'


Pictured: Lucja with guide dog Ulla

On top of this, RNC celebrated a 100% pass rate in Level 3 Braille, underlining the College's commitment to promoting literacy and independence for blind and visually impaired students.

Amy Griffin received a C in A Level History, a Pass in her RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in the Creative Music Industry, and a Pass in her BTEC Level 3 Award in Applied Contracted Braille. These add to the A grade she received for her EPQ at RNC last year.

Next up for Amy is York St John University, where she will be taking her talent for storytelling into higher education as she begins a degree in Journalism. Amy said:

‘RNC gave me the confidence and opportunity to try new things that I never thought I would be able to do due to my visual impairment. Highlights include dancing on TV, putting on a tactile artefact exhibition for my EPQ and working on a tea farm. I have accessed specialist support to prepare me for adulthood and university and met lots of great people both staff and students.’


Pictured: Amy standing in front of the Learning Hub entrance 

As evidenced above, university outcomes were equally strong, with 100% of those applying receiving an offer and 92% securing their first-choice place.

As a specialist college for young people who are blind or visually impaired, RNC provides a tailored programme that combines academic and vocational study with independent living skills, mobility, assistive technology, and Braille training. This holistic approach enables students to develop the confidence and skills needed for university, employment, and independent adulthood.

John Lynch, Director of Learning and Curriculum (Curriculum and Teaching Strategy), said:

‘We are incredibly proud of our students and everything they have achieved this year. Our students balance the demands of their studies with the development of essential independence skills, often overcoming significant challenges along the way. These results are a reflection of their resilience, commitment, and ambition, as well as the dedication of our staff who support them every step of the way.’