Putting Technical Education in the Spotlight: Our Level 3 Results Day Coverage

We look back on how our technical education students achieved stellar success this year, and why it matters for those who received their GCSE results and are still looking for a course this September.

Level 3 Results Day 2025 was a day to celebrate for our technical students as they achieved the top marks they needed to progress to higher study or directly into a career.

Excitingly, their achievements caught the attention of local and national media with the spotlight firmly on the success of our learners and the growing recognition of T Levels as a qualification that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with A Levels.

What’s more, we were delighted that the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, chose to celebrate Results Day with us, providing further proof that perceptions around T Levels and technical qualifications such as BTECs are on the rise!
 

“We all got multiple job offers”

Our students not only celebrated outstanding results but also shared their success stories of receiving multiple job offers thanks to the industry placements that are at the heart of T Levels. This clear line of sight to employment is what sets technical education apart and it’s one of the main benefits that T Levels offer for those looking for post-16 college courses this September! 
 

Media Coverage Highlights

• BBC Radio One Newsbeat reported live from our campus, speaking to students about their results alongside the Mayor (our coverage runs from 01:09 to 02:49).
   
• BBC Radio 5 Live gave further national media coverage to our students and Level 3 technical coverage. They profiled our student Isaac Matley (whose interview can be heard at 10:35) and fellow student Yordanos Ermias (interview is at 57.45). 
   
• We were also joined by the BBC Radio Manchester Breakfast Show. They interviewed our Deputy Principal Barry Atkins (interview starts at 1:18:35), a range of students (interviews at 1:54:24 and 2:07:30) and some of our employer partners (interview at 2:51:40) who talked about the benefits of technical education routes; where the qualifications allowed them to progress to university, apprenticeships and direct employment; and how T Levels develop the skills that employers are looking for in their future employees! 
   
• We made it at a hat-trick of national coverage when we were also featured on the main BBC website during the day.
   
• Not content with a hat-trick, we secured further national media attention for technical education on Yahoo News.
   
• The Manchester Evening News also reported live from our Openshaw campus speaking to a number of students, including several who had received “multiple job offers” as a result of their work placements. Check out some of their reports below!
  
  'All my friends did A Levels, now they wish they did what I've done'
  'People don't see it as a real course - but we've turned down multiple job offers' 
  ‘Talent agents love our northern accents – it helps us stand out’ 

There was also a lot of coverage of our students' success in local media including the Tameside Reporter, About Manchester and the GMCA website. 
 

Why It Matters

Coverage on Results Day reinforced the message that T Levels are not a “second choice” but a powerful alternative to A Levels, delivering both academic achievement and hands-on career readiness.

And for students still considering their next step after GCSE results last week, it’s not too late to join us this September. With places available on a range of technical courses, including T Levels, we’re here to help you start your journey towards university, an apprenticeship or your first career opportunity.

👉 Find out more about applying for a college place this September!