Staff celebrate after City of Wolverhampton College named in top three nationally

The latest Department of Education's (DFE) annual national achievement rates tables (NARTs) — published at the end of March — show the college's results for the 2023/24 academic year increased to 92.7%, the third highest outcome for overall achievement across all general further education providers in England. 

The increase - up from 89% in 2022/23 - also positions it as first in the West Midlands, ahead of neighbouring colleges in Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Telford and Walsall. 

A breakdown of the results show the colleges is sixth in the country for achievement rates for full-time students aged under 19, and fifth for adult learners studying part-time courses. 

Louise Fall, principal and chief executive of City of Wolverhampton College said: "We knew our overall performance in the last academic year was exceptional, but to be ranked in the top three colleges in England and the best college in the West Midlands is fantastic news

"This superb result is testament to the hard work and commitment to learning of students and apprentices of all ages and to the dedication and professionalism of all staff - whether in teaching or non-teaching roles - who strive every day to support and encourage them to achieve their qualifications. 

"This ranking, combined with the opening of the new £61 million campus at the City Learning Quarter in Wolverhampton city centre this autumn and new facilities already open at the Wellington Road in Bilston, means that people of all ages and abilities who enrol here can be sure that they will be studying at one of the best colleges there is." 

The college offers a wide range of full-time and part-time vocational qualifications,  as well as employment courses for job seekers, and staff are holding an open evening on Wednesday, 30 April from 4pm-7pm. 

You can book a place at the event at www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/open-events/