Eastern Education Group has congratulated the class of 2025 on an outstanding year of results – with achievements spanning top national grades, Oxbridge offers, international scholarships, and exceptional vocational outcomes.
Eastern Education Group includes One Sixth Form College (ONE) based in Ipswich, as well as Abbeygate Sixth Form College and West Suffolk College, both in Bury St Edmunds. All three have been graded Outstanding by Ofsted.
This year’s results arrive during the centenary year of West Suffolk College and Eastern Education Group, making the celebrations even more significant.
Abbeygate Sixth Form College
Abbeygate is celebrating a fantastic set of A-level results, with improvements across the board. With 507 students sitting A-levels, the overall pass rate rose to 98.2%, up from last year, while 75.1% of grades were A* to C – a jump of 5%. The proportion of A* to B grades also increased from 44% to 48%.
Students are heading to a wide variety of exciting destinations; from sports scholarships in the USA to offers from Cambridge and Oxford Universities, as well as degree apprenticeships with global organisations such as AstraZeneca.
Academically, Abbeygate’s Biology department has consistently excelled, achieving outstanding results year after year since the college opened and raising the bar even higher in 2025.
The English and Graphics departments, already delivering impressive outcomes, have also set new benchmarks this year with significant year-on-year advances.
Stuart Small, Deputy Principal at Abbeygate, said: “We are thrilled with this year’s A-level results and couldn’t be prouder of our students. Their achievements reflect not only months of focused study and determination, but also the way they’ve grown as individuals; supporting one another, rising to challenges, and contributing to the vibrant community we’ve built here at Abbeygate.
“These results are also a testament to the unwavering support and dedication of our staff, who go above and beyond to help every student thrive.
“At Abbeygate, we believe in nurturing not just academic success, but confident, curious individuals ready to make their mark on the world. We wish all our students the very best as they take their next steps – whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or employment – and we look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future.”
One Sixth Form College
One Sixth Form College celebrated another outstanding set of results this year, with successes across A-level, vocational, and community achievements.
Among the most notable stories was Abiola Abidoye, who became the highest performer in A-level Law in the country for his awarding body. In addition, 34 A-level students achieved A*/A grades in all of their subjects, and over 240 students achieved Distinction Profiles in their vocational qualifications.
The year was not only marked by exceptional exam results, but also by extraordinary personal achievements beyond the classroom, showcasing the passion, creativity, and determination of One Sixth Form College students.
Film studies student Katie Bennett brought her storytelling talent to the big stage, earning a nomination for a national filmmaking award held at the prestigious British Film Institute for her animated short Paperweight – a project she poured countless hours into and which she hopes will be a stepping stone to a future career in film.
Equally inspiring was DJ Mudziviri, a Health and Social Care student whose journey from a troubled past to becoming the founder of Better Youth UK has already made a tangible difference to young lives. His award-winning outreach organisation offers teenagers the chance to turn away from crime and towards positive, legal opportunities – from running their own small businesses to accessing vital mental health support.
Media student Harrison Mayhew-Kemp turned the college courtyard into a sea of cheers and splashes when he braved the ice bucket challenge in front of 100 staff and students. His efforts, inspired by Ipswich Town legend Marcus Stewart, raised vital funds for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation and won admiration from the Ipswich Town community.
Sporting excellence was also in full display, as the College’s table cricket team secured a return to the National Finals at Lord’s – the home of cricket – after a nail-biting two-run victory in the regional finals. And showing a different kind of endurance, Frankie Rutson capped off his A-level journey by completing a gruelling 60km ultramarathon from Ipswich to Harwich, raising over £1,200 for Suffolk Mind and proving that determination can go the distance – literally.
In terms of results:
- More than 680 students received A-levels, with a 96% pass rate
- 99% of students passed their vocational qualifications
- 40% of students on a full-time vocational diploma programme gained a distinction profile.
- Top performing areas included further maths, performing arts and music
Jake Robson, Group Sixth Form Principal at ONE, said: “This year’s cohort have been on an extraordinary journey. They arrived with curiosity and potential; they leave with exceptional academic results, a wealth of new skills, and a confidence that comes only from overcoming challenges.
“Along the way, they have discovered passions they never knew they had, forged friendships that will last a lifetime, and learned the value of perseverance, teamwork, and self-belief. Their achievements are not just measured in grades, but in the maturity, resilience, and ambition they now carry into the world.
“As they take their next steps into universities, apprenticeships, and careers, I know they will continue to inspire and achieve at the very highest level.”
West Suffolk College
West Suffolk College is celebrating exceptional achievements across all courses this year – from vocational programmes to T Levels, apprenticeships, and higher education pathways.
Over 1,700 students successfully completed vocational qualifications, with the majority attaining Merit and Distinction grades.
This year also saw excellent results in T Levels; a qualification designed with employers to combine classroom learning with substantial industry placements, preparing students for the world of work and building a strong bridge between education and industry. T Level students have set a new standard of excellence this year, with 78% achieving the highest possible grades and the rest earning strong results that reflect the talent, commitment, and ambition of the College’s learners.
Exceptional outcomes were seen in Early Years Educator, Assisting in Teaching, and Surveying Design for Construction in the Built Environment courses.
These successes come as West Suffolk College is named one of the first Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTECs) in the country – and the only one in the East of England. As part of this government-backed initiative, the College will train 40,000 people by 2029 in skills such as bricklaying, carpentry, electrical installation, and plumbing.
The announcement follows over £1 million in planned investment into the College’s state-of-the-art Built Environment campus, alongside £2.75 million in capital funding to create three new specialist centres in Soham, Ely, and St Neots.
This centenary year has also been filled with success stories – from WorldSkills finalists, national carpentry awards, and pioneering women-in-construction events, to a BAFTA nomination for a games design student, a double AA rosette for its student-run restaurant, and national finals for hair and beauty learners.
One particularly inspiring story is that of Emily Porter, a 38-year-old mother of seven from Mildenhall, who returned to education with West Suffolk College to pursue her dream of becoming a midwife. Starting with functional skills courses and progressing to a health-related Access to Higher Education diploma, Emily is hopeful of securing a university place to study midwifery, which she says makes her feel like she can “take the world on.”
Colin Shaw, Group Sixth Form Principal for Eastern Education Group, said:
“Once again, our students have achieved exceptional results – a true testament to their dedication, resilience, and hard work over the past two years. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see what the future holds for each of them as they take their next steps.
“We also pay tribute to our dedicated staff, whose unwavering support, inspiration, and encouragement have helped students reach their full potential. Their commitment continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of our learners.
“Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to the employers who provide invaluable work experience opportunities. Their partnership is essential in helping students gain real-world skills and insights within their chosen vocational sectors.”
Dr Nikos Savvas, CEO of Eastern Education Group, said: “Today’s A Level and vocational results are nothing short of incredible, and we couldn’t be prouder of our students. These successes reflect their hard work, determination, and the dedication of our exceptional staff.
“In line with our mission to raise aspirations and enable progression, we have brought businesses into our colleges and taken learners into businesses, creating real-world experiences that prepare them for the opportunities ahead. Our programmes foster inclusivity, equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel, and build the resilience and ambition needed to thrive. When challenges have arisen, we have worked directly with our students – and with their families where needed – to ensure they had the guidance and resources to stay on track.
“These exceptional outcomes open doors to universities, apprenticeships, and high-quality employment, marking the next step in their journey as accomplished, well-rounded individuals ready to make a meaningful impact in the world.”
