By Sarah Walker
3 September 2026
Whatever route you’re on to the career you want, we will give you the map – along with the confidence to take your next steps in education.
That’s the message from Prior Pursglove College in Guisborough, which is offering a broad range of academic, vocational and Level 2 pathways, for students with Oxbridge and Russell Universities ambitions, as well as those with a specific career in mind – wherever they may be right now.
The college’s recently appointed head of centre Angela Stevenson, says the support needed to help individuals succeed is the most important thing it offers, with expert help available for students with a wide range of different learning support needs and a dedicated focus on mental health and wellbeing.
“At Prior Pursglove College, we recognise that every learner is different, with unique learning support needs – and there isn’t one route that works for everyone,” she says.
“We have an enormous amount to be proud of this year, such as our A Level results being the best they have been in three years due to our 97.33% pass rate, but I’m equally proud of the wider picture behind those results.
“Results are important, but education should be about much more than exam grades, and we want our learners to leave us with confidence, independence, broader horizons and an understanding of the opportunities available to them.
“While I’m incredibly proud of all our students’ results, I’m particularly proud that our learners are achieving those results while also developing the skills, confidence, experiences and ambition they need for their next steps.”
As well as giving students opportunities to experience different countries and cultures through its international strategy, the college, which celebrated its 465th anniversary this year, has a distinctive approach to enrichment and personal development.
It boasts a debating society, performing arts opportunities and has links with local care-giving establishments, which have enabled former students to put on afternoon tea and activities for care home residents.
The trips and experiences offered by Prior Pursglove College include educational opportunities in Sri Lanka, Peru, Spain and Tanzania.
“All these experiences can be incredibly valuable,” Angela says.
“They help students become more independent, develop cultural awareness, experience things outside their normal environment and gain confidence.
“Our students also engage with university experiences and guest speakers from industry and higher education, giving them the chance to experience things they might not otherwise encounter, because ultimately, what we want to provide is an environment where students can achieve academically but also grow as individuals.
“We want a learner to leave Prior Pursglove not simply thinking, ‘I’ve got good results,’ but thinking, ‘I know what I’m capable of, I know what opportunities are available to me and I feel confident about taking my next step’.”
Angela firmly believes it is this that makes the Prior Pursglove experience special.
Enrolment continues at Prior Pursglove College across a range of courses, including Level 2 programmes, which provide an important stepping stone for students who didn’t get the GCSE grades they wanted or required, such as GCSE English and maths.
Other Level 2 subjects include Science, Media, Childcare, Health and Social Care, Art, Chemistry, Biology, Sport, Humanities, Business and IT, which all allow students to gain further qualifications, build confidence and then progress onto higher-level study, an apprenticeship or employment.
The college also has a strong A Level offer for students who want an academic route towards university or future careers, while vocational and applied programmes give learners the opportunity to develop more practical and career-focused skills.
A new T Level in Digital adds to existing T Level in Education and Early Years.
Angela says: “T Levels provide a different type of post-16 experience, combining classroom learning with an industry placement and giving students the opportunity to develop skills and experience relevant to employment.
“We also have adult education provision, supporting adults who want to gain qualifications, develop their skills or take a new direction.
“Whether someone is coming to us after GCSEs, looking for an academic A Level route, interested in a vocational qualification, considering a T Level or returning to education as an adult, there are a wide range of options available.”
Angela’s unique perspective as someone who didn’t get the GCSE grades she wanted when she was at school makes her particularly empathic towards students who have been disappointed with their recent grades.
“It is completely understandable to feel disappointed if you didn’t get the grades you were hoping for, but there are lots of different routes available,” she says.
“Your results might mean that the route you originally planned needs to change, but that doesn’t mean your ambitions have to change.
“I would encourage students to come and speak to us, so we can look at their results, listen to what they want to achieve and help them identify the most appropriate route.
“That could be a Level 2 programme, a different combination of qualifications, a vocational or Applied programme, or potentially resitting a GCSE alongside their other studies.”
Angela adds it’s important not to compare yourself to everyone else.
“Everyone progresses at a different pace,” she says.
“A GCSE result doesn’t measure your potential, your character, your ability to develop or what you might achieve in five or ten years’ time.
“The important thing is to take a breath, understand the options available and make a positive decision about what comes next.
“We want students to know that our door is open and if you’re unsure, you can come and talk to us – because we are here to help you find a route forward.”
Facts and figures about Prior’s 2025 to 2026 performance
Prior Pursglove College achieved a 97.33% A Level pass rate – its best A Level performance in three years.
In total, 71.52% of grades were A–C* – its highest performance at those grades in four years, and 43.78% of grades were A–B* – almost four percentage points higher than last year.
In Chemistry, 80% of grades were A–B*, while in Biology 69% were A–B*.
Law was particularly strong, with A Level Law students achieving a 100% pass rate, 51% of grades at A*–B and 67% at A*–C. BTEC Law students also achieved a 100% pass rate, with 66% of grades at Distinction* or Distinction.
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