TRAFFORD College students are once again celebrating another successful year of A Level results with an exceptional pass rate of 98 per cent.

Students gathered at the Altrincham campus this morning and eagerly opened their results with anticipation, revealing a 100 per cent pass rate in 11 subject areas, including Biology, English Language, History, Law, Mathematics and Media Studies.

The college, which was recently rated ‘outstanding’ in its first Ofsted inspection as a merged college, has an impressive track record of students progressing to University, and this year is no exception.

Despite the unprecedented squeeze on degree places across the country - with nearly 50,000 too few spaces available for this autumn – more than 200 Trafford College students have successfully secured their places at University.

One student celebrating this morning was Karolina Sotirova, 18, from Wythenshawe.

Karolina, who studied A-Levels in Biology, History and Psychology, was thrilled with her grades of 2 As and a B, securing her place at Lancaster University where she will study Psychology.

Karolina’s success is even more commendable given that she was raised travelling the country with a circus, changing schools on a weekly basis.

Her parents, who originate from Bulgaria, had been part of the circus for most of their lives and travelling with her large circus ‘family’ became a way of life for Karolina.

She said: “I’m really pleased with my A-Level results and I’m the first one from our circus group to have secured a place at University. My parents are over the moon as they have always wanted to ensure that I get the opportunities they never had when they were growing up.

“I’ve met so many people through my life with the circus and understand the pressures of having to study and do well, while not having a regular school life.

"So many children have to travel, work or be carers when they’re growing up, and they should be recognised for working as hard as they do to keep up with more privileged students.

"I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved and my background has definitely influenced my decision to pursue a successful career perhaps in Child Psychology.”

Sir Bill Moorcroft said: “Once again the commitment and dedication of both our staff and students has been reflected in the College's A-Level results this year. I am delighted for everybody involved in these remarkable achievements and I am especially thrilled that so many of our students have successfully progressed onto HE, despite the recent crisis with University places. I would like to pass on my congratulations to all the students at the College, and wish them well in the future."