UTC SWINDON has seen an impressive rise in the number of top grades achieved by students in their BTEC Level 3 Engineering diplomas.

Dan Tischer, Alex Deegan and Chris Williamson all achieved a Triple Distinction* in Engineering, while Charlie Hall achieved a Double Distinction* in Engineering and passing grades in A-level Maths and Physics.

Dan will be starting an apprenticeship at Network Rail following his results success.

The 18-year-old from Faringdon said: "I was quite nervous before I got my results but I'm really pleased now, and I'm really excited about starting my apprenticeship."

Alex from Rodbourne Cheney was also excited to start his own apprenticeship at TRW.

Chris from Royal Wootton Bassett will be applying for an apprenticeship in October after temporarily going into full-time employment.

He said: "I could have applied last October but I wanted to know what my exam results were first.

"I did all I could and I wasn't guaranteed to get the result I wanted but I was pretty confident that I would.

"I'd love to be a mechanical engineer at British Airways, that would be ideal."

Charlie from Eldene will start a Civil Engineering course at Cardiff University in September.

He said: "I was terrified when I went to pick up my results but I knew I'd already got into university before I had them.

"I did the two A-levels at New College and they gave me different skillsets I can use in the future."

Students at the University Technical College gained an average grade of Distinction+ for technical qualifications and a C+ average grade for A-level subjects.

Joanne Harper, Executive Principal at UTC Swindon, said: “I am delighted with these examination results which show a significant improvement upon the previous year.

"This places UTC Swindon’s results at above national average, showing further evidence of the rapid improvements taking place.”

Jon Oliver, Principal at UTC Swindon, was also thrilled with this year's results.

He said: “We are very proud of all of the students.

"Hard work and determination throughout the year has resulted in them achieving a great set of results.

"We are delighted to see so many of them securing fantastic engineering apprenticeships and university places.

"We wish them the best of luck in the future.”