On Thursday, students from Newcastle College celebrated securing their places for September with the University's Executive Deans Mike Phillips and Professor Lawrence Bellamy.
The teenagers collected their A Level, T Level and BTEC results on the same day University of Staffordshire was named Modern University of the Year in the Daily Mail University Guide 2027.
Alisha Saghir, an 18-year-old from Hartshill, studied T Levels and will be going on to University of Staffordshire to study Primary Education.
She said: “I’m really looking forward to going to University of Staffordshire and I’m most excited about the sense of community they have there. I can’t wait to meet other people and get involved in university life. The fact that I’m also going to the Modern University of the Year is really exciting.”
Sam Foster, an 18-year-old from Newcastle-under-Lyme, is progressing to University of Staffordshire to study Film Production.
He said: “I’m really excited for September. I looked at lots of other universities and I landed on Staffordshire because on the open day I was really impressed. As the day went on, my expectations kept going up and they made such a good impression.
“I’ve been making films for four years now and when I saw all the kit the university had I was blown away. I also know the university is fantastic for games education and as my style of film-making is to blend different styles together I’m looking forward to learning lots.
“There’s a lot of hands-on learning which I love and so much variety in what I can learn and achieve.”
High-flying BTEC students from Newcastle College are also looking forward to their next steps after securing places at University of Staffordshire.
Eren Beydilli gained a Distinction* and two Distinctions on a BTEC extended diploma in Travel and Tourism. The 18-year-old is now preparing to start a BSc (Hons) degree in Business Management (Tourism).
Eren, from Blurton, said: “I chose the course because it’s really broad and will give me different job opportunities. It’s the perfect fit. Staffs is also really modern, with great tech and facilities that push you further. I want to open any doors that come my way."
Lillie Jones gained triple distinction* grades in her BTEC extended diploma in Public Services and is joining University of Staffordshire to study a BSc (Hons) degree in Paramedic Science.
The 18-year-old, from Packmoor, said: “On the course, I’m most looking forward to the placements. I like that you are on the move as a paramedic and don’t know what to expect next. You also get to work with other services.”
Harry Harding is also looking to make a difference to people’s lives for a career. The 19-year-old is planning to take a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology and Counselling.
“I like to help people and I like talking, so decided to apply for this course. I’ve always been an empathetic person and a lot of my friends come to me for advice,” he said.
“I chose Staffs after coming to an Open Day. It felt friendly and very interactive. Talking to staff, it felt like you mattered.”
Harry, from Newcastle, secured his university place after gaining a distinction* and two distinctions on his BTEC Business extended diploma.
Fellow college student Katelyn Futrill will be starting a BA (Hons) degree in Film Production at the University. She achieved triple distinction* grades in her BTEC extended diploma in Esports.
The 18-year-old, from Newcastle, said: “When I was looking at courses, I saw Staffs was ranked 7th in the UK for film. The modules looked good and it just seemed really welcoming.
“I joined CampusConnect, where you can make friends with people before you start.”
Katelyn is interested in the fiction side of filmmaking. She already has experience in video production and editing through her college course.
The Modern University of the Year accolade follows University of Staffordshire being recognised for its graduate employability, with around 75% of graduates entering high-skilled jobs, and ranking 7th nationally in the National Student Survey for overall student positivity.
Professor Philip Plowden, Vice-Chancellor of University of Staffordshire, said: “Students joining us are joining a university that is committed to their success. The award of the Modern University of the Year title recognises that Staffordshire is a university that puts student achievement at the heart of what we do.
"Every course is built around practice-based learning - and the results are clear: nine in 10 of our graduates go on into work or further study within 15 months of finishing their course. I want to recognise the achievements of every student collecting their results and I'm excited for them to join such a vibrant university community.”
For students still deciding on their next steps, places remain available on a range of courses starting this September at University of Staffordshire through Clearing. Find out more and apply online in 60 seconds at University of Staffordshire Clearing.