Brighton principal offers reassurance for A-level students

A Brighton college principal has a reassuring message for A-level students as they learn the result of their exams today.

Phil Frier, who runs City College Brighton and Hove, said that under 19s were entitled to another year of free education.

Mr Frier said: “A-level results week can be a very daunting time for students as they anxiously weigh up their options.

“So I think it’s important that they know about the many free course opportunities that are open to them at their local FE (further education) college.

“Whether students have done well or are dissatisfied with their results, whether they’ve got their heart set on progressing to university or want to get into full-time work as soon as possible, we’ll do our utmost to find an option that suits them.

“I also hope that our new Ofsted grade sends out the message to local parents that their sons and daughters will get an outstanding learning experience in a friendly, welcoming community.”

Ofsted, the independent official watchdog, recently rated City College as good with outstanding qualities.

Mr Frier emphasised the entitlement to another year of free education for under 19s as many would be thinking about taking a gap year, perhaps travelling.

He said that City College offered a wide range of creative and valuable training options that could bring real value to a gap year.

Places are still available on a range of courses including acting, dance, music performance, music technology, sport, health and social care, hair and beauty and business. 

He said that City College was a specialist vocational college providing skills, training and experience for going directly into employment or on to a university course.

Its facilities include training restaurants, digital media suites, a travel bureau, workshops, art studios and a new state-of-the-art motor vehicle training area.

Mr Frier said that the college also had excellent links with local employers in sectors such as construction, sports, arts, media, business and catering.