The Northern School of Art’s Middlesbrough campus has been ranked as the top-performing further education provider for under 19-year-olds in England according to national achievement rate data published by the Department for Education (DfE) in March 2026.

Student results from the 2024/25 academic year show an achievement rate of 95.3% for learners aged under 19. This means that 95.3% of students both completed their course and achieved their qualification, placing the School’s further education college first nationally across all general FE and specialist colleges.

These results represent the latest step in a sustained upward trajectory for the School, which was ranked third for student achievement in 2022/23, second in 2023/24 and has now achieved first place in the most recent 2024/25 data release.

The DfE figures are based on student results awarded in August 2025 and cover all further education provision, including A‑level and equivalent qualifications, GCSEs, foundation courses, Level 2 programmes, Access to Higher Education courses and technical and applied qualifications.

When adult provision is included, the School ranks third nationally, with an overall achievement rate of 95%.

Nox Sketch achieved an A* in A Level Art and Design and A grades in their History of Art and Photography A Levels in August 2025. They are now continuing with their creative education on The Northern School of Art’s Middlesbrough campus Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, a course designed for post A-Level (or equivalent) 18-year-old students, to provide a unique transition year between 6th form/college and creative degrees at university.

Nox said: “Completing my A levels made all the hard work feel really worth it. Achieving my grades has boosted my confidence and helped me move straight on to the Foundation Diploma, where I’m excited to keep developing my creativity.”

Reflecting on their time as an A-Level student Nox said: “I loved my time at the School. My A-level project work was linked to my own interests, and I loved that I could pursue my passions in music and graphic design.

“Studying here has been huge fun – our class wasn’t too big, so it felt close-knit and very supportive. The School has a fantastic community and is very friendly – everyone is always willing to help you.”

Lilly Duce Whitaker, who achieved a distinction on the Film and TV Extended Diploma course and is now also studying on the Foundation Diploma, added: “Completing the course and achieving a distinction completely changed how I see myself. I didn’t think I was capable of getting a grade like that, but the huge support from my tutors and classmates helped me realise I was just as strong creatively as everyone else. Finishing the course feeling proud of my work gave me confidence I’d never had before and helped me trust myself and what I can achieve.

“My proudest moment was sharing my outcome with my classmates, I remember the first time they saw my film, the room went silent and at the end of year show, they voted it the best film of the class. I was so happy to give my mam that memory, I never got to give her a memory like that before.”

The results follow the School’s most recent inspection by Ofsted in March 2025, when its Middlesbrough campus was again rated ‘Outstanding’, a judgement it has held continuously since 2009 under the previous inspection frameworks.

The Northern School of Art continues to build its reputation for high-quality creative education, with students progressing onto university, apprenticeships and employment across the creative industries.

Rob, Vice Principal (Further Education) said: “Being ranked top in England for under 19 achievement, and third for overall achievement is something we are immensely proud of, because it is a direct reflection of the commitment and creativity of our exceptional staff. Every day, they combine in-depth subject knowledge with innovative approaches to teaching the arts, ensuring our students are challenged, supported and prepared for their next steps.

“Our focus is firmly on supporting all of our students to individually recognise their abilities and achieve outcomes they are proud of. While rankings are not our driving force, this recognition is a welcome endorsement of our wonderful community.”

The Northern School of Art is the only specialist arts and design school in the North East with campuses in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool. The Middlesbrough campus delivers a wide range of further education programmes, while the Hartlepool campus provides degree and postgraduate-level study across visual arts and stage and screen disciplines.

Further information about the School’s wide range of creative qualifications is HERE