Alex Bullions Celebrating a Year of Growth and Impact with the Post 16 Team at Argyle Community Trust
2024–25 in Review
The 2024–25 academic year has been one of the most exciting and transformative yet for the Argyle Community Trust Post-16 Programme. With record student numbers, new curriculum pathways, and success both on and off the pitch, this year reflects our growing commitment to education, enrichment, and career pathways across Devon and Cornwall.
Academic Achievement and Student Progress
With over 220 students enrolled across our Plymouth, Camborne, and Newton Abbot hubs, our Post-16 programme continues to provide inclusive and high-quality education rooted in sport, esports, and personal development.
We are proud to report a 96% retention rate and a 96% overall qualification achievement rate, surpassing national benchmarks. Our student satisfaction survey revealed that 93% of student-athletes rated their experience as good or outstanding, and 96% felt supported by tutors and pastoral staff and 95% said they would recommend the courses on offer to their friends. These outcomes are a testament to our dedicated education team and the tailored support provided at every stage. 47% gained the highest grade possible for their course and 85% of student-athletes surpassed their target grades.Our employability-focused curriculum offered students more than just their core qualifications.
This year, students achieved over 120 additional certificates in areas such as first aid, safeguarding, fitness instruction, money matters, gambling awareness, mental health awareness, and digital skills – all helping to future-proof their progression.
Enrichment, Experiences, and Employability
This year saw a major expansion of our enrichment provision. Students participated in residentials to Barcelona, Spain and Tampa in the USA as well as more local residentials including NCS activities across Dartmoor, all of this coupled with travelling many miles around the UK for the regular Wednesday fixtures. All designed to broaden horizons and raise aspirations.
Our football and esports teams competed nationally through the National Youth Alliance League,The CEFA league and British College Esports Championships, with our Plymouth and Camborne squads earning top-three finishes and several players gaining trials with semi-professional clubs.
In esports, students competed in Overwatch, Valorant and Rocket League, all delivered from our brand-new esports hub at Foulston Park, supported by Babcock and in partnership with City College Plymouth. Several learners have since moved into esports coaching, streaming, or higher education.
Community Engagement and Social Impact
As a charitable organisation, giving back remains a core part of our identity. Our students helped raise over £2,400 for local charities, delivered school workshops to over 400 primary pupils, and completed over 1,500 hours of volunteering in their local communities.
Expanding Horizons
This year also marked the introduction of two new curriculum pathways:
● YMCA Level 2 & 3 Personal Training for our Newton Abbot students, our Plymouth and Cornwall students already received this offer.
● BTEC Level 2 Esports in PlymouthWe continue to develop our Post-16 Girls’ Football Programme, with competitive fixtures, strength & conditioning sessions, and pathways into coaching and volunteering.
Our work experience placements grew significantly, with over 85 students undertaking placements in schools, leisure centres, gyms, and media organisations. These partnerships are vital in preparing our learners for life beyond education.
One statistic that we are particularly proud of is the conversion rate from apprentice in the department to full time employment in the depart, to date 4 of our current full time members of staff were apprentices less than 12 months ago.
Sporting Excellence
Our football programme continues to go from strength to strength, with:
In football, the college ended the year with four major titles:
● NFYL Premier League Champions
● NFYL Division 1 League Champions
● NFYL Cup Runners up (Narrowly losing to the Liverpool based Robbie Fowler Academy at QPR’s Loftus Road stadium)
● CEFA South West 1 League Champions
● CEFA South West 2 League Champions
● CEFA South West 3 League Runners Up
● CEFA National Cup semi finalists
Looking Ahead
The 2025–26 academic year promises even more, with expansion into new centres, enhanced partnerships, and a growing team of dedicated education and coaching staff. We remain committed to developing the whole learner – academically, socially, and personally.
As ever, the success of this year belongs to our student-athletes, staff, partners, and communities who continue to make the Argyle Community Trust Post-16 Programme a place where young people thrive.
We still have vacancies for our Football Development and Education courses in Newton Abbot and Cornwall for this year, there are also places available in Plymouth on our Post 16 esports programme, if you require any further information on the courses available please contact the Deputy Head of Education; mike.foley@pafc.co.uk
