STUDENTS and staff at West Midlands Safari Park are celebrating after achieving nationally outstanding exam results for courses in animal care and animal management.

A quarter of Level 3 students finishing their two-year course in animal management, achieved grades high enough to put them in the top 6% of learners nationally, according to the City and Guilds Qualification Report.

All level 3, first year learners, who were hoping to return in September for the second year, passed the course, with 60% of learners achieving ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’.

Level 2 students also had a fantastic year, with 93% achieving a ‘distinction’ in their theory exam and 94% achieved a merit grade or higher. 

Ali Burton, course coordinator, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the amazing outcomes our learners have achieved this year. We wish them all the very best with their next steps, and we look forward to welcoming back our progressors this week, for the start of the new academic year.”

It was a nerve-wracking time for Level 1 learners, studying a diploma in land-based studies, as they have been the first cohort taking a new format of their course, completing coursework tasks and formal exams.

Students excelled, with 100% of learners passing and 29% securing the top grade of ‘distinction’.

Feedback from City and Guilds praised the park’s staff for their “comprehensive feedback” to support the learners in developing their work.

Education manager, Nicola Anslow, said: “Studying animal care courses at West Midlands Safari Park is a unique opportunity for anyone interested in working in the animal care industry. Being the only safari park in the UK to deliver such successful courses, learners have first-hand experience of being a part of a working animal collection and the opportunities it provides.

"We are very proud of our students and staff who have worked so hard this academic year.”