WEST Midland Safari Park students are celebrating after exceeded the national pass rate with 97 per cent graduating from courses.

Level 3 students, who have gained an Advanced Extended Technical Diploma in Animal Management, did especially well, with 97 per cent of the first-year students passing and almost half gaining a distinction or higher.

The second-year students excelled further, with all of them passing the course, resulting in every student gaining a place to continue their studies at university, if they choose to do so.

Education Manager, Nicola Anslow, said: “It is a testament to the hard work of the students and safari park teaching staff that have led to such fantastic results being achieved this year. We welcome the significant increase in students gaining top grades in their courses, enabling them to have the confidence to progress in their chosen animal career.

“It hasn’t been the easiest year, with staff working remotely, lessons moving online and extra practical’s being undertaken to make up for lost time. I must commend the perseverance of all the students, which has seen them achieve the best results we’ve ever had. A special mention must be made to our final year students, heading off to university or into employment. We wish them all the very best and know they will excel in their chosen fields."