West Midlands Safari Park celebrates 91 per cent pass rate

The academy, which delivers animal care and animal management courses, including land-based and technical qualifications, delivered in partnership with Kidderminster College, combines classroom study with practical learning in a working zoological environment.

Students across all four programmes achieved strong results, with every member of the Level 3 Year 2 cohort gaining the grades required to progress to university.

The results open opportunities for learners hoping to pursue careers in animal management, conservation, veterinary science and related fields.

This year also saw the academy’s first Triple Distinction* award — the highest level of attainment available on the qualification.

Nicola Morgan, education manager at West Midlands Safari Park, said the results reflected students’ academic achievement and personal development.

She said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of working with our students is seeing how much they grow as individuals during their time with us.

“Their confidence has flourished, their social skills have developed enormously, and they have gained a wide range of transferable skills that will support them throughout their future careers.”

Ms Morgan added that the success was also down to the academy’s teaching staff and animal keeping teams.

“These results are not only a reflection of our students’ efforts but also of the incredible support provided by our teaching staff and animal keeping teams,” she said.

The Safari Academy has five fully equipped classrooms and gives further education students the opportunity to gain experience working alongside animal-care professionals at the Bewdley attraction.

It offers Animal Care courses at Levels 1, 2 and 3 through Kidderminster College.

The park’s education team delivers conservation sessions to around 35,000 schoolchildren each year and teaches up to 70 further education students, with the aim of inspiring future conservationists.

Last year, the academy recorded a 100 per cent pass rate among students completing the two-year Animal Management course, while all Level 1 and 2 learners passed their qualifications.

More information on the courses is available through Kidderminster College and West Midlands Safari Park.