Today’s GCSE results reflect not only the progress of our students but also the commitment and professionalism of staff across the College. Our outcomes continue to place us in a strong position, particularly when compared with the wider FE sector, and demonstrate the positive impact of our revised Maths and English strategy.
In Maths, 32.7% of resit students with a high-grade target achieved a grade 4–9, against a sector average of just 15.3%. In addition, 87 students achieved a high grade when sitting the exam for the first time or after previously attaining grade 1 – including one absolutely fantastic grade 9 and two grade 7s. Overall, 48% of students achieved or exceeded their target grade in Maths.
In English, 30% of resit students with a high-grade target achieved a grade 4–9, compared with a sector average of 19.7%. A further 44 students achieved a high grade when sitting for the first time or after previously attaining grade 1, with three achieving grade 7. Overall, 46% of students achieved or exceeded their target grade in English.
Strong outcomes in English and Maths are especially important, as these skills are fundamental to our students’ futures. A pass in GCSE English and Maths opens doors to higher levels of study, progression to university, and access to apprenticeships. For those moving into employment, these qualifications remain a key requirement for many industries and are highly valued by employers. Beyond work and study, strong literacy and numeracy provide our students with the confidence and ability to engage fully in society, to manage their finances, and to navigate the opportunities and challenges of adult life.
I also want to recognise the determination and resilience shown by our students. Many of them have faced failure before, some multiple times, yet they did not give up. Instead, they confronted low self-esteem, anxiety, and a range of external barriers, and still found the courage to keep striving for success. Their perseverance is inspiring, and I am in awe of the strength they have shown in achieving these results.
These outcomes are the result of a whole-College effort. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all staff who supported the administration of exams, including those who stepped in to invigilate, and to our Exams Office for turning around results so quickly and accurately. Thanks are also due to all colleagues who worked tirelessly to improve student attendance at English and Maths lessons throughout the year, recognising how central this is to success. And, of course, I want to pay tribute to our English and Maths teachers and managers, whose expertise, determination, and encouragement have helped our learners to achieve these outcomes.
This year’s results are a shared success. They demonstrate what we can achieve when we work together in pursuit of our common goal: giving every learner the opportunity to succeed in English and Maths, and to progress with confidence to the next stage of their journey.
