Great GCSE results open doors for York College students

Three York College success stories: Caroline Merrett, Alicia Renfree and Paige Garside

GCSE students from York College celebrated with friends and family on results day and planned the next steps on their learning journey.

The College, which offers GCSEs in Maths, English Language and Biology, to post-school learners of all ages, saw impressive improvements in grades from its adult learners.

Lee Probert, York College’s Chief Executive and Principal, congratulated all GCSE students on the results of their hard work.

He said: “These qualifications open the door to further study, paving the way for progression to high quality apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, T Levels and A Levels.

“At York College more than 20 per cent of young people improved their GCSE grades.  An impressive set of results for adults saw an 11 percentage-point improvement in grades nine to four in English Language and an eight percentage-point increase for GCSE Maths.

“Whatever grades you’re picking up today, schools, colleges and private training providers have lots of options for further study.  So do get in touch with us and let us help you choose your next steps.”

Amongst those celebrating was Caroline Merrett, 46, from York, who said: “I had no GCSEs but I thought I’d like to get maths, and today I’ve got a grade five.

“I really enjoyed it at York College – both the studying and the social aspect. I’ve now signed up to study counselling and I feel really good.”

Meanwhile, Emma Burnett, 43, From North Duffield near Selby was thrilled to discover she had achieved grade four in biology and grade five in English language.

“My aim is to get onto an Access to Higher Education course and from there I want to go into midwifery. I need English, Maths and Biology to get onto the access course, so my results today are a big step towards that. I start my maths GCSE in September.

“I feel really good today. I was convinced I hadn’t done well. I had to study while I was working and looking after my two kids. Now I feel like all my hard work was worthwhile.”

Troy Thompson, 17, from York, obtained grade four in Maths and a grade three in English Language. He said: “I think I may retake Maths and aim for a grade five and I will definitely take English again.

“I start my Level 3 Business course in September and I’m looking at eventually going to university.”