Students at Activate Learning’s Guildford College are celebrating today after collecting their GCSE exam results.
Congratulations to the 172 students who achieved a grade 9-4 in their GCSE maths and English.
Overall, 1561 learners across our group of colleges in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey and our online provision achieved a grade 9-4 today.
Many of the college’s GCSE students are learners who resit maths, English or both, to continue in education or progress their career.
This includes mature students who need these GCSEs to progress in the workplace, learners who may have missed the chance to go to university and want to study at degree level, alongside part-time students who have studied GCSEs at evening classes.
Hannah O’Neill, Group Director of Academic Studies Faculty at Activate Learning, said: “I’m so proud of our learners. Today’s results reflect their determination, hard work and effort and the support of fantastic teaching teams.
“Many students getting their results today have taken English and maths alongside full-time programmes as they resit their GCSEs, while others have returned to secure the grades they need to take up new opportunities while juggling work and home commitments. Every student has been on their own journey and they should all feel proud of their achievements.
“Further education colleges such as Guildford College exist for moments like this; we help people of all ages gain the qualifications and confidence to move forward, whether that’s into higher education, apprenticeships or straight into work.
“I would like to thank all our amazing staff and our students’ families for their encouragement at every stage. I hope that these results will lead to lots of amazing opportunities for our learners and wish them all the best for the future.”
Will Sparshott, 18, from Bookham, a Level 2 Games Development student at Guildford College, is really pleased with achieving a grade 6 in English, having got a grade 3 for his school result last year.
Will said: “I’m in total shock, I thought I’d probably scrape through with a grade 4 but didn’t expect this! I didn’t find school easy and I feel that the quality of teaching here at college is so much better in getting me to engage with the subject. I’m still processing this result to be honest – I’m going to go and celebrate with my friends! “
Will is coming back to the college in September to progress onto the Level 3 Games Development programme.
Tyler Bayliss, 17, from Ash, an Art student at Guildford College, is delighted to have passed his maths GCSE with a grade 4, having joined the college from school with a grade 3.
Tyler said: “I am so pleased with this result today. I have thoroughly enjoyed college so far, I feel so at home here, I feel that it’s become like a second family to me. I trust people at Guildford College and the amazing staff couldn’t have been more supportive or helpful. I’m really excited to come back in September! “
Tyler will now progress onto a Level 2 in Art, Design and Media at Guildford College.
Alice Elms, 18, from Guildford, an Esports student at Guildford College, was pleased to have achieved a Grade 5 in English today.
Alice said: “I’m pretty chuffed with that result to be honest! Having got a grade 3 for my English GCSE at school, I didn’t think I’d get a grade 4, let alone a grade 5! I love it here at college, it’s so much better than school, I feel totally looked after and have made a bunch of good friends. I’m really happy to be coming back next term.”
Alice will now progress onto the Level 3 Esports programme at Guildford College.
William Brent, 17, from Epsom, an Art student at Guildford College, achieved Grade 4 Maths having got a grade 3 at school last year.
William said: “I’m so happy and relieved that I passed maths this time around. The support I’ve had here at college has been brilliant and has made me feel confident in my abilities. Everyone is really nice here. We’re going to celebrate by going shopping and then get a takeaway!”
William will now progress onto the Level 3 Art programme at Guildford College.
Miriam Inkster, 17, from Normandy, is an Art and Design student at Guildford College and achieved a grade 5 in English, having started at the college with a grade 3 from school.
Miriam said: “I’m really happy to get a grade 5, I wasn’t expecting it! I much prefer college as it gives you more freedom and they treat you like an adult. I think that’s why I achieved what I did as I have more confidence in my abilities now.”
William Morris, 18, from Farnham, is a T Level Construction, Design and Planning student having arrived at the college last September with a grade 3 in English. William had been home schooled for the past year and this was his fifth attempt at passing his English GCSE. We are delighted to report that William achieved a grade 4!
William said: “I am over the moon and shocked to have finally passed. I can now look to the future and complete the second year of my course before applying for university where I want to study Property Development. I’m so happy!”
Charlie Ansell-Othen, 17, from Byfleet, has passed his English GCSE with a grade 6 and is delighted as it means he can now start a Level 3 Plumbing apprenticeship through the college. Charlie started last September with a grade 3 in English from school.
Charlie said: “I really worked hard this year, but I didn’t think I’d achieve at grade 6! I am thrilled and so proud of myself and I am looking forward to my future! I can’t wait to start my apprenticeship!”
If a person doesn’t have the results they think they could have achieved, Guildford College offers a one-year, full-time programme for 16-19-year-olds who want to improve their GCSE grades. Each programme is suited to a student’s level of grades, and a range of subject choices are offered. You can find about the STEP, STEP UP and STRIVE GCSE programmes at Guildford College on the college website.
Guildford College also offers a variety of vocational programmes, Higher Education and apprenticeship opportunities.
This year, the college are providing information, advice and guidance via Clearing sessions at Guildford College from GCSE Results Day, and throughout the end of August and September. Tutors and career advisers will be on hand to help anyone who is unsure as to what to do next after GCSEs and can also provide advice on funding and other student support services. You can also contact Activate Learning via 0800 612 6008.
