Unusually this year, we had a number of students join us at the end of their Year 11, either continuing their courses or picking up new ones in the knowledge that they would be doing so in a reduced time period. To say that I’m happy with how those students have done would be a major understatement, particularly given the fact that many of the students who performed superbly well did so having come from a school environment they disliked, or which had closed, to the College, and have been able to find a new, more confident approach here.
Salma came from a local school which was hastily closed at the end of last summer. She had to adjust to different exam boards, teachers and approaches in class, but was able to secure 9 GCSEs, almost all of which were at grades 9-7.
Melanie, who had to overcome some substantial challenges before enrolling at the College last summer, met the incredibly high standards she set for herself, scoring four grade 9s and three grade 8s amongst her GCSEs.
Sudansu, another who joined at the start of Year 11, was a tremendous example of consistency in obtaining four grade 8s and four grade 7s across her eight GCSEs. A superbly motivated and mature student, she got the grades her hard work deserved.
Nima also came to us during last summer, and, again, has overcome challenges to perform superbly well with 9-6 in all subjects, despite doubting his ability to handle the pace of such an intensive course at the start. He has emerged as a confident student, well on the road to fulfilling his sizeable potential.
Another example is Sam, who joined us half way through GCSE and made the necessary adaptations to get the best from himself. I recall very well him writing in his exams until being told to put his pen down. This meticulous approach brought him excellently high grades, including a 9.
Amongst the students which we welcome to the College every year, there are always students who enrol looking to move beyond the disappointments which they have experienced by retaking courses. There are three particular students this year who have really stood out in improving their grades, and so, being able to move forward to A Levels, or to options where they needed higher requirements to proceed.
Romane reaps the rewards of an incredibly hard working approach to take her 2023 grades, which stood at 5s and 4s up to 7s and 6s, and, in doing so, will now be taking A Levels at the College in her preferred subjects.
Nova doubled her disappointing grades in English Language, Literature and Spanish in just one year at the College, whilst also attaining an excellent grade in AS French. She can now count 8s and 7s in her grade profile, and look forward to two years of additional A Levels at the College.
Pleasingly, Nick took grade 3s in Maths and English Language, scored at a large College in 2023, and which had been holding him back from moving on, up to a 6 and a 4, and he can now move forward with his plans.
Overall, it really has been a day where, overwhelmingly, the next steps towards the long term goals of students have been achieved, and achieved with a reinvigorated sense of confidence and drive. Given the success of the College in this area over the last few years, and the increased number of enquiries for GCSE courses, either from the start, part way through or as a retake, I’m pleased to say that we have delivered for our students, and will work ever harder to ensure that this level of success continues. They will never just be percentages to us – they are individuals. These individuals need to be fully understood, encouraged, coached and praised – and I am sure that is why they do so well here.
The weeks leading up to the start of term almost have a ‘pre-season’ feel for me: new faces coming in to the College; individual plans for the upcoming season, or academic year, to discuss; that buzz of the possibilities for each and every one of our intake, and just how much positive difference we can make with them when they come to us.
It’s an exciting time to lead the College on to continued success. The achievements of our students this year reflect their resilience and the supportive environment we provide at the College. Each student’s journey, from overcoming challenges to securing excellent results, demonstrates the impact of dedication and the right support. As we approach the new academic year, our commitment to understanding, encouraging, and empowering each individual remains stronger than ever.
If you or someone you know is considering a new start or the next step in education, we encourage you to explore what the College can offer by getting in contact with us. Together, we can help more students achieve their full potential.
