GCSE Success at Stoke on Trent College

GCSE re-sit students from Stoke on Trent College are taking the next steps in their career paths, after collecting their English and mathematics results.

Every year students who have not managed to achieve a high-grade pass (4 or above) in their English or mathematics at school are given a chance to re-take their exams, giving them sufficient grades to go onto further education courses, university, a higher apprenticeship or full-time employment.

Following the pandemic, this number has increased year-on-year, making these qualifications vital in shaping the career paths of students across Stoke-on-Trent.

Many young people and adult learners who have returned to college either full-time or part-time this academic year, have achieved grades that will give them the necessary tools to follow their chosen vocational path.

Adult learner Katy Jones, who achieved Grade 5’s in English and mathematics, is planning on a career in creative writing.

Katy Jones said:

“I didn’t expect it to be as difficult as it was, and there is a lot of work included in both courses but it’s really rewarding. It’s different being an adult learner than being a younger one, but the teaching staff here are amazing. You are engaged in everything, they help you when you struggle and they’ve really supported me and it’s shown in my grades.

“I want to go and do an access course in Humanities and then I’m going to University to my degree. I’m looking to take up a career in creative writing.”

Danielle Longmore, achieved a Grade 4 in Mathematics, is now looking to take on a Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship and pursue a teaching career supporting autistic children.

“I did Grade 4 English last year, and now I’ve got my maths too.

“I want to be a Teaching Assistant and work with autistic children. My son is autistic, and is the reason I wanted to pursue this career, and give other autistic children the best experience.”

Retired Primary School Headteacher Rose Brookes, had previously achieved her GCSE in Mathematics at Stoke on Trent College, and has now achieved a Grade 6 in English, after wanting to update her qualifications which she first achieved in 1972.

Rose Brookes said:

“I taught in education for over 30 years, I wanted to do my English GCSE. I had previously got my 0 Level English in 1972, but I wanted to do it to channel my creative energy into something constructive.

“Stoke on Trent College for me, has been very therapeutic because I did Maths last year, had a life-long lack of confidence in Maths and re-took it. The resources online were fantastic, English was challenging, but in a more subjective way.

“I think I will do more qualifications after we get over our recent house move.”

Lisa Capper MBE, CEO & Principal at Stoke on Trent College said:

“I would like to congratulate all of our students who have achieved their desired GCSE grades today. Our students are engaging with their courses and showing a determination to get to the next stage of their career, whether that is continuing to study with us at a higher level, going to university, taking on a higher apprenticeship or going into the workplace.

“For those who haven’t got the grades they desired today; my first message would be to not panic and come and speak to one of our careers advisors, who will give you the right advice for your next steps.”

Enrolment for the 2024/25 academic year at Stoke on Trent College is now underway at both our Burslem and Cauldon campuses. More information on opening times can be found here – https://stokecoll.ac.uk/event/september-enrolment-2024/