Celebrations on GCSE results day

Students of all ages have been celebrating their GCSE results and the opportunities they have unlocked.

Some of our youngest learners, from the 14+ Academies, were among those who had cause to cheer as they discovered their grades on Thursday 20 August.

Sixteen year old Bella Burling, for example, is looking forward to starting a dance course at London Studio Centre after excelling in her exams.

Bella, whose results included a grade in her English Language GCSE, flourished in our 14+ Academies – which provides an innovative, supportive approach for 14-16 year olds who are looking for an alternative to mainstream school or home education.

First steps towards a paramedical career

Adult learner Ben Cameron is a step closer to his dream of becoming a paramedic after gaining a Level 1 Functional Skills qualification in English.

Ben, who has returned to education as an adult, has been studying at both Leeds City College and Leeds College of Building (LCB) over the past year.

So he had double cause to celebrate on results day, when he also found out that he had achieved a grade 5 in the maths GCSE he had been working for at LCB.

Looking ahead, he said: “I’m planning on doing a Level 2 health and social care course starting this September, along with my English GCSE, and then an access course to health and social science the following year.

“And then, all being well, going to university to do paramedic science.”

Contrasting his time at college to the more difficult experiences he had at school, Ben said: “My time at college, compared to school, was on a different level – both my tutors were great.

“I think the main reason for the difference is that I chose to be at college. Also, I was bullied at school – and adults don’t really bully each other.”

Maths success for aspiring nurse Holly

Adult learner Holly Freemantle’s three-year journey studying maths at the college has come to a successful conclusion, with her achieving a Grade 4 in her GCSE.

For Holly, who has had to balance studying with parenthood and work, and passed her English GCSE with us last year, this represents another important step towards starting a career in nursing.

The 23 year old now plans to take on an access to health science course as the next step towards her securing a career in nursing.

Midwifery course beckons for Gabriella

Gabriella Morley was also among the adult learners celebrating after achieving a grade 5 in GCSE maths.

The qualification will allow Gabriella to progress onto a midwifery course.

Congratulations to all of our students for the hard work they put in towards their qualifications.