Success for students at Harrogate College as they collect their GCSE results
Students at Harrogate College have been collecting their GCSE English and maths results as they embark on their next steps.
Among those celebrating is adult learner Neil Thompson, 55, originally from South Africa, who discovered that his previous English qualifications were not equivalent to a GCSE. He enrolled at the college to gain the qualification he needed to progress towards his long-term goal of becoming a nurse.
Neil received a grade 8 in his GCSE English and gave credit to the college for the support he received during his studies.
He said: “The face-to-face learning experience, engaging lessons and tailored support from my tutor made a huge difference, helping me build the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.”
Alongside his studies, Neil was also recognised nationally with the NHS England Chief Nursing Award for his outstanding contribution to supporting colleagues.
Fellow adult learner, Basma Elshobaky, 39, received a grade 6 and a grade 8 in her GCSE English and maths, respectively, balancing her studies with looking after her young family.
She said: “The support and encouragement from my tutors and the wider college staff played a huge part in helping me succeed, while meeting new people and making friends made my experience even more rewarding.”
She plans to continue her studies, with the ambition of becoming a maths teacher.
For Level 3 Electrical student, Seb Luke, achieving a grade 4 for his GCSE English resit marks an important step towards his next goal. After gaining the grades he needed, Seb is now planning to enrol on a Motor Vechicle course at Harrogate College.
He said: “The staff were really amazing, especially my teachers, Seona and Rory. The teaching was really supportive and they incorporated fun into the lessons to make them engaging.”
Other students across the college are also celebrating their achievements and looking ahead to their next steps.
Arn Bell achieved a grade 4 in GCSE maths and was delighted to celebrate his success with his classmates and tutors. He will now progress to a Supported Internship at Harrogate Hospital.
Beauty student Soraya Huntridge had a double reason to celebrate after passing her driving test on the morning of results day before going on to achieve a grade 4 in maths. Soraya currently has a part-time job working on Emmerdale and is planning to progress to study media make-up at Craven College.
Saffron Bentley also demonstrated impressive determination, achieving grade 4 in maths at her fifth attempt. She will now progress to Access to Science, with the ambition of pursuing a career in health.
Level 1 Motor Vehicle student Jake Keillar achieved a grade 4 in maths and is planning to progress to Level 2 Joinery this year, whilst Maliha Salehi is also celebrating after achieving a grade 5 in maths and Grade 3 in English, having lived in the UK for just one year. She will now progress to Level 3 Business.
Debbie Redman, Programme Manager for GCSEs at Harrogate College, said: “I’m proud of our students and what they’ve achieved. Many study GCSEs alongside work and other personal commitments which makes their success all the more rewarding.”