Exeter College learners celebrate record GCSE exam success

They bucked the national trend

Exeter College students are celebrating their GCSE results today as sixth form and adult learners alike collect their results, alongside thousands of young people across the country.  

Bucking the national picture for those retaking English and Maths GCSEs, sixth form learners have made amazing progress from the GCSE grade they attained in school while studying alongside their full time course.  

One of those students is Trinity Bridger who retook her GCSE Maths and English. Trinity previously achieved a 3 in English and has made amazing progress, getting a 6 today, alongside also improving her grade in GCSE maths to a 4. She said; “I’m a bit shocked, I wasn’t expecting to go up as many grades. I have felt 100% supported by my tutor and Maths and English tutors, especially my personal tutor who supported me to go to my lessons and believed I could get the grades. Doing the GCSEs alongside my full-time course has meant I could still study what I wanted but I am over the moon I have got them now!” 

At Exeter College, all 16-18 learners re-sitting their GCSE in English or Maths are entered for the exam to give them an opportunity to make progress. In GCSE Maths, one in three students who took the exam achieved a grade 4 (previously a C) or better - almost double the national average for 4+ success rates in this exam series. In GCSE English, a quarter of learners achieved a 4 or above, even though national averages reduced. 

Sam Hillman, Assistant Principal at Exeter College praised the progress students have made, saying; 
“We are exceptionally proud of our GCSE Maths and English learners. This vital policy provides learners not only with a second chance, but their best chance of developing their literacy and numeracy skills and achieving qualifications that are truly life changing. A huge well done to all our learners and the progress you have made.” 

Director of Adult and Higher Education, Lucinda Sanders, said;  “We are so proud of our Adult GCSE students, this year’s fantastic results are down to their hard work, commitment to their studies, as well as the outstanding teaching support from their teachers. We wish them all the luck for the future and look forward to seeing many continue their education journey with us at Exeter College.”