GCSE Success: A Year of Resilience and Remarkable Achievements

As students across the country receive their GCSE results, there is much to celebrate at Abingdon & Witney College. This year’s outcomes highlight not only academic achievement but also the resilience and determination of our students.

Last year, the college made a significant decision to give more students the opportunity to take GCSE exams, particularly in English and Maths. This shift meant that even students who had previously scored lower grades (Us, 1s, and 2s) were encouraged to sit for GCSE exams rather than opting for Functional Skills qualifications. The intention was clear: to help each student make steady progress, one grade at a time, and keep future pathways open for them.

As anticipated, this inclusive approach led to a slight decrease in the percentage of students achieving a grade 4 or above. However, the decision has proven to be beneficial for individual learners. This year, the number of 16-18-year-olds achieving a grade 4 or above in English or Maths has nearly doubled, increasing from 70 last year to an impressive 130 this year. Among these achievers are students who might not have had the chance to sit for GCSEs under the old policy.

This year’s exams brought significant challenges, with national changes in grade boundaries aimed at returning to pre-COVID levels. Despite these obstacles, many of our students rose to the occasion, achieving grades beyond what they had imagined possible. Their impressive results are a true testament to their hard work and perseverance, particularly in the face of tougher national standards.

Adult Learners Shine in Maths

Our adult learners have also made significant strides, particularly in Maths, where the pass rate at grade 4 and above jumped from 75% to an impressive 83%.

Celebrating Individual Achievements

Among our successful students is Alex, who studied through the Gateway course and secured a grade 5 in Maths and a grade 4 in English. His hard work has paid off, and he’s now excited to pursue Engineering at Abingdon & Witney College.

"I worked hard but was still nervous when coming to collect my results, and I’m really relieved that all the effort I put in has paid off. Now I’m really excited to pursue

Engineering at the College, where I’ve had a lot of support," Alex shared.

Similarly, Patricia, having achieved a grade 4 in English, is exploring her next steps - either continuing her education at college or embarking on an apprenticeship. As a non-native English speaker who has attempted GCSE English four times, her success this year is particularly commendable.

"After sitting the exams several times, I was really nervous about coming in to collect my results, but when I saw that I’d passed, I couldn’t hold back my tears. I am very grateful for the support I’ve received at the college, and I’m relieved to have finally passed my GCSE," Patricia said.

We also had the pleasure of speaking with Sirisha, who joined the college last year after moving from Nepal. As part of her Level 1 Arts course, Sirisha has successfully passed both her English and Maths GCSEs. Her talent has already earned her a prestigious spot at Origins Creatives 2024 Exhibition, UAL Awarding Body's annual celebration of student achievement, where her work was selected from over 528 entries submitted by colleges across the country. Sirisha is excited to continue pursuing her passion for Textile and Fibre Arts at the college, aiming to progress to the Level 2 or 3 course.

Jacqui Canton, Principal and Chief Executive of Abingdon & Witney College, expressed her excitement about the results, saying, "One of the reasons I love GCSE results day is because you hear so many amazing stories. By 10:30 a.m. this morning, we’d already made at least one parent cry (for a good reason!). Their young person had secured the place with us that they wanted, and which was going to set them up well for their next steps. And that’s what we’re all about - making a difference and changing lives!"

We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our students, regardless of the results they have received. Every student’s journey is unique, and we recognise the effort and determination each of you has shown throughout the year. Remember, your results are just one step in your educational journey. Abingdon & Witney College is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you achieved the grades you hoped for or are still working toward your goals, we are committed to helping you find the right path that suits your aspirations. Your future is bright, and we are here to help you succeed.