Students celebrate excellent GCSE English and maths results

Students across Education Partnership North East’s colleges and sixth forms are celebrating after receiving their English and maths GCSE results this week. 

The group, which includes Hartlepool Sixth Form, Northumberland and Sunderland College, saw hundreds of students sitting their exams in November with almost half (44.5%) achieving high grades. 

Many of the students studied English and maths GCSEs as a resit course alongside their College courses and saw their grades improve compared to their previous result, meaning they can now progress onto university or secure employment. 

The exams were also an opportunity for adults returning to education to gain the qualifications required for employment or improve their career prospects. 

Judith Quinn, Interim Deputy Principal of Curriculum at Sunderland College, said: “I would like to congratulations all the students who have now achieved their GCSE English and maths from the November exam series, after what has been such a difficult and uncertain year for them. 

“Many are already aware of the huge national challenges that exist with regards to GCSE English and maths in post 16 education, even in non-COVID-19 circumstances. These results showcase the hard work, resilience and dedication displayed by the students despite the disruption caused by COVID-19. 

“Thank you to all the staff who have taught and supported the students to achieve such positive outcomes, and the exams team who organised a high number of exams safely in the middle of a pandemic.” 

With the increasing importance of GCSEs, Education Partnership North East offers extra support for those who have not achieved their necessary grades in English and maths to revisit the essential they need to get into university, secure a job or promotion.