GCSE success for Reading College and University Centre students

Students at Reading College and University Centre are celebrating after collecting their successful GCSE exam results.

Over 96% of students taking maths and English GCSEs at Reading College and University Centre achieved a pass in this year's exams, with maths achieving 4.1% above the national average and English achieving 2.7% above the national average.

Many of the college's GCSE students are learners who have resat maths, English or both to continue in education or progress their careers.

This includes mature students who need these GCSEs to progress in the workplace, learners who may have missed the opportunity to go to university and now want to study at degree level, alongside part-time students who have studied GCSEs through evening classes.

The college also achieved the following successes in GCSE subjects for their one-year, full-time programmes for 16-19-year-olds who want to improve their GCSE grades:

• English Literature achieved a 100% pass rate, 7.1% above the national average.
• Citizenship Studies achieved a 100% pass rate, 5.5% above the national average.
• Biology achieved a 100% pass rate, 4.2 above the national average.
• Sociology achieved a 100% pass rate, 3.7% above the national average.

Hannah O'Neill, Group Director of Academic Studies Faculty at Activate Learning, said: “This is an opportunity to recognise the commitment, resilience and perseverance our learners have shown throughout their studies. Their results reflect not only academic achievement, but also the personal growth and confidence they have developed along the way.

“Every student has followed their own unique journey, and behind every set of results is an extraordinary story of determination and ambition. Seeing our learners reach this milestone makes a moment of real celebration; every learner should feel proud of their progress.

“As they move on to their next step, whether that is A Levels, T Levels, vocational programmes, apprenticeships, training or employment, we are excited to see what they achieve next. The future is full of possibilities, and we are confident they will continue to thrive.

“For any students who are considering their options, our teams are available to provide advice, guidance and support to help them make informed decisions about their next steps.

“I would also like to thank our exceptional teachers, leaders, support colleagues and partners. Our staff care deeply about what they do and are committed to creating opportunities for every learner to succeed. Through their dedication, expertise and encouragement, they make a lasting difference to the lives of our students and the communities we serve, and we are proud to celebrate these achievements alongside them.”

Matthew Douglas, aged 18, from Maidenhead, has been studying the full-time GCSE Step STEM programme at Reading College and University Centre and is celebrating achieving a 99 grade in Combined Science, a grade 9 in Statistics, and grade 7s in English and maths. He’s planning to do A Levels in Chemistry, maths and Physics at the college.

Matthew said: "I did my GCSEs at college having dropped out of school a few years prior and wanted to catch up.

“Chemistry was my favourite subject as it’s been my personal favourite from a younger age.

“I’d like to say thank you to my teachers for their support. I liked college because unlike school, it’s far less rigid and stressful, which was helpful. Not having to wear a uniform was helpful. The environment is a lot more relaxed.

“Since coming to college, I’ve picked up knowledge, experience and social skills.

“I’d recommend Reading College and University Centre because there’s a wide range of subjects and teachers who teach their subjects well."

Caitlin Layug is celebrating after achieving a grade 8 in maths, grades 8,8 in Combined Science and a grade 6 in English.

“I was expecting a grade 8, and for English, I did not expect to get a six. I was expecting a 5. My friends did well, too.”

“I enjoyed studying my GCSEs at college. It was difficult when I moved here because I wasn't from this country, but the teachers really helped me settle into the new environment.

“I’d recommend Reading College and University Centre as it's a really nice college.”

Caitlin is now progressing to study A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics having successfully achieved the GCSE qualifications needed to continue her education.

Access to Higher Education in Paramedic Science student, Mia Rose, 20, from Reading who was celebrating both her birthday and her results, got a grade 4 in maths, which will now enable her to study Paramedic Science at City St George's, University of London.

“I thought I was going to get a grade 3 as maths has always been my weak point, so I was more stressed about it than my other results for my Access to HE course.

“Having the support from people has been really helpful. I’ve made some really good friends, one who is going into the police. We’re very similar. It’s nice to have someone who’s going down the same path as me.

“I’d recommend Reading College and University Centre. The staff have been really supportive with both personal and educational support. They’ve been amazing.”

Craig Rolfe originally came to the college at Functional Skills Entry 1. Since then, over four years, he has done two Pre-Internship Programmes and Preparation for Work courses at the college and is now celebrating after achieving a grade 5 in GCSE maths!

“I was expecting a 5, so I’m really happy with what I got.  

“I enjoyed working with all the people I get to work with every day.  

“I’ve been working towards this result for eight years, I didn’t get to do it at school, so I’m pleased I finally got to do them. Believe it or not when I first came to college, I only had Functional Skills Entry 1, so to go from there to GCSE, wow!

“I’d like to say thank you so much to my teachers for all their help.

Reading College and University Centre offers part-time GCSE courses in English and maths.

If a person doesn’t have the results they think they could have achieved, Reading College and University Centre offers one-year, full-time programmes for 16-19-year-olds who want to improve their GCSE grades.  

Each programme is suited to a student’s level of grades and a range of subject choices are offered. You can find about the STEP and STRIVE GCSE programmes at Reading College and University Centre on the college website.  

Reading College and University Centre also offers a wide range of A Level subjects and vocational programmes.

The college also works closely with employers to provide apprenticeship opportunities via Activate Apprenticeships.

This year, Reading College and University Centre is offering information, advice and guidance through Clearing appointments from GCSE Results Day and throughout the end of August and September. Tutors and careers advisers will be available to support anyone who is unsure about their next steps after GCSEs and can also provide advice on funding and student support services.

Clearing appointments can be booked via the Activate Learning website.