There were celebrations at City College Plymouth today as GCSE students achieved an impressive overall pass rate of 99% and a 58% pass rate for higher grades.
Nearly 900 students aged between 16 and 61 received their English, maths, biology and chemistry results at the City’s largest provider of technical and vocational education. Of the students, 61% were 16 to 18-year-olds who were retaking their GCSEs because they had not previously achieved a grade 4 or above. The Government aims to ensure that every young person leaving education achieves at least a grade 4 in these subjects; therefore, the College combines GCSEs with full-time technical/vocational courses, such as BTECs.
Adult students studying science GCSEs excelled with 100% achieving higher grade passes in chemistry and 91% in biology.
Chief Executive & Principal of City College Plymouth, Jackie Grubb, said: “We are extremely proud of the results achieved by our students. These amazing results are a credit to our resilient and committed staff who have supported and encouraged them all the way.
“Those studying GCSEs at the College do so for a number of reasons; to retake and gain better grades in order to progress to higher level study or into employment, to develop their career, and for interest as part of a lifelong learning programme.
“For those receiving their results today, I hope that they have finally achieved the grades they deserve. I am confident that their determination to succeed and commitment to their studies will enable them to reach their potential and to be successful and happy in the future.”
For those young people in the City whose GCSE results were not what they had hoped for, they can call the College’s exams results helpline on 01752 305300 or drop-in to the Kings Road site between 10.00am and 4.00pm on Friday 13 August.
The College’s expert team will be on-hand to offer free impartial advice about the range of courses available, including vocational training, Apprenticeships, BTECs and university-level degrees. Prospective students will also be able to find out about funding, subsidised travel plans, a FREE breakfast club and meal support, learning support, careers and how to apply for a course at the College.
Sarah Sinclair, the College’s Senior Careers Advisor, said: “This is a crucial time for young people. It’s important they are aware that if they don’t get the grades they expected, help is at hand! Young people do not have to stay at school, especially if they don’t achieve grade 4 for English and maths. They can work towards gaining these vital qualifications alongside a full-time study programme or Apprenticeship at the College.”