Stoke on Trent College celebrates GCSE success and inspiring student achievements 

Stoke on Trent College is celebrating strong GCSE improvements across both English and Maths, with 16–18-year-olds achieving a 5% increase in English passes, alongside a 3% increase in Maths passes and a 2.5% rise in high grades.

English results have also strengthened across the wider College, with a 5% improvement in high grades and a 4% increase in overall passes, placing English achievement 4% above the national rate.

This year’s results also highlight that it is never too late to learn, with students of different ages and backgrounds achieving qualifications that are helping them move closer to their personal and professional ambitions.

Among the success stories is 18-year-old Jack Parker, whose Grade 4 in English has provided an important stepping stone towards his future career in finance. Having completed his Level 3 Business qualification at the College, Jack can now progress to the University of Staffordshire to study Accounting and Finance, with his GCSE English qualification helping him secure his place.

Jack said the support of his tutors had been instrumental in his success: “The tutors are great. They try to help from a personal level, made the subjects easy to understand, and helped me grasp the concepts.”

For adult learner Roza Chamryga Pawlaczyk, a single mother of four, returning to education was an important step towards pursuing her career ambitions. Roza achieved a Grade 5 in Maths, demonstrating her determination to continue learning alongside her family and professional commitments.

Roza completed her GCSE alongside studying for a degree in Business Psychology at Global Banking School, affiliated with Bath Spa University.

Roza said: “I wanted to prove to my children that you can learn at any age and chase your dreams. When I have finished my degree, I want to open my own hypnotherapy business.”

Speaking about her experience at Stoke on Trent College, Roza added: “The College tutors are superb, extremely nice and really supportive. You never get left on your own and they are always willing to help.”

Another outstanding achievement came from adult learner Korea Leung, who achieved an impressive Grade 7 in Maths. Korea moved to the UK from Hong Kong in 2018 and is now looking towards a future career in Human Resources, with an interest in working in social care. Her result demonstrates the opportunities that can come from determination, hard work and the right support.

Julie Cottingham achieved a Grade 6 in English after returning to education at a stage in her life when her children were older and more independent. Having felt she had missed opportunities during her school years, Julie decided it was time to achieve a qualification for herself. Her experience has boosted her confidence and self-esteem and shown her that it is never too late to return to learning.

Julie said: “Coming back to college can do wonders for your confidence and self-esteem. I feel really proud of what I’ve achieved. I love my tutors; the classes were relaxed, welcoming and supportive, and it was a very different experience from school. I felt much more included.”

The achievements of Roza, Korea, Jack and Julie reflect the diverse journeys of Stoke on Trent College’s learners and the different reasons students choose to return to education or continue developing their qualifications. Whether progressing to university, pursuing a career or working towards a personal ambition, their stories demonstrate the impact that gaining essential English and Maths qualifications can have.

“We are incredibly proud of the progress our students have made this year,” said Hassan Rizvi, Principal and CEO at Stoke on Trent College. “These results demonstrate the hard work, resilience and determination of our learners, as well as the dedication of our staff in supporting them to achieve their goals.

“The stories of our students are wonderful examples of how education can transform opportunities at any stage of life. Whether progressing to university, starting a career or pursuing a personal ambition, our learners are leaving College Skills Ready, Future Ready. We are delighted to see them progressing with confidence and pursuing their ambitions.”