EKC Sheppey College celebrates GCSE and Level 2 Results Day success

Students have been celebrating today after receiving their GCSE and Level 2 results, marking the culmination of months of hard work and determination.

There were some tremendous results this year, including those for Level 2 Public Services student, Lilian, who achieved an amazing Grade 9 in GCSE English and a Grade 8 in GCSE Maths.

The atmosphere on campus was full of excitement as learners collected their grades, many achieving results that will propel them to the next step in their education or career.

For some, this means continuing their courses here at EKC Sheppey College, while others are preparing to begin Apprenticeships or move into employment.

We caught up with some of our successful students who attended Results Day, to hear their thoughts and what they’re off to do next.

Blake was one of our 16 to 18 learners who passed their GCSEs today, with a Grade 4 in English. He’s now carrying on with his Computing course at the College in September.

“It felt pretty good, I thought I did good on the actual exam anyway so I’m really happy that I passed. I’m coming back next year to carry on with Computing so there was always the option to resit, but it’s good not to have to worry about that.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to College, as it’s a really nice environment to be in.”

Amelia achieved a Grade 4 in GCSE Maths, and is now looking forward to her next steps. As she has also completed our Level 2 Business course, she is now aiming to do a Level 4 Hospitality Apprenticeship at Wetherspoons where she currently works.

“I was quite excited actually – I was nervous this morning as it’s my second time retaking it and now I don’t have to do maths ever again. My advice is honestly don’t give up – I was going to, but now I’m progressing, and I’m very happy.”

Also celebrating were our adult learners from GCSE Maths. This year’s adult evening cohort achieved an incredible 100% pass rate, and were all ecstatic about their achievements.

Hannah, who achieved Grade 5, is now set to start a rewarding career in the Early Years sector.

She said of collecting her results: “I felt over the moon. I’m seriously shocked but I’m overall happy and just really pleased. Now that I’ve passed, I’m going to study Level 3 Childcare alongside my new job in a nursery, to boost my skills and my career.”

Byron’s favourite part of studying GCSE Maths at College was the support, and by passing today, he now has a newfound confidence in his own abilities.

He spoke to us, saying: “I may now even go onto GCSE English, because doing this course and passing this course has given me the confidence that I can do it. I never in a million years would have thought that I could do this, and now look at me. It’s great.

“I think Christine, our lecturer, understood that as adults doing a part-time course, we only really had eight months to do it, compressed from a two-year course. She understood that and her lesson plans were perfect in accommodating that.”

Fellow adult learner, Kara, said of her own journey: “Now that I have my GCSE Maths, I’m going onto GCSE English, as it’s a teaching degree that I’m after. Obviously I didn’t do well the first time round, but now I’m working harder, I’ll put my GCSEs behind me and then go to university.

Her advice for other learners who want to take their GCSEs is: “Revise! I didn’t do as much as I could have, but I put the effort in, and I passed. Make sure you also believe in yourself.”

Finally, Wendy also achieved a Grade 5 in GCSE Maths, and for her, this achievement marks not only an incredible accomplishment, but also the opportunity to experience a Results Day in-person.

She said: “It feels amazing to have passed, because I never took my GCSEs when I was at school all those years ago, and I never thought I could again, so the fact that I got a 5 makes me absolutely thrilled.

“I didn’t bother with the nerves as it was already done and the result was determined, but I was excited to come here and collect them in-person. I didn’t experience GCSEs at all so I didn’t know what to expect from a Results Day, but it’s been lovely.”

Alexandra Syrotiuk, Principal of EKC Sheppey College, was overjoyed with today’s Results Day.

She said: “Our students have done incredibly well in both their GCSEs and vocational qualifications, and we have some incredible results this year.

“Notable successes include one of our students gaining a Grade 9 in their English GCSE, which is the highest GCSE grade we have ever had.

All of our Adult GCSE Maths students who have been studying with us on Tuesday evenings gained their Grade 4s, which is a 100% achievement rate for them and just brilliant. This is testament to their commitment and hard work towards their studies during their time with us, alongside the dedication, motivation and enthusiasm of their lecturers.

“We are so proud to share in their achievements and successes today.”

We would like to congratulate all our students on their outstanding achievements and wish them every success for their future endeavours.