Students at Farnham College are celebrating today after collecting their successful GCSE exam results with over 97.6% of students taking GCSEs achieving a pass in this year’s exams.
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.
Farnham College also offers a one-year, full-time GCSE programme for 16-19-year-olds who want to improve their GCSE grades. The STEP GCSE programme at Farnham College offer a range of subjects and supports progression into Level 3 study.
Hannah O’Neill, Group Director of Academic Studies Faculty at Activate Learning, said: “Today 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 today 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 today.”
Violet Davidson studied the STRIVE GCSE programme on the Communications pathway and is celebrating achieving a Grade 9 in Psychology, Grade 8s in Physics and Chemistry, and Grade 7s in Maths and Sociology
Violet said: “I am very pleased and will be going on to study A Levels in Chemistry, Biology and Psychology as I want to do medicine and it’s such a competitive field.”
“I was very nervous starting college as I’d been home schooled for most of my life and had basically no experience in a traditional education environment. Farnham College felt like a really welcoming place and there was so much support if I needed it. Farnham College definitely feels like a family.”
Violet will continue her studies at Farnham College and progress onto A Levels in Chemistry, Biology and Psychology.
Sienna Foster studied GCSE Psychology, GCSE Sociology alongside AS Film Studies at Farnham College and is celebrating a grade 8 in GCSE Psychology and grade 8 in GCSE Sociology.
“I am very pleased with my results, it’s so nice to know my hard work paid off. My favourite subject was psychology because I found it very interesting learning about the way our mind works, the reasons behind our behaviour and being able to relate it back to real life and apply it to real-life scenarios. I also really enjoyed my psychology teacher, Stephanie’s, way of teaching.”
“I would like to say thank you for all support I received at Farnham College, not just with academics but also enabling me to come to college and be comfortable being there, as I started this year in a challenging place as an autistic person. I struggled to come to school, and I have suffered a big loss in my personal life, and my teachers have been very supportive and accommodating of my needs to help me thrive and achieve at college.
“I would be very happy to recommend Farnham College to others as the support system is outstanding.”
Sienna is now planning to study A Level Psychology and A Level Politics alongside an AAQ in Health and Social Care programme at Farnham College.
Mark Hughes studied GCSE English Online and is celebrating achieving a Grade 9.
Mark said: “It’s extraordinary and I am chuffed. I emailed my tutor and said is this real. I studied hard and with age comes experience and willingness to learn. I can move forward now, and this means I can finish my social work degree.
“Learning online was great for me because I work in the day and could focus in the evening and at the weekend. I studied and learned well with the help of Activate Learning. I went into this with no aspirations, I just hoped to do my best which took the pressure off.
“My Tutor, Deborah, was fantastic and I’d like to say a big thank you to her and I wish her well. Her style of teaching was very motivational and it got the best out of me.
“I’d definitely recommend Farnham College to complete the exam. It was easy to find and the process on the day was easy to follow with helpful staff, which made me feel more relaxed.
“I am a mature student and never thought I’d have it in me to complete my English and my maths a few years ago. Time and the experience that brings definitely helped me settle into learning when I was ready. So, a message to those out there who have reached an age and don’t think they can do it. If I can, anyone can!”
Mark now hopes to use this qualification to complete his social work degree he started in 2021 and looks forward to celebrating with his daughter who also got her GCSE results this morning with a well-earned coffee.
Sophia Leigh studied the STEP GCSE programme at Farnham College and is celebrating achieving a Grade 76 in GCSE Combined Science a Grade 7 in GCSE mathematics and a Grade 5 in English.
Sophia said: “I had loads of fun at Farnham College and it’s a very nice environment where everyone knows each other and has a real sense of community”
Sophia will progress to A Levels at Farnham College with a keen interest in sociology.
Farnham College offers part-time GCSE courses in English and maths alongside a wide range of vocational and technical programmes, including A Levels, T Levels, BTEC and other Level 3 programmes alongside apprenticeship opportunities via Activate Apprenticeships.
This year, Farnham College 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.
