Students at Banbury and Bicester College are celebrating today after collecting their successful GCSE exam results.
95.8% of students taking maths and English GCSEs at Banbury and Bicester College achieved a pass in this year’s exams, which is 0.4% higher than last year.
GCSE English learners achieved a 96.5% pass rate, which is 2.7% above the national average, and GCSE maths learners achieved a 95% pass rate, which is 2.2% 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.
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.”
Joanna Raeburn achieved a grade 8 in her GCSE maths.
She said: ” I was nervous about Results Day, which felt strange. I’ve taught English for 32 years, so wanting to learn Maths was a real challenge and departure for me. I’m used to being nervous for student results. This time it was me!
“Activate Learning and my tutor Inna have been amazing! I absolutely loved the course. The lessons, nuggets, homework, assessments, feedback and encouragement all helped me so much, and I found that I enjoyed the learning throughout the year. I even enjoyed taking the exams!
“Having achieved an 8, which I am delighted with, I now feel confident to teach some maths alongside my English teaching. I’m really excited about this, as it’s so good to keep learning, even in my mid-fifties! The course gave me so much self-belief and I’m so grateful to Inna and the team for being so brilliant!”
Emma Barnett, aged 16, from Banbury, has been studying the Step: Communications GCSE pathway at Banbury and Bicester College and is celebrating achieving a Grade 6 in English and Citizenship Studies, and a Grade 4 in Business and English Literature.
Emma said:“My experience studying at college was great. I had a lot of anxiety this time last year at school and this year I have had next to none. This is mainly because of the support from my teachers, and I have felt really valued as a student. My teachers at college have made sure that I am ready for the future.
“In September, I will be returning to Banbury and Bicester College to do the T Level course in Business and Management. The career that I am interested in pursuing in the future is wedding planning and I’m excited for the next steps now that I have my results.”
The college also works closely with employers to provide apprenticeship opportunities via Activate Apprenticeships.
This year, Banbury and Bicester 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.
