Record numbers of GCSE English and Maths resit students at Stratford-upon-Avon College and Solihull College & University Centre are celebrating after receiving a grade 4 or above following resits in November.
Learners who achieved a grade 3 in their English and/or Maths GCSE exams in Summer ‘25 were given the opportunity to resit them in November – the aim being to achieve at least the necessary grade 4 (equivalent to an old ‘C’) needed for most employment and progression opportunities.
475 students passed with a grade 4 and above, and 77 jumped at least two grades.
Level 2 Art & Design student Iris Westmacott Brown was one of them. She progressed from a 3 to a 7 in her GCSE English. Being homeschooled from the age of 5, achieving such a result felt incredible: “I was shocked! I was so nervous but so relieved when I found out my result.”
She is grateful to the College not only for supporting her to achieve her result but also helping her transition into formal education so smoothly: “It is such a lovely learning environment. Being at college has been so great for social integration and I felt comfortable here so quickly.”
Now she has passed her English GCSE, she is able to move onto the Level 3 Fashion course in September which will start her on her path to her dream job: “I want to be a Fashion Designer! My hope it to go from college onto an apprenticeship and ultimately create my own fashion brand that is fully inclusive with a vintage focus.”
Head of School for English & Maths, Alex Blewer, said it’s important to recognise the potential of our learners: “We have always offered resits in November but only for students who were within touching distance of Grade 4. We recognised the potential success of these students and just wanted to get behind them, so we widened the net to include everyone who was one grade away from passing.”
Alex is delighted with the results. He continues: “November results were very successful for us as a college having entered the largest ever cohort for the series. 475 students have achieved a grade 4 or more and as a result they are able to progress on to bigger and brighter things securing a sustainable and prosperous future. We also have 200 learners who are within 3 marks of passing so we are asking for a review of marking for those students.”
Students still to achieve a 4 in English and/or Maths will have their next opportunity in the summer. The College wishes them the best of luck.
