Record GCSE pass rates for Buxton & Leek College

Over 130 Buxton & Leek College students passed GCSE exams in maths and/or English this year after failing them at school.
Buxton & Leek College GCSE results, Jordan HodgkinsonBuxton & Leek College GCSE results, Jordan Hodgkinson
Buxton & Leek College GCSE results, Jordan Hodgkinson

The college bucked the national trend for the second consecutive year, achieving an increase on the national average of 2.85 per cent for those taking their English exams and by 10.55 per cent for those who studying maths.

Alison Ivins, curriculum leader for maths and English, said: “I am incredibly proud of what our students have achieved here at Buxton and Leek College today. It is absolutely devastating for a lot of students when they don’t achieve their GCSE English or maths at school, and I don’t think people realise just how hard it is for them to pick themselves up and re-take them again at college.

Buxton & Leek College GCSE results, Joanne KempBuxton & Leek College GCSE results, Joanne Kemp
Buxton & Leek College GCSE results, Joanne Kemp

"Our English and maths tutors work very hard to help students overcome this, and reach their true potential. A good grade in GCSE English and maths is vitally important for the competitive job industry and for student’s future career progression, and it is important to us as a college that we do everything we can to enable our students to achieve this, and leave college with the qualifications and skills they need to succeed.

"Today’s results have been testament to the hard work and dedication that both students and tutors have put in this year, and I am thrilled to see so many well deserved passes for our students.”

Sarah Plimmer, 42, from Fairfield, celebrated passing her GCSE maths exam with a grade 4.

She said: "Getting this qualification has inspired me so much. I’m going for my English next and am planning on studying hairdressing at the college for a complete career change, after that.”

Buxton & Leek College GCSE results, Sarah PlimmerBuxton & Leek College GCSE results, Sarah Plimmer
Buxton & Leek College GCSE results, Sarah Plimmer

Jasmine Gregory, 22, from Buxton, achieved a grade 5 in her English resit. She now plans to undertake an Access Course at the college and go on to study nursing at university.

And Jordan Hodgkinson, 16, from Youlgrave, secured a place at drama school after passing her maths exam, while 21-year-old Joanne Kemp, from Buxton, gained one of the highest GCSE grades achieved at the college this year.

The college is now enrolling students for further education courses starting in September. Registration will take place on Friday August 24, 9am-4pm, and on Tuesday August 28, 9am to 7pm.