Students at New College Durham are celebrating their GCSE results, with more than 1,162 learners receiving grades in English and maths and the college stressing that results day is the beginning of the next stage rather than the end of a student’s options.
The college said staff had praised students for their determination, resilience and hard work as GCSE results were released across the region. Students now face a range of possible next steps, including A-Levels, T-Levels, vocational study, apprenticeships, employment or another education and training route.
Results and standout performances
At New College Durham, 46% of students achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE English, while 21% achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE maths.
The college is also celebrating several particularly strong individual performances. One student achieved a Grade 9 in GCSE Maths, while three students achieved Grade 8s in maths and English. Four students achieved Grade 7s in the two subjects.
New College Durham said the results came as national GCSE outcomes remained relatively stable in recent years. However, the college said results day represented more than the numbers printed on a results sheet, recognising the work of students and the staff who supported them.
College offers routes beyond GCSE results
Alison Maynard, Deputy Principal for Curriculum at New College Durham, said the day revealed a wide range of emotions, including pride, relief, excitement and disappointment. She said every student had worked hard and that the college was proud of its learners, academic staff and support staff.
“For those celebrating today, enjoy it, you’ve worked hard and you deserve to feel proud of your achievements. If your results haven’t gone quite as you hoped, please remember that today is not the end of the road. It’s simply the next step. Come and talk to us. There are many different routes to achieving your goals, and your GCSE results do not define who you are or what you can go on to achieve.”
The college’s English and maths teams support learners across a range of ages and abilities, including young people continuing their education after school and adults returning to study.
Its Sixth Form Centre offers a choice of A-Level subjects alongside individual support and progression advice. The college also provides vocational and technical programmes designed to offer practical routes into further study and employment, as well as T-Levels, vocational qualifications and apprenticeships.
Advice for students who are disappointed
New College Durham is encouraging students who did not achieve the grades they hoped for not to make quick decisions about their future. The college said students should speak to someone about their plans, as alternative routes may still lead towards their intended goals.
“Sometimes the route changes, but that doesn’t mean the destination has to be.”
Alison Maynard said the college had already helped thousands of students find different routes to their goals and would offer the same support to students seeking advice after this year’s results.