Derby College Group’s GCSE+ programme has once again given students the chance to strengthen their GCSE profile and open doors to Level 3 study, including A levels, T Levels and vocational pathways.
This year, students achieved a 100% pass rate, and the 154 GCSE+ students returned to the Joseph Wright Centre to celebrate their results. The cohort studied a blend of core subjects, such as English Language, Maths and Combined Science, alongside a range of specialist options including English Literature, History, Media Studies and Business Studies.
Debbie Painter, Curriculum Manager for the GCSE+ programme at Derby College Group, said:
“Results day is always such a special occasion and one of the highlights of the year.
We are incredibly proud of our students and everything they have achieved. Many have faced real challenges along the way, so to see them succeed, grow in confidence and strengthen their academic skills is truly inspiring.
The GCSE+ programme has such a strong sense of community, and it has been wonderful to see how students encourage and support one another throughout their journey.
I am also so pleased for our remote students, who have overcome challenges to access the opportunity to study. This is a unique programme which really benefits those students who are not in the school system, have been home-schooled, or face barriers to face-to-face education. Many have excelled on this programme, and now have the opportunity to gain more qualifications.
The outstanding results we are celebrating today are down to the determination and hard work of our students, supported every step of the way by the dedication and expertise of our teaching and coaching team.”
There were so many stories of exceptional achievement. Here is a selection of them:
Ayesha Sawar celebrating at The Joseph Wright Centre
GCSE+ student Ayesha Sawar is planning to study for a career in child psychology after gaining the GCSE grades she needs to progress to A levels. Ayesha, who is 17 and lives in Littleover, achieved grade 4s in English and Maths and a grade 3 in Business.
She said:
“I lost focus during my GCSEs at school but coming to Derby College to take GCSE+ has got me back on track. I’ve now got the grades I need to take A levels in Applied Psychology, Criminology and Sociology at JWC.
I’d like to go on to university and ultimately work as a child psychologist, or if not that, in a career that involves psychology. I’ve enjoyed my time at Derby College. The teachers here are so nice and supportive.”
Ayesha is not the first person in her family to attend JWC. Her older sister Maryum has just completed her A levels and is off to Derby University to study law.
Jezreel Samuel collecting his results today.
Jezreel Samuel, 19, has his sights set on a career as a commercial airline pilot after gaining strong grades in his GCSE+ exams. The 19-year-old, who came to Derby from the Philippines two years ago, achieved a 7/7 in Combined Sciences, a 5 in Maths and 4s in English and Media.
He said:
“I’m now going to the Roundhouse to do a full-time engineering course as I’d like to get into the aerospace and aviation industry, ideally as a commercial pilot.
I did the LEXUS course when I first came here and then moved to GCSE+. I’ve learnt so much and really like the UK education system. I feel my academic knowledge has improved and, through extracurricular activities such as the college’s Media Ambassador programme, I’ve become more confident in areas such as public speaking.”
Victor Chikura celebrating today.
Victor Chikura has also been in Derby for just two years, having come to the UK in 2023 from Johannesburg. Victor, 18, already had qualifications from school in South Africa but wanted to convert them to the English GCSE equivalent. He is now progressing to study engineering full-time at the Roundhouse, with the aim of pursuing a career in manufacturing or civil engineering.
He said:
“My dad and my brother are both engineers and it’s something I’ve always wanted to go into as well. I’ve loved the relaxed environment at college and the staff here are very good.”
With grade 5s in Maths and English and 4s in Business and Media, Victor now has the GCSEs he needs to progress.
Enzo Garcia Petraglia is so happy today at The Joseph Wright Centre
Enzo Garcia Petraglia (17), from Littleover, originally from Brazil and living in the UK for the past seven years, is celebrating success after completing the GCSE+ programme at Derby College Group. A former Littleover Community School student, Enzo achieved:
- Media Studies (6)
- English Literature (4)
- English Language (5)
- Business Studies (4)
- Mathematics (5)
Enzo commented:
“The courses were fun and the College is very welcoming. I have made new friends and found the teachers to be very supportive throughout my studies.”
Looking ahead, Enzo is progressing onto a BTEC in Computing and Games Design at Derby College, with ambitions to pursue a career in games development, particularly focusing on the design and creation of new products.
Wajeeha Faheem collecting her results today.
Wajeeha Faheem has always had an analytical approach to tasks. Encouraged by her dad, she has decided to focus on a career that plays to these strengths and would love to go into data analysis. Wajeeha, 17, only arrived in Derby last year, having previously lived and studied in Saudi Arabia.
She achieved an impressive 8/7 grade in Combined Sciences as well as 6s in English, Maths and Business, and will now stay on at JWC to do Maths, Physics and Business A levels.
Wajeeha said:
“Because I have an analytical mind, I’m planning to study Data Sciences and Maths at university, then hopefully go into something like data analysis.
The courses are similar here, but the exam system is very different in Saudi Arabia. Also, English isn’t my first language, but I’ve settled in well at Derby College. I’d really like my younger sister, who is 15, to come here when she’s old enough.”
The courses are similar here, but the exam system very different in Saudi Arabia. Also, English isn’t first language, but I’ve settled in well at Derby College. I’d really like my younger sister who is 15 to come here when she’s old enough.”
Ezra Barnes celebrating today
Seventeen-year-old Ezra Barnes, from Mickleover and a former student of St Martin’s School, Alvaston, achieved three outstanding grades in his GCSE+ qualifications, excelling in History, Media Studies and Higher Maths.
During his studies, Ezra discovered a newfound interest in learning and developed a real enjoyment for college life. He has since progressed onto A levels in Applied Psychology, English Language and Criminology, where he continues to thrive. One of the biggest changes for Ezra has been his confidence. He explains that the supportive atmosphere and the opportunity to take responsibility for his learning made college feel like a grown-up environment, which helped him to grow both academically and personally.
Ezra’s success is a testament to his hard work and commitment, and he looks forward to building on his achievements as he works towards his future goals
