DCG Success Stories

Former Derby College Group student Hayden Larkin had notable success on the college’s increasingly popular remote GCSE Plus programme.

Hayden,18, lives in Thurmaston near Leicester and did most of his studying online.  

He originally came to the Roundhouse to learn accounting but found it wasn’t for him. And, although he’s good at maths, he discovered during his GCSEs that it is in English where he truly shines.  

Hayden achieved a grade 7 in his English Language exam – the highest mark in his cohort for that subject – as well as grade 4s in Maths and English Literature.  

Hayden said: “I enjoyed learning remotely and found the support was there from my teachers if and when I needed it.

“I came into college occasionally but also had quite a few trips to Nottingham and London, which was great.

“Through Derby College I went to the theatre, visited the Imperial War Museum and got to go on the London Eye for the first time. That’s a lot of trips in just one year!”

Hayden is now working full-time for Leicestershire-based pie manufacturer Pukka Pies and hopes to progress with the nationally-known company.  

He added: “I work 12-hour shifts and my job is very physical; it’s not like working in an office.  

“My job role varies and can include machine operation, packing, waste duties and supervising the diversionary lines.

“It’s good to be learning a skill and there are opportunities for progression with Pukka Pies.

“As a level 2 bakery assistant I could work my way up to running lines then onto front line manager then section manager and so on.”