Record numbers of GCSE English and Maths resit students at Solihull College & University Centre and Stratford-upon-Avon College 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.
Uniformed Protective Services student, Callum Hodgson, was one of them. He progressed from a 3 to a 6 in his GCSE English. He comments: “I was so proud when I saw I had received a grade 6. I had worked so hard and was determined to pass. My English tutor was so supportive and provided me with loads of study material which worked with my own learning technique, giving me the best opportunity.”
Now Callum has passed his English, the sky is the limit! He says: “I want to get into the Royal Air Force, this has been my dream since I was a child. I’ve had a great interest in aviation my whole life and I can’t wait for the day I can apply!”
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.
