A record number of Nottingham College students received their GCSE results today (20 August), with more than 4,500 learners sitting exams earlier this year across a range of subjects.
The cohort reflects the diverse communities served by the college, including adult learners returning to education to unlock new career opportunities, home-educated students studying for qualifications, and young people working to enhance their grades and progress onto higher-level courses, apprenticeships and employment. Many learners have balanced their GCSE studies alongside vocational programmes, demonstrating remarkable dedication and hard work throughout the year.
Among those celebrating today is 16-year-old Harry McIntosh, who joined the pre-16 GCSE programme at Nottingham College’s High Pavement Sixth Form campus after being home-educated from the age of nine. Having completed four GCSEs last year, Harry has now achieved a further five passes, including an impressive three grade 9s and two grade 6s. He will progress to A levels at the college this September and is one step closer to achieving his ambition of studying law at university.
He said: “I’m so happy with my results and couldn’t be prouder. I wasn’t expecting to achieve any grade 9s, so that was an amazing surprise. High Pavement has been an incredible place to learn, and I’ve made so many great friends over the past two years. It’s much more than a place of education; it’s a supportive community with a real sense of culture and belonging. The teachers are always encouraging and genuinely invested in helping students succeed. I’m excited to be staying on at High Pavement for my A levels.”
Nottingham College’s High Pavement campus continues to provide a high-achieving GCSE pathway for 14- to 18-year-olds, with this year’s results reflecting students’ resilience and commitment to academic success.
Across the college, thousands of learners have also worked towards GCSE English and maths qualifications alongside their vocational studies. Achieving these essential qualifications plays a crucial role in supporting progression to higher-level study, apprenticeships and employment, while helping students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace. The college’s record GCSE cohort highlights its commitment to meeting the needs of students, employers and the wider regional economy by ensuring more people leave education with the core skills required for the world of work.
Students are now progressing to a wide range of exciting destinations, with many continuing at the college to study Level 3 courses, including A levels and T levels, or beginning apprenticeships. Others are moving into employment, all equipped with the qualifications, knowledge and confidence to achieve their future ambitions.
Chris Allright, Nottingham College Head of Full-Time GCSEs 14–18, said: “Results day is a moment of real pride and celebration for our students, their families and our dedicated team of teachers who have supported them throughout their journey.
“We recognise that every student’s story is different, and today reflects not only the grades they have achieved but also the challenges they have overcome and the resilience they have shown.
“We are incredibly proud of all our students. Whether they are progressing to A levels, vocational study, apprenticeships or employment, they are a step closer to their future goals.
“On behalf of everyone at Nottingham College, I would like to congratulate our students on their achievements and wish them every success for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”
