Success knows no age: Lewisham’s adult learners celebrate excellent GCSE results

With most employers and universities requiring at least GCSE grade 4 in these subjects, English and maths are essential gateway qualifications for many adults who want to retrain for a new career, look for a better job or return to higher education.

This year’s grades were higher than the national average for comparable institutions. Six out of ten learners who took a maths GCSE scored grade 4 or above, nationally the figure was 15%. Of learners who took an English GCSE, 46% scored grade 4 or above, nationally the figure was 17.9%. The service has maintained the percentage of learners achieving a grade 4 or above in English, while seeing an eight per cent increase in learners achieving a grade 4 or above in maths.

Cllr Kim Powell, Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs, and Skills, said: 'I would like to congratulate our adult learners, they should all be proud of their hard work. These results are a great achievement for learners who often manage their studies alongside work commitments and personal responsibilities.

For most people returning to education is a daunting prospect, perhaps because they struggled at school, or because it’s been many years since they last took on formal learning. I encourage anyone who wants to improve their skills to see what our adult education service has to offer’.

Cecile Amah was among those who received their results today. Getting a grade 4 in maths means she can progress to a NVQ in Nursing. She said: ‘I am so very happy; I can’t describe it. Thank you, Adult Learning, for your support and encouragement and for believing in me’.

Vikesh Mistry also received a grade 4, he said: ‘Pride, joy, a future, I am able to do stuff for myself’.

The service offers part-time courses from beginners, up to GCSE level, with daytime and evening classes available to fit around work or family commitments.

Find out more about maths and English courses starting in September and apply today.