Published 24th August 2023
Inspire College is celebrating GCSE success with an overall pass rate of 71% for Maths and 41% for English.
The results are well above the national average resit pass rates of 16.4% in maths, and 25.9% in English.
The excellent results come just after a fantastic Ofsted inspection in June, where Inspire Learning was once again rated ‘Good’, solidifying its reputation as a high-quality education provider in Nottinghamshire, with inspectors commenting on the calm, inclusive environment for learners.
Inspectors found that learners at Inspire College enjoyed their studies and the small class sizes they study in, and that learners develop substantial new subject knowledge, and develop their personal skills and confidence so they can progress to further studies or work.
Most Inspire College candidates failed or achieved a grade 3 (equivalent to a Grade ‘D’ in the old marking system) in their previous years of education, and some did not attend school. Some face difficult barriers to learning such as learning difficulties, disabilities, anxiety, and social and emotional issues, and many are still feeling the disruptions to their education caused by COVID in the past.
Simon Cook, Study Programme Manager for Inspire College, said: “Having taught GCSE to our young people, I know how much this means to everyone involved. Our staff work incredibly hard to help our learners make that extra bit of progress that pushes them over the line to a 4 or higher. The learners work even harder, having to repeat and improve on something they’ve taken before shows excellent character and resilience. This deserves massive congratulations to those who’ve made that jump on results day. It’s proven that having the grades in these subjects can have a significant, positive effect on the futures of young people. They should all be very proud of their efforts and achievement!”
Ian Bond, Director of Inspire Learning, said: “GCSE resits are very tough for our learners. They’ve had to retake exams that they’ve been previously unsuccessful in passing. Trying to get a grade 4 or higher in their GCSEs is incredibly challenging for them, and it is testament to their dedication, and the excellent support that they receive from our wonderful team of hard-working tutors, that they have managed to achieve so well today. I am very proud of our learners’ fantastic results and want to pass on a huge ‘Well-Done’ to them all! A truly inspiring set of results.”
Katie, a learner at Inspire College, was over the moon with her results, saying: “I’ve just passed my GCSEs and I am so happy that I did it – I’m going out to celebrate! I’m so grateful for those who supported me throughout my journey with Inspire and I couldn’t be happier with my results.”
Another learner commented: “I got a grade 5 and I can’t believe it – what a journey I went through from September to now! I need to thank my maths teacher because without her I wouldn’t have done what I did. I’m really grateful.”
Inspire College is currently enrolling school leavers and young people aged 16-19 across their Nottinghamshire bases in a staggering number of inspiring courses – and students earn up to £100 a month just for studying.
The college, part of Nottinghamshire’s Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries, not only offers qualifications for young people aged 16-19, but focuses on gaining key skills for life – including the opportunity to re-sit GCSEs or work towards a recognised Maths and English qualification. So, for those who didn’t get the grades this year, Inspire College can provide support in resits.
The varied programme is offered by Inspire College from 9 specialist centres across the county in Mansfield, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Hucknall, Eastwood, Stapleford, Worksop, Retford and two bases in Newark, including Traineeships in the recently refurbished Buttermarket in Newark town centre.
Inspire College was also shortlisted for the Outstanding GCSE Resits Provision at the 2020 Tes Further Education Awards, with previous re-sit pass rates scoring well above the national average.
Opportunities within Inspire College starting this September include:
· Level 2 Digital Promotion for Business course, running at the Mansfield base
· AIM Awards Level 1 and 2 Employability qualifications, including Customer Service and Hospitality
· Aim Awards Level 1 and 2 in Personal and Social Development
· City & Guilds Level 1,2 and 3 Health and Social Care
· City & Guilds Level 1 and 2 in Hospitality
· City & Guilds Level 1 and 2 in Bricklaying and Construction
· AIM Awards Level 1 and 2 Carpentry and Joinery
· Traineeships in a range of professional industries
· Work preparation and employability skills, alongside a maths and English qualification.
Students also have the opportunity to go on trips, volunteer with local projects, and gain key interpersonal and confidence skills alongside their studies.
More information on courses, locations and enrolling can be found on the Inspire website at inspireculture.org.uk/college or you can speak to their Learning team by calling 0115 804 3611 or emailing learning@inspireculture.org.uk
