Nelson and Colne College Group is celebrating another year of exceptional GCSE re-sit Mathematics and English pass rates – resulting in hundreds of students being able to progress in their studies.

This year has seen the College Group – incorporating Nelson and Colne College and Accrington and Rossendale College – achieve a 70% re-sit pass rate in GCSE Mathematics and record a 55% re-sit pass rate in GCSE English. Pass rates have risen in both subject areas year on year.

As usual, a number of the highest 8 and 9 grades were achieved by students and in total more than 400 individual students achieved passes in their exams across both centres.

One of those achieving a Grade 8 in English, as well as a pass in Mathematics, was Adam Kirwan, from Accrington, who is progressing onto Level 1 Brickwork having completed a Multi-Trades course at Accrington and Rossendale College last year.

Adam, formerly of Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School, has jumped five grades in his English from the Grade 3 he achieved at school. Adam, 19, said: “I’ve really knuckled down and applied myself to my English and it has paid off.

“I enjoyed the Multi-Trades course I did last year at College, in particular the Brickwork and Painting and Decorating. I really like the precision of Brickwork and the measurements involved with it. I also prefer being outdoors and hands on, which is why I want to continue to study it and improve my skills.”

At Nelson and Colne College, Saman Ashfaq, 20, gained a Grade 8 in GCSE Mathematics. Saman, who began with College on an ESOL pathway is progressing on to Level 3 IT Networking and Systems Support.

Saman said: “I’m really happy with my results – I really tried my best. I would also like to congratulate my tutor at College as my achievement would not have happened without her efforts.

“I’m now going to study BTEC Level 3 Networking and System Support at College as this will help me towards studying IT Management at university and my career aim of becoming an IT Manager.”

Joy Sharpe, Head of Division for GCSE English and Mathematics at Nelson and Colne College Group, said: “It’s been another fantastic year of GCSE re-sit pass rates and I’m thrilled for all of the students who are now able to progress with their studies after gaining these important qualifications. I am delighted to see so many making that step closer towards their career aspirations.

“The pass rates we achieve are among the best in the country year after year, and this is testament to the extraordinary GCSE teaching team we have at Nelson and Colne College Group. We are passionate, knowledgeable and enthusiastic and we are also committed to improving pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning.”

Nelson and Colne College is one of the leading colleges nationally across a range of academic measures – 16-18 classroom learner achievement, 16-18 Advanced Apprenticeship timely achievement, A Level progress and GCSE Mathematics and English progress.

Nelson and Colne College is also the number one college in the country for student satisfaction.

Applicants looking to apply to Nelson and Colne College and Accrington and Rossendale College still have the time. Visit www.nelson.ac.uk or www.accross.ac.uk or contact the Admissions Team on 01282 440272.