“I wouldn’t have passed without The Access Project” – Celebrating GCSE success on Results Day

GCSE Results Day has arrived. Hundreds of thousands of young people are opening envelopes filled with exam results, and seeing their hard work pay off.

At The Access Project, we work with young people aged 14-16 to support them with their GCSE studies, and put them on a pathway to higher education. Today, we celebrated with students at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls — one of our partner schools in London — as they received their results and figured out their next steps.

GCSE Results Day at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls

Treasure

Treasure is one of the many students collecting their results today. She was elated to receive seven 9s, one 8 and one 7 in her GCSEs — the highest results in her school. The local borough has awarded Treasure with a prize for her attainment.

Treasure joined The Access Project in Year 10, receiving tutoring in Physics, in which she earned a 9 today. She told us that The Access Project showed her that “putting in the effort always works”, and thanked her University Access Officer for providing resources and one-to-one support throughout her studies.

This September, Treasure will head to Beths Grammar School, where she will study Maths, Computer Science, Physics, and Economics. She eventually hopes to do a Degree Apprenticeship in Data Science.

Emma

Emma was tutored in History with The Access Project, and her tutor helped her to boost her grades by two marks.

“The Access Project not only supported me with my grades but also helped me figure out my choices. They gave me websites to look at for work experience, and we talked about what to expect at university.

“I love playing the piano, having recently taken my Grade 7, and I am hoping to study Music Performance in the future. I also have an interest in finance and marketing, so I am keeping my options open as I head to Sixth Form”.

Hikimat

Hikimat hopes to study Medicine in the future, and told us that The Access Project supported her with Physics as she was keen to boost her grades in that subject.

“The Access Project programme has been really helpful and has been fun. My tutor was really good, and has helped me to progress onto my chosen course at Woolwich Polytechnic Sixth Form College.”

Joshlyn

Joshlyn is also now off to Beths Grammar School, having attained two 6s in Science following support with Physics from her tutor. She picked up good results in her other subjects too, including a 9 in French.

She told us: “I used to hate Physics. If it wasn’t for my tutor, I would have failed Science. I have to thank him a lot. He was adaptable and was able to tailor the sessions for me.”

Semilore

Semilore is another keen scientist, and was supported by her volunteer tutor with The Access Project to gain an 8 in Biology – gaining six 8s and two 7s in total.

“The weekly tutoring sessions cemented the subject for me. With these grades, I am now planning on going to Wilmington Grammar School for Girls Sixth Form to study Maths, Physics and Sociology.”

Ms L Williams, Headteacher at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls, was in school celebrating with the class of 2025 today.

Ms Williams said: “I have been delighted with the results today, which shows the hard work that has been put in by our students, despite some of them facing real difficulties.

“The Access Project is a great tool for our students, giving them extra opportunities. The one to one mentoring support and tutoring is incredible, especially for our students and the deprived area that we are in. This programme shows them that they can do whatever they want.”

GCSE pass rates falling in England

The Joint Council for Qualifications reports the GCSE pass rate has fallen for the fourth year in a row. This year, 67.4% of all grades in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are at 4 or C and above, compared to 67.6% in 2024. 

We are committed to tackling limitations on education attainment.  Our programmes are proven to consistently improve exam grades and transform prospects, supporting students on their journey from GCSEs through A levels and eventually to top universities.

The Access Project thanks all of our tutors for working with our students this academic year — your continued support makes a world of difference to each and every young person on our programme.

The Access Project helps young people from under-resourced backgrounds achieve their academic potential and place at top universities. By donating to our programme or volunteering with us, you’re helping the country’s most under-resourced young people find their way to a brighter future.