The Access Project students beat the odds on GCSE Results Day
GCSE Results Day is a momentous occasion for pupils nationwide. As our pupils open their exam results, The Access Project is celebrating student success and thanking our volunteer tutors for their dedication throughout the year.
Today, our mentors are in schools across the country supporting their pupils as they open their exam results.
We caught up with some of our students at Darwen Vale High School, one of our Lancashire partner schools supported by The Queen’s College, University of Oxford.
Celebrating GCSE results day at Darwen Vale High School
Oscar joined The Access Project last year for help with his exams – and his hard work paid off. He received a 6 in GCSE Maths, beating his target by two whole grades.
“I’d like to say a huge thanks to my tutor. In the space of a year and a half I have improved my grade by two, allowing me to reach my full potential”, Oscar told us. “For that, I’m really grateful”.
Meanwhile, Mia picked up a 7 in GCSE Maths – three grades above her initial target.
“I struggle to express my gratitude and thanks to The Access Project for the constant support and determination to ensure students gain the best opportunities in their education”, Mia said. “I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without your support”.
Leo* celebrated an 8 in English Language and a 7 in English Literature.
“The Access Project has helped me so much in English. My grade has improved by two whole grades since joining the programme”, they said. “I can’t thank my tutor enough for tutoring me in this subject and creating all of the lessons which were tailored to my strengths and weaknesses”.
Sunny was elated to receive an 8 in GCSE Maths.
“I did better than I was predicted to do in my GCSE Maths thanks to my tutor – I’m so pleased”, he said.
Sara also had a great start to results day. She received all 8s and 9s in her GCSEs, and is off to study A level Biology, Geography and Maths at sixth form this September.
*Student’s name changed to protect identity
National GCSE pass rate falls for third year
The Joint Council for Qualifications reports the GCSE pass rate has fallen for the third year running. This year, 67.6% of all results are graded 4 or above, compared to 68.2% in 2023.
Despite the fall in national pass rates, our students are beating the odds. Our Key Stage 4 programme is proven to improve GCSE grades and transform young peoples’ prospects. By enrolling on our programme, Year 10-11 pupils receive weekly one-to-one or group tuition in a subject of their choice, plus university trips, enrichment activities and dedicated in-school mentoring from our expert staff.
We would like to thank all of our partners and our volunteers for contributing to our mission. Your dedication is helping us support more young people than ever before to achieve in their exams and unlock their full potential. Thanks for your continued support.
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.