Inspire College had an overall re-sit pass rate of 71% for maths and 41% for English in the GCSE results announced today.

The results are well above the national average resit pass rates of 16.4% in maths, and 25.9% in English.

The results come after an Ofsted inspection in June, where Inspire Learning was again rated ‘Good’.

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 the pandemic.

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, added: “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.”

Inspire College is enrolling school leavers and young people aged 16-19 across its Nottinghamshire bases in a number of 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 nine specialist centres across the county in Mansfield, Sutton, Hucknall, Eastwood, Stapleford, Worksop, Retford and two bases in Newark, including Traineeships in the recently refurbished Buttermarket in Newark town centre.

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 [email protected]