York College & University Centre celebrates GCSE Results Day 2024

We are looking forward to welcoming many of you to College in September and would like to remind you all that, regardless of the results you received today, that we are confident we have “something for everyone”.

Our members of staff are also here to help support and guide you on your next steps with advice on A Levels, T Levels, vocational qualifications and apprenticeships.

York College & University Centre Principal & Chief Executive Ken Merry was among the members of staff on Campus this morning to celebrate with and support our students and he added: “The long wait for GCSE results is over and I’d like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to those who have collected their results today and got the rewards for their hard work, effort, and determination.

“It has been great to see so many of our wonderful students achieving great success in their GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics results. These subject grades will really support them on their next steps, with many staying with us to continue their educational journey. 

“York College has an extensive range of courses on offer to students across the region who have received their GCSE results this summer. We have the widest offer of A Level, T Level, or vocational courses in the region and, with some certainty, can say we have something for everyone – regardless of their GCSE results or their starting points.

“For students who are unsure of what the future holds for them, my message for you would be, ‘Do not worry’. Come in and speak to us at the college and we will guide you to think about your options and help you decide your next steps.” 

Among the students celebrating on Campus this morning was Yuliia Vasylieva, from Selby.

Yuliia, who left her home country of Ukraine two years ago due to the war with Russia, did not pass her English GCSE at school as she adapted to a new language, but she has now gained a Grade 5 that will allow her to progress from College’s Level 2 Art & Design course and study Level 3 Graphic Design from September.  

“I love to draw and have done from an early age,” Yuliia explained. “I went to Art School for seven years in Ukraine so, when I came to England, I wanted to continue studying art.

“College is a fun and cool place to be and my results today mean I can now enrol onto the Level 3 Graphic Design course and I’m looking forward to learning more about digital graphic art.”

Daria Makarenko is also originally from Ukraine and has gained the English GSCE pass she needed to continue her studies at York College on our Level 3 Travel & Tourism course.

“I’m really happy because English is not my first language and I didn’t pass it when I was at school, but I really liked my teacher at College Amy Lill – she was great and so understanding,” Daria enthused. “I will now enrol on the Travel & Tourism course and I’d really like to become an air hostess and travel the world.”

Ewan Glass, from Wetherby, gained the GCSE passes he needed in both Maths and English, meanwhile, alongside his Computing & Games Development studies, to accept a place at Leeds Beckett University to study Computer Science.

“This was my first attempt at GCSE Maths and English,” Ewan pointed out. “When I was at school, I studied Functional Skills, so I came to York College to study at GCSE level as I knew it would give me a better understanding and would help me to progress. 

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at College and I’m pleased that I came here. My tutors helped me a lot with tips on studying and revision and I’m now able to go to university this September. I’d also like to gain some industry experience in project management or software engineering.”

Molly-Jayne Thompson also achieved pass grades in Maths and English and will now study 3D Art & Design at York College with an intention to eventually progress onto an Interior Design course at university.

“These GCSEs in English and Maths open up so many doors for me,” she said. “My tutors were so supportive.

“I’d already given up, but they never gave up on me and, now, I’ve passed!”

Norah Neville, from Malton, was in a celebratory mood, too, having gained the GSCE Maths pass that will enable her to stay on at College and enrol onto our Childcare and Early Years course.

“I want to teach children up to the age of five,” Norah added. “I found the course really difficult, but my tutor was very helpful and set me extra work.”