Principal praises Year 11s ahead of GCSE results

The head of the largest college in the county has praised Year 11 students for their commitment to their studies ahead of GCSE Results Day.

Professor Andrew Wren, Principal and Chief Executive of Furness College, said the Class of 2022 had been the most disrupted by the Covid pandemic.

He said for many pupils, GCSEs will have been the first time they had sat formal exams following a year of stop-start face-to-face education due to the pandemic.

“This year’s school leavers have faced an extraordinary set of circumstances with their learning,” he said. “While they have focused on overcoming these challenges, I am sure they have gained other skills that will stay with them for life including resilience and tenacity.

“However, we are aware that not everyone passes everything first time and, while many will triumph in the face of such adversity, we know there will be others who don’t quite get the grades they want or deserve.

“I urge those pupils not to see this as failure or to be discouraged but to prepare for a fresh start ahead at college where there will be a place for everyone.”

For anyone who is unsure about how to progress following their grades, the college will hold a drop in Post GCSE Advice Session session at the Channelside campus from 10am – 4pm on Thursday 25^th August. Staff will be on hand to advise about programmes ranging from BTECs and CTECs to A Levels and T Levels.

Alternatively, questions can be messaged to the college Facebook page about grades and course options.

Professor Wren said it was important to seek early advice.

“Every year, we have students who didn’t fare so well at school but who quickly excelled at college, being spurred on to succeed at the highest level. Seeing our students going on to do some amazing things is what makes my job so rewarding.”