EKC Canterbury College students celebrate GCSE success

Students have been celebrating today after receiving their GCSE results, marking the culmination of months of hard work and determination.

The atmosphere on campus was full of excitement as learners collected their grades, many achieving results that will propel them to the next step in their education or career. For some, this means progressing to higher-level courses here at EKC Canterbury College, while others are preparing to begin Apprenticeships or move into employment.

We caught up with some of our successful students to hear their thoughts and what they’re off to do next.

Collecting their Level 2 results in Visual Communication was Echo, who achieved a Merit. Echo is now set to start a Level 3 course with us in September.

“I’m going on to Level 3 Photography,” Echo said.

“I’ve always loved doing photography, and since I was little, most people have said I was really good at photography.

“It’s something I’ve done all my life, so I really want to get onto it.

“College has definitely taught me more than I knew originally and given me a good few heads up for how to start the course I’m doing next and how to move on with it. It’s also given me more insight into how the course works. Having better people around me helped me to work harder.

“For anyone starting out at the College, don’t be scared. You have so many people here to help you.”

Isabel, a leaner at our EKC Canterbury Junior College was thrilled with her results. When asked about why she chose to study at Junior College, she said:

“I was home schooled and Junior College seemed like a good next step and to get my GCSEs. Plus it is a really good College.”

“Junior College has helped me develop my communication skills, learning how to best communicate with other people – that will help me in my Public Services course.

For anyone thinking of starting at Junior College she said:

“Just do the work. Don’t wait until the last minute to do your work because you have to do it. Enjoy the practical work. There’s a lot of hands-on practical lessons.”

Brandon is set to come back to EKC Canterbury College in September to study a Level 3 in Music thanks to his positive experience on the Level 2 course.

He said: “I always liked music from a young age, so I decided to pursue it.

“College was amazing – I had an amazing teacher who told me to knuckle down, and it worked.

“The people that I have worked with have also been amazing.”

For anyone thinking of studying at College, Brandon said: “Don’t give up.”

Charley studied Level 2 Hairdressing and said: “I loved being at College, it was really good,”

“Next year, I’m hoping to stay at EKC Canterbury College and study a Level 3 in Hairdressing.”

Charlie added that having the salons, which have allowed her to gain that first-hand experience of working as a hairdresser, has been a key part of her College journey.

“I decided to stay here because I get more opportunities with Level 3, and I’ve heard that this is the only College which supplies this course,” Charlie said.

When asked what advice she’d give to anyone starting College, Charlie said: “It’s daunting at first because the College is really big, but here, once you settle in, it actually feels small.

Daisy said: “I’m really happy with my results because it means I can go into a Level 3 qualification, which will help me reach my goal of working in the police.”

“I’m aiming for a Distinction in my Level 3, which I’ll be studying at EKC Canterbury College.

“I found College great. I was here the year before in Foundation Learning. It’s been great because I’ve made a lot of friends, and it was my first time in public education.

“I found it really opened up for a social life, and overall, opportunities in education.”

When asked what advice she would give to anyone who is starting College, Daisy said: “Don’t be shy. Listen to your teachers, be social, and make friends.” 

Principal of EKC Canterbury College, Emily Johnson, commented:

“Congratulations to all of our students collecting their GCSE results today. We are incredibly proud of their achievements. Today marks the beginning of exciting journeys towards further learning, new opportunities, and future careers. I wish each and every student the very best as they embark on the next exciting chapter of their journey.

“We would like to congratulate all our students on their fantastic achievements and wish them every success for the future.” 

Still deciding your next steps?

If your results have made you rethink your plans, or you haven’t decided yet – it’s not too late to start a course with us this September.

We offer a wide range of programmes to help you gain skills, qualifications and confidence for your future.

Explore our subject areas and apply today.