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Getting maths and English qualifications can help your progress in education and your career. Here are the experiences of some of our amazing former students who went on to university and made progress in their careers.
Sabina Wasik
Maths success for carer Sabina
Many adult learners have to juggle caring responsibilities with their studies. For Leeds City College student Sabina Wasik, who studied for her maths GCSE while looking after her six-year-old autistic daughter, there was also a significant language barrier to overcome.
Despite those challenges, Sabina - who moved to the UK from Poland ten years ago - excelled and achieved a grade 8, a result she and her teachers were delighted with.
She said: “I’m very happy! I never thought I’d get a grade 8, I thought maybe a 5 or 6. It was hard because I had to manage every lesson and everything around my daughter, Madia, so I had to find someone to take care of her because my partner works Monday to Friday.
“It was really complicated but I tried to learn when Madia was at school and in the evenings. My college teachers were very patient and always happy to help, everything was explained really well. I’m now going to do an online class for GCSE English, and then we’ll see - maybe I’ll apply for university.”
Source: https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/education/live-updates-gcse-results-day-leeds-2025-5281769 Timestamp: 12:36
Holly Freemantle
A year of firsts for aspiring nurse
Twenty two year old Holly Freemantle has had a lot on her plate this year – and had to balance studying with parenthood, moving into her first home by herself, and taking on her first part-time job.
Despite all those other responsibilities, single parent Holly was pleased to achieve a grade 5 in her English, a significant increase from the grade 2 she achieved at high school.
She also got a grade 3 in her maths exam, and is coming back to us next year to continue her studies with the ultimate aim of starting a career in nursing.
Source: https://leedscitycollege.ac.uk/building-self-belief-and-opening-doors-gcse-results-day-2025/
Helen McGlasham
Helen McGlasham who is now in the police shares her story of coming to Leeds City College to do her GCSEs and support to help her overcome her anxiety, as well as given the opportunity from the Lifelong Learning Centre team.
Kenny Knott
Kenny Knott pictured below was delighted he passed his GCSE Maths with a grade 5.
Tracy Hyde
After leaving school early to have her first child, Tracy worked in cleaning, insurance and care jobs before deciding to return to education. It was a conversation with a woman she cared for that initially inspired her to take the plunge:
“I used to say how I always wanted to be a nurse but I was too old and had no qualifications. Something she said really stuck with me, ‘the only person stopping me was me’.”
Starting with Level 1 English and Maths, Tracy studied for 3 years to get her GCSEs:
“Going back to college after 25 years was a lot of hard work, alongside working, running a home and making sure all my homework was complete, but the end goal kept me going.”
The excellent support from tutors made all the difference:
“Nothing was too much trouble, event when I had meltdowns and just couldn’t grasp the dreaded algebra.”
When the Lifelong Learning Centre visited adult GCSE classes offering revision sessions at the University of Leeds, Tracy was glad to go along for the extra help. It was encountering adults on degrees at these study days that made her decide to seek advice on her options:
“I listened to mature students studying at Leeds, from backgrounds like mine, and saw that they were following their dreams. As I watched and listened, soaking everything up, I started to think, you know what? I could do this…”
Tracy (right) with her former GCSE Maths tutor, Laurence (centre) and Anna (left), another ex-student of Leeds City College who has since graduated from the University of Leeds.
She booked an appointment with the Lifelong Learning Centre’s Advice and guidance service to explore her options and decided to enrol on a part-time foundation year at the University of Leeds to prepare for a degree. It was during this year, that Tracy was diagnosed with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and hearing difficulties which enabled her to get the specific support she needed to succeed on the next phase of her studies.
The foundation year gave Tracy the skills and knowledge to progress onto a degree in Mental Health Nursing and she has now graduated and is working in her dream career, as a Community Mental Health Nurse.
She is keen to let others know that it’s possible and grateful for all the support along the way:
“If someone had said to me when I signed up for English and maths at Leeds City College that I would go on to study at the University of Leeds, I would have laughed. Regardless of your situation, do something for you and grasp any opportunity that comes your way. I'm a normal girl from a working class background and if I can achieve this, anyone can. I would like to thank all my tutors that encouraged and supported me and helped me achieve the end result that I needed.”
Carole Huntley
Carole was new to Leeds when she enrolled on Functional Skills Maths and GCSE English at Leeds City College. Struggling with her mental health, she had no specific plans for the future, but hoped to gain the qualifications she had missed out on at school, meet new people and feel more at home in a new city.
It was in her English class that she first encountered staff from the Lifelong Learning Centre, who visited to invite students to a revision day at the University of Leeds. Although, she didn’t feeling confident enough to attend, she did apply for the Adult Learner Summer School once the GCSE exams were out of the way. The 3-day July summer school introduced some of the possibilities in higher education and the support available for adults with mental health difficulties. It also included an appointment for advice and guidance which helped her plan a pathway for the future. This encouragement and a pass in English inspired Carole to apply for a Maths GCSE with the aim of starting a degree the following year.
Carole worked hard at Maths and received great support from her tutors at Leeds City College. Attending study sessions at the Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) helped build her confidence in Maths and kept her connected to her goal of progressing to University. She also enrolled on the free Jumpstart course which offers adults a taste of various subjects in higher education. This part-time 10-week course helped her to decide what she wanted to study and after passing her Maths GCSE, Carole started a one-year, part-time Preparation for Higher Education (PHE) course.
“PHE gave me the skills I needed to progress on to a degree, it eased me back into education and wasn't overwhelming.”
After successfully completing her foundation year, Carole progressed onto a full-time degree at the University of Leeds. She chose Professional Studies, a broad degree designed for mature students, which allowed her the freedom to explore her interests and develop the skills and knowledge for her chosen career in mental health advocacy or campaigning. She has this advice for other adults considering university:
“If this is something you want to do then do it, push aside those barriers as best you can and start your own journey. There is no rush! Take things at your own pace, whether it takes a few months or years, you have to be ready mentally and emotionally. It took me 18 months to be well enough to commit to this journey and I’m glad I waited.”
Whilst studying for her degree, Carole was elected as a student representative for her department and was a dedicated advocate for mature students across the University. She reflects on all that she has gained from returning to study:
“This journey has been about personal growth as much as education. I have learned more about myself and the way I like to work. You can explore and try new things in a safe environment with people who will look after you if you fall. I am more confident, more self-assured and proud. My writing, critical thinking and analytical skills have vastly improved.”
Working part-time alongside her studies, Carole has now completed her degree and will graduate later this year with First Class Honours. She has been accepted onto a Masters programme and is excited to be continuing her learning journey for one more year before putting all that she has learned to use in building a new career. Carole feels that the understanding and support of staff during her GCSEs and whilst studying in Higher Education have helped her to reach her potential:
“With tremendous support first at College and then at University, I am achieving, no surpassing everything that I want to do. Without these people I would not be here. They listen, they care and want the best for you and will work side by side to get you to where you want to be.”
If you would like some help to explore your options after GCSE, why not book an appointment for advice and guidance with the Lifelong Learning Centre. Call: 0113 343 3212 or email: adviceandguidance@leeds.ac.uk
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