Learning Centre students achieve a record breaking number of TOP GCSE & A-Level exam grades. But what can others do who didn't achieve the results they desired?

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Learning Centre students achieve a record breaking number of TOP GCSE & A-L...

Learning Centre students achieve a record breaking number of TOP GCSE & A-Level exam grades. But what can others do who didn't achieve the results they desired?
August 29, 2016

2016 has been another record breaking year of exam success for students at The Learning Centre with more pupils than ever overwhelmingly securing way above five A Star to B grade GCSEs. The amazing grades are a well deserved reward for the hard work and dedication which Learning Centre students have shown for the last two years; some of the students who achieved excellent GCSE grades have been studying at The Learning Centre for more than five years. Heart felt congratulations go out from The Learning Centre's committed and loyal team of professional and qualified English, Maths and Science teachers who are resolute in their passion for all pupils to exceed their potential. The Learning Centre's Founder, Dr Vassos Vassiliou, commented: "You really are a fantastic group of students and a credit to your families and the wider community. We hope you will use your positive GCSE achievements as a springboard to start on the next exciting phase of your studies beginning A-Levels and as thoughts turn to planning for university."

In amongst countless success stories, a handful of parents whose children have never attended The Learning Centre have telephoned us for educational advice on options of what to do next. Before getting into alternatives, the general gist of the advice is that there are many routes still open for your child to achieve great qualifications, despite what must now seem like crushing disappointment. It is paramount that parents encourage their child to turn their thoughts to plans for future studies with a laser like focus on a career path because this will help to inform the type of studies your child should embark on next. Now that the initial shock is beginning to ware off, listed below are some important steps for turning negative GCSE grades into positive plans for the next exciting phase of your child's life:

The first port of call should always be going back to your child's Secondary School to see what programmes of study are available through them.

If your child does not have good GCSE grades in a minimum of five subjects, then retakes could be the best option, especially in the key subjects of English, Maths and Science.

Your child could be better off focusing their efforts on GCSE retakes for the whole year rather than trying to combine retakes with starting A-Levels. It could be a good idea to put off A-Levels for a year to give your child time to rebuild their confidence and their bank of good GCSE grades before embarking on combining too much all in one go.

Go and talk to a few local colleges and find out what options are available for GCSE retakes through them as well. Colleges are great for providing many alternative routes to study including offering many vocational qualifications, BTECS, Apprenticeships as well as the traditional A-Level academic studies.

Above all, it's important to have a range of options to choose from before deciding on what to do next and well informed decisions are built on talking to as many education professionals as possible.

A really important point to mention is to pay a personal visit to as many schools and colleges as you can and to talk to experts face to face rather than trying to get hold of them on the phone at this busy time when many other students will be engaged in making the same type of choices your child.

There is just one word of caution on GCSE retakes because 2016 is a critical year of change in the syllabus and grading system for English, Maths and Science so it has never been more important to seek professional educational advice before making informed decisions.

Of course it's important to understand that the road to studying is not a straight upward path and there can be hiccups along the way. The true mark of an excellent student is one who has a goal, plans ahead and puts it into action. So disappointment, should not hinder you and your child from seeking an alternative study route to success which can take many forms and The Learning Centre can give lots more detailed educational advice by phoning 020 8440 8586. In the meantime, please share your experiences with us by emailing info@afterschoollearning.com because we'd love to hear the route your child has taken and it will give hope to many others that there are countless ways forward at this critical time in many young people's lives.

Learning Centre students achieve a record breaking number of TOP GCSE & A-L...