We’re incredibly proud of everyone collecting their results this year.
Even though this has not been the year everyone thought it would be, our students continued to work hard up until when their exam would have taken place, knowing it was for their own benefit. If you are considering enrolling on a GCSE course, more information is available at the end of this article.
A few of our learners kindly shared some of their GCSE journeys with us!

“I enrolled with ACL in 2018/2019 because worked asked that I brush up on my English to enhance my communications skills. At first, I felt daunted at the prospect. I had not participated in any formal English qualification for over 36 years. However, after speaking to my friend Sam Foster, we decided to enrol together. Sam also wanted to enrol so she could start her new career path which she had yearned to do for many years.
We both really enjoyed our English course, finding our tutor and fellow students supportive and friendly. Upon completing our English GCSE, which we both passed, Sam then required Mathematics. Being the supportive friend that I am I enrolled for 2019/2020 with Sam. Mathematics is a major part of my day to day job role, it made sense to brush up on the subject, knowing we would stick together and finish this part of our journey together and pass. I am delighted to say yet again, we both did.
After two consecutive years studying at ACL I will be having a break for the next term, but I know that I will study again with ACL, this is because I find the tutors friendly, encouraging, and supportive which makes for a lovely adult learning environment. Gaining additional qualifications will only improve your work and life skills. Should anyone be unsure if they want to study at ACL, my advice would be study with a friend. Studying together is great you can encourage and support each other when needed along with the support and encouragement from your fellow students and tutors you will succeed.”
Carol Geddes
“All us students in the class on that first day were a little nervous as it had been a while since most of us had studied, our tutor was friendly and welcoming from the beginning putting us at ease. The support, encouragement and advice we received from each other, and our tutor during the course was amazing. Pleased to say that both Carol and I passed with a good grade.
Based on my experience with ACL and my results I am now about to start college to do an Access to Higher Education diploma for Health Professions then I will be off to university to become a midwife. My dream is finally coming true thanks to ACL.”
Sam Foster
“30 years on from originally taking my maths GCSE ( achieving an E,) which was my lowest grade, I decided to give it another go.
The tutor was great, offering lots of support and encouragement. I went on to achieve a level 5! Something I believed was not possible. Can’t thank them enough.”
Carla
“In doing the course I am now much more confident when helping my children and as a result of it, their maths has also improved. My tutor was very helpful and gave me the opportunity to ask for help during lessons. He was also only an email away if I needed help at home.
I would encourage others to do this course because it’s an amazing feeling when you get the results you have always wanted.”
Julie
Congratulations to all students!
We offer a range of GCSE starting in September, with assessment days running over the next month. You can book an assessment online here – https://aclessex.com/gcses/. Funding is available, so don’t let finances stand in the way. You could also be eligible to a free laptop loan for the duration of your studies.
Courses will be delivered in a virtual learning environment where you will get the support and tuition needed to gain a GCSE. We offer the following courses at varying locations across Essex, in addition to e-learning and distance learning:
- GCSE Biology & GCSE Chemistry
- GCSE Computer Science
- GCSE English (including FastTrack, Online and Intensive)
- GCSE Maths (including FastTrack, Online and Intensive)
These fast paced courses will enable you to achieve a GCSE in your chosen subject. It will support you to improve your career prospects and also allow you to build up your own personal skills. It will give you the opportunity to move on to further study, such as Access or university courses.
We would like to hear about your experiences at ACL Essex and how our tutors have inspired you succeed in education or your career. Please get in touch – lifelong.learning@essex.gov.uk.