Eastern Education Group is celebrating another year of inspirational GCSE and functional skills results – proving that education has the power to transform lives at any stage of life, regardless of age or background.
This year, hundreds of learners across Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire have achieved success through EEG’s colleges, sixth forms and learning centres. Unlike traditional school leavers, these are adults who chose to return to education and young people determined to improve on their previous grades; individuals who refused to give up, who came back for a second chance, or who are striving towards new opportunities.
Dr Nikos Savvas, CEO of Eastern Education Group, said he was “wowed” by some incredible GCSE and functional skills achievements in 2025.
Flying high: RAF learners soar to success
Among the standout stories was a group of nine employees from RAF Honington, who are “flying high” after each successfully passing their chosen GCSE course. Six learners chose to study maths, and three opted for English, all securing a grade 4 or above. The tailored learning provided by Eastern Education Group ensures that members of the armed forces can study the subject most relevant to their needs – whether to support future career progression within the RAF or to open up new opportunities beyond military life.
Changing lives, one learner at a time
For others, returning to education has been about transforming their personal and professional lives. Tamerra McRitchie, 24, from Bury St Edmunds, passed her third course in just a year as she works towards her dream of becoming a nurse.
She said: “I studied functional skills in English and maths. I came back into education as eventually I want to become a nurse. This experience is so much different to school. All the teachers are caring and understanding. They give you confidence you can do it.
“I feel I have this wave of energy and excitement, and I can’t wait to progress on to other things. I’d say to others, don’t let school put you off. It’s so different (at college). Just come to an open day and you will see that it’s so much more supportive. I’d say coming here has been life changing.”
Meanwhile, Isabella Tonkins, 29, from Bury St Edmunds, took on the challenge of GCSE biology after deciding she wanted to pursue a more “meaningful” career.
Isabella said: “I wasn’t really interested in science at school, but I wanted to get out of retail and do something more meaningful. Last summer, I started looking into online courses and biology just caught my eye. When I saw West Suffolk College offered it, I thought – why not give it a go?”
“I did combined science at school and got a pass, but I knew I could do better,” she said. “This time, I really went for it. I’ve loved being back in the classroom, and my tutor Emma was absolutely phenomenal. Having a great teacher and supportive classmates made all the difference.”
Isabella attended weekly three-hour sessions at the college and was part of a WhatsApp group where students shared resources and supported each other.
Her advice to other adult learners is simple: “100% do it. It’s definitely worth it. It’s never too late to get another qualification.”
“Just sign up,” says Army veteran Carl Leban, 55, who passed GCSE Biology after overcoming cancer and a heart bypass
Carl Leban, from Bury St Edmunds, has learned today that he passed GCSE Biology at West Suffolk College.
Carl, who served in the Army for 30 years, returned to education “just for fun” and quickly rediscovered his love of learning. He previously achieved A*s in GCSE Maths and English and has since completed A-levels in English Literature and Language.
“Whether you pass or fail, you’re still learning,” he said. “I had a great time. The group was amazing, and our tutor Emma was brilliant.”
Despite being the only man in his class, Carl found strong camaraderie among his classmates, even turning revision into social events.
Having recently undergone a heart bypass and previously beaten cancer, Carl’s resilience is remarkable. His advice to others: “Just sign up. Go with a smile, a notebook, and an open mind. A lot of it is fully funded, so you don’t need to worry about the cost – you never know where it’ll lead.”
Staff pride: celebrating dedication and determination
These powerful personal stories reflect a wider picture of success across Eastern Education Group. In total, 431 learners achieved a grade 4 or above in English and maths GCSEs. A further 14 learners celebrated success in a range of other GCSE subjects, including Arabic, astronomy, biology, business and economics.
Deborah Barton, Assistant Principal for Personal and Professional Learning at EEG, praised the determination of adult learners across the region:
“We are delighted that we have been able to support a large number of adult learners get the grades they need in terms of GCSEs. Some took these qualifications to help progress their careers. Others are continuing their learning journey and will move into further or higher education, and others took them just for fun.
“However their learning came about, our tutors have worked tirelessly to ensure these positive outcomes – and we are incredibly proud of everyone’s efforts.”
Technical brilliance: a perfect pass rate
At West Suffolk College, Colin Shaw, Principal of West Suffolk Sixth Form College, highlighted an exceptional technical achievement:
“It’s been another outstanding year with over 1,600 students receiving Level 2 results today. Our students have achieved some exceptional grades in some of the most challenging technical exams, such as Electrical Installation where 100% of the cohort passed their exams. Congratulations to everyone.”
A centenary to remember
These results arrive in the centenary year of both West Suffolk College and Eastern Education Group, making the achievements even more significant. They follow last week’s outstanding A-level and T-level outcomes, which included top national grades, Oxbridge offers, international scholarships and remarkable vocational performances.
Dr Savvas added: “To all the students receiving their GCSE results this year – congratulations on reaching this important milestone. Whatever your next step may be, take pride in how far you’ve come and look ahead with confidence to the opportunities ahead.
“At Eastern Education Group, we believe in the unique potential of every student. That’s why we’re committed to delivering a tailored learning experience that helps you discover your strengths, build your skills, and move closer to the future you imagine for yourself.
“With three Outstanding 16-18 colleges, a wide range of apprenticeship pathways, and our University and Professional Development Centre, we’re here to support your next chapter – wherever your ambitions may lead.
“Whether you are an adult looking to retrain, a young person who wants to study A Levels, T Levels or on a vocational course, Eastern Education Group will be able to support your dreams and ambitions.”
Results snapshot
West Suffolk College (WSC): 232 learners achieved a grade 4 or above in either English or maths – each taking just one resit subject to improve on a previous result. Altogether, over 2,400 WSC students received results today, spanning everything from GCSEs and functional skills to specialist technical and vocational qualifications.
One Sixth Form College, Ipswich: The overall pass rate for Level 2 courses was 98%, with 60% of students achieving a Distinction/Merit profile. Across all courses, student outcomes significantly exceeded national benchmarks. Notably, in Beauty Therapy and Health & Social Care, 84% and 90% of students respectively achieved Distinction/Merit profiles.
In addition, 166 learners achieved a Grade 4 or above in GCSE English and Maths, and there was a 100% pass rate in Functional Skills English and Maths qualifications.
Could it be your turn next?
If you’ve ever missed out on your GCSEs, or didn’t get the grades you hoped for the first time around, Eastern Education Group can help you turn that story around. Thousands of learners across East Anglia are proving every day that it’s never too late to succeed. Whether you need English and maths to unlock a career change, are chasing a lifelong ambition, or simply want the confidence that comes with achieving a new qualification – there’s a place for you here.
Come and see what’s possible at our upcoming open days.
