Herefordshire College student Kayden, is celebrating an incredible achievement after improving her GCSE English grade from a Grade 3 to a Grade 7! A transformation she describes as “shocking, but life-changing”.
Currently studying Public Services, Kayden credits her success to a combination of renewed confidence, strong tutor support, and finally being on a course she truly loves.
“I enjoy the physical side of the course, things like climbing, caving and watersports,” she explains. “We get such a wide variety of activities and opportunities, and that really helped me to settle in and feel like myself.”
Finding Confidence Through the Right Course
After struggling with anxiety during high school and her first year of sixth form, Kayden admits that confidence was the biggest barrier holding her back.
“When I came to Herefordshire College, everything changed. I loved the course straight away, and without even realising it at first, I started to feel more confident,” she says. “I made great friends, got fitter, and started doing more sport, which I think helped massively.”
That renewed confidence carried over into the classroom, particularly when resitting GCSE English.
“I didn’t expect a Grade 7 at all. After failing twice before, I was feeling pretty low and could have easily given up. But my teachers never stopped believing in me, even when I doubted myself.”
Great Support Makes All the Difference
Kayden is quick to praise the staff who supported her throughout her journey.
“My tutors have been amazing. Daz, my lead tutor, is my biggest cheerleader! He constantly reminds me that I can do anything, and I genuinely believe him. Kieran is also such an inspiring leader, and I always know I can talk to him if I need to.”
She also highlights the encouragement she received during English lessons.
“Dawn told me after my mocks that she could see I knew what I was doing. I was on track for a Grade 5, but she said she thought I could do even better if I pushed myself. When I achieved my Grade 7, she was so proud! It was lovely.”
Kayden added: “All my teachers at Herefordshire College have helped me realise my potential. Confidence was definitely what was holding me back.”
Opening Doors to the Future
With GCSE English and Maths now achieved, Kayden’s future options have expanded significantly.
“My goal is to do a Degree Apprenticeship with the police and work my way up to becoming a detective,” she explains. “If that doesn’t work out, I have university options too, Politics or Forensic Psychology.”
“It’s exciting to finally start seriously planning my future. Having my English now means I can look at universities and degree-level apprenticeships as real options.”
A Message to Future Students
When asked whether she would recommend Herefordshire College to others in a similar position, Kayden’s answer is an immediate:
“Definitely.”
She also reflects on how the course has helped shape her as a person.
“It’s made me more confident, fitter, and helped me get back into activities I used to love. Everyone on the course is in the same boat, especially the other girls, who I love! We all push each other to be the best version of ourselves.”
Her advice to future students?
“Just keep going. Even if you fail something like a GCSE, there’s always another shot. If you work hard and believe you can do it, you will get there in the end, just like I did.”