Surrey Adult Learning congratulates its GCSE students

Surrey Adult Learning is delighted to share the outstanding outcomes of our GCSE English and GCSE Maths exams for the 2025/2026 academic year.

• GCSE English Language: 100% pass rate
• GCSE Maths: 100% pass rate

A total of 94 adult learners achieved these exceptional results, reflecting their commitment, resilience, and determination throughout the year.

Our learners should feel incredibly proud of their achievements. Balancing study with busy lives takes dedication, and these outcomes highlight the hard work they have invested. These successes would not have been possible without our qualified tutors and volunteers, whose support, encouragement, and expertise help every learner realise their potential.

At Surrey Adult Learning (SAL), we have a passion for learning and are committed to meeting each learner’s individual needs through tailored guidance and support. SAL continues to deliver a broad and inclusive programme that helps residents improve their skills, wellbeing, confidence, and employment prospects.

Toby, aged 20, is celebrating a Grade 5 in GCSE Maths after studying face‑to‑face at Surrey Adult Learning’s Guildford Centre.

He says the smaller class size and focused support made all the difference. “It was easier with a smaller class; I got more one‑to‑one time with the tutor — she was really good and I got the hang of it.” Toby also received extra time in the exam due to autism, which he found reassuring: “It helped me focus.”

School hadn’t been the right environment for him, but returning as an adult has been a turning point. “You’ve got to start somewhere,” he says.

Now feeling successful and motivated, Toby plans to work towards GCSE English next and then start looking for a job.

Laura, mum to Toby (20), who has just achieved his GCSE Maths

“I’m so proud of what Toby has achieved. Secondary school was really difficult for him, but gaining his GCSE has always been his main goal. Surrey Adult Learning has been incredible from day one — always supportive of Toby’s needs and consistently going the extra mile.

I’d highly recommend Surrey Adult Learning study to anyone who didn’t get the chance at school. I always knew Toby could do it, but mainstream schools simply don’t have the funding or resources to give every child the support they need. The tutor was amazing — clear, instructive, and completely in tune with him. Having that focused time made all the difference.

There’s no way he could have achieved this in a mainstream setting. We’re absolutely over the moon.”

GCSE English Success: Joanne Ewings

Surrey Adult Learning is celebrating the achievements of adult learner Joanne Ewings, who achieved a Grade 5 in GCSE English.

At 37, Joanne balances a busy home life as a mum to two girls and a little boy while working as a Special Needs Teaching Assistant in Staines. She returned to learning to gain the GCSE English qualification required for her future teaching degree — a goal she is now firmly on track to achieve.

Joanne will continue her progression with a Level 3 course in Special Needs, bringing her closer to becoming a qualified teacher.

Reflecting on her experience, Joanne said: “Go and do it. I was struggling and didn’t expect a 5. Take the step and believe in yourself. My tutor was so helpful — just brilliant. My colleagues were so supportive while I juggled work, study and family life.”

Her determination and success highlight the impact of adult learning and the opportunities it creates for learners across Surrey.

Melike, aged 42, is celebrating an outstanding Grade 6 in GCSE English — just one year after passing GCSE Maths.

Melike says she is “so happy, so glad,” and still can’t quite find the words to express her gratitude. “I didn’t expect a Grade 6. The first time I took English, back in 2024, I got a Grade 3.”

Originally from Turkey and living in the UK for nine years, she has balanced study with work, childcare and managing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Her tutor referred her for additional support, and receiving extra time in the exam made a real difference. “It gave me comfort. I had the time to focus and the motivation to keep going.”

Melike now plans to become a fully qualified child practitioner, progressing from Level 3 childcare into university to study counselling.

She describes Surrey Adult Learning as “an amazing place to be,” adding: “My tutor is more than a teacher — I felt spoiled.”

SAL offers free GCSE English and GCSE Maths to eligible learners, with courses available online and face‑to‑face at our Woking, Guildford, Camberley and Sunbury Adult Learning Centres.

Applications are open for courses starting 7 September 2026.

If you’re looking to become career‑ready, Surrey Adult Learning offers courses in health and social care, preparing to work in schools, English and maths, as well as a wide range of digital skills to help you take the next step.