Name: Danny
Age: 36
Lives in: Harlow
Danny achieved a Grade 7 in his GCSE English with Harlow College
What made you decide to re-take your GCSE?
Originally, I was training to become a primary school teacher, but my GCSE grades weren't good enough, so I needed to go back and retake them. I retook my Maths GCSE last year and have just finished my English GCSE.
What made you choose Harlow College to retake your GCSE?
It’s my local college – I originally came here when I was 16. It fitted in around my work and family commitments, particularly as I have a young daughter so I can't spend too much time away in the evening.
Did you get good support from your tutor?
I would always get messages and emails from my tutor which was really helpful. Whenever we came to do a presentation, we were encouraged take a photo of it first and upload it to Showbie, where the tutor would always give loads of feedback which I thought was really good.
How did you find juggling your work life balance while you were studying?
It wasn't that bad because the lessons are only once a week. Had they been spread over multiple days I probably would have had to have more time off work, but just going in for a couple of hours in the evening was ideal.
Now you have your English GCSE, what are your next steps? i.e. promotion, new job, further study
Now I have my English and Maths GCSEs, I just need my Science GCSE to be able to apply for a role as a Primary School Teacher, so next steps are to take Science GCSE.
Do you have a message for any adults thinking about retaking their GCSEs, who may be nervous about it?
Going back into education and taking my GCSEs really wasn't as daunting as I thought it might be and you'll get all the support that you need from the college and your tutors. It's always good to keep learning and keep your mind sharp and it’s a free course that’s only a couple of hours a week, so if you want to do it, just go for it!