August 2025 - Capital City College

What to do if you’re feeling disappointed with your GCSE results

Posted on August 22, 2025August 22, 2025 by Erin Johnson

One of the most important days in a young person’s life can be GCSE results day. But what to do if you didn’t get the results you wanted?

Young man in hoodie sitting on sofa. Photo by cottonbro studio via Pexels

GCSE results day is what the last few years of learning have been leading up to, the results of which seem to determine your academic future or career path. But as experts will tell you, that is not the case, and one set of results doesn’t define your self-worth.

If you’re feeling disappointed with your results and are unsure what to do next, here are a few practical steps worth considering:

Talk it through: Don’t bottle up your worries or concerns. Family, friends, and careers advisors can help you understand all the options available to you.
Check with your chosen sixth form or college: sometimes they’ll accept you even if you’re a grade short, especially if your results are strong in similar subjects.
Speak to a staff member: Whether it’s a teacher, careers advisor, or family member, they will be able to advise on whether a paper can be remarked or if it’s worth appealing your grade.
Ask about resits: You may be able to retake some subjects alongside your next stage of studies if you need certain grades for the career path you want to pursue.
Look at different pathways: Vocational courses, apprenticeships, or training programmes offer brilliant alternatives to the traditional A level route that isn’t for everyone.

At GCSE level, students study a broad range of subjects and the exam system is based on knowledge retention – how much you can remember and write in the pressure of an exam.

What exams don’t accurately capture are qualities such as creativity, resilience, problem-solving, that are far more beneficial in shaping who you are and what you’ll go on to achieve, and are far more useful and valuable as everyday skills in the workplace. Exams are simply a snapshot of how you performed on a particular day, under particular circumstances, and this doesn’t define the whole of your future.

It’s also worth remembering that GCSEs are only one part of your educational journey. Apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and alternative courses can open up incredible opportunities that don’t depend on a perfect set of grades. Employers increasingly value skills and experience as much as, if not more than, exam results, and there are many different routes into the same career.

Your GCSE results can feel like the end of the world, but life is not a straight line from school to success. It’s full of unexpected twists and turns, and a person’s career will be shaped by both setbacks and triumphs. Not doing as well as you hoped can build resilience and teach you how to adapt, which are key skills in the modern-day workplace.

Friends, classmates and colleagues will remember you for your kindness, reliability, and passion – things that can’t be measured in an exam. Your character and mindset will take you further in life than a piece of paper ever could.

So if your GCSE results feel disappointing, take a deep breath. What really matters is what you do next and how you see yourself. Believe you are more than your grades, because you are.

Here are a few gentle reminders if it feels overwhelming:

Don’t compare yourself to others– everyone’s journey is different.
One set of results doesn’t define your worth.
Exams measure memory under pressure, not creativity, empathy, or potential.
Keep perspective – this is simply one step in a much bigger journey.

One day, your GCSE results will just be a small footnote in your journey, not the headline. What will matter far more is the person you become, the effort you put into the things you love, and the way you grow from experiences that challenge you.

So hold your head high, be proud of the work you’ve put in, and remember: the future is yours for the taking.

Students pave their way to future construction careers with practical placements at Laing O’Rourke

Posted on August 18, 2025August 21, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Three Supported Internship students completed six-month internships with construction company Laing O’Rourke.

CCC students at Laing O'Rourke site visit — CCC students at Laing O’Rourke site visit

Three Capital City College (CCC) students have successfully completed a six-month placement programme with international engineering and construction company Laing O’Rourke, with one student going on to gain employment with the firm.

The Supported Internship Programme students, Abu Miak, Rose Durrant and Hakeem Al-Yasin, were from the college’s King’s Cross campus. CCC’s Supported Internship Programmes are designed to support students with disabilities and learning difficulties into employment. The programmes, which function as a stepping stone between college and work, match students to meaningful job placements with supportive and inclusive employers. These placements prepare them to secure sustainable and fulfilling employment after they leave the college.

The college had initially secured one long-term placement position with Laing O’Rourke at their Old Oak Common Project Office, where they are a subcontractor supporting the building of the large-scale HS2 station. The three Supported Internship students attended an interview in October 2024, where the Laing O’Rourke team were conscientious in adapting the application and interview process to meet their needs. As a result, all three students performed exceptionally well in the interviews and enjoyed participating in the selection process. Following the success of the interviews, Laing O’Rourke opted to expand their offering and created a further two placement opportunities.

The students began their placements with Laing O’Rourke in November 2024. Abu and Rose worked in the Quality Department and Hakeem joined the Health and Safety Department. They learned how to complete a range of advanced administrative tasks such as creating technical documents, reading and editing Excel sheets and providing overall support to their respective teams.

In addition to support from CCC staff, Abu, Rose and Hakeem also benefited from exceptional guidance, mentorship and care from their colleagues at Laing O’Rourke. The team showed true passion in supporting the students in their professional growth as well as providing extensive mentoring and coaching on a weekly basis. They implemented an agile and individual approach, frequently reviewing each student’s aims to ensure that they had opportunities to engage in tasks relevant to their personal professional goals.

The company also provided valuable professional training and gave students an insight into the other roles within the Old Oak Common project. In March 2025, the students took a guided tour of the construction site, giving them a real-world view of the project in progress and allowing them to view structures that will not be accessible to the public when the station opens.

CCC students visiting Laing O'Rourke site — CCC students visiting Laing O’Rourke site

Thumbs up for Laing O'Rourke from CCC student Hakeem — Thumbs up for Laing O’Rourke from CCC student Hakeem

CCC student Rose at Laing O'Rourke site visit — CCC student Rose at Laing O’Rourke site visit

Thanks to the care, support and encouragement from the team at Laing O’Rourke, the students found the placement incredibly valuable in developing their professional skills and giving them experience of employment. After completing their placements in June, Rose is currently exploring roles in care and theatre, while Abu is looking into manual roles – and both students will be continuing the Supported Internship Programme in the coming academic year. For Hakeem, who was due to leave the college, the placement provided him with the opportunity to impress a potential employer. His hard work, flexibility and positive attitude had such a positive impact that Laing O’Rourke offered him employment in a business operations support role, which he started at the end of June.

Rose Durrant, a student on a Supported Internship Programme, said: “My time on the programme was amazing – the people, the atmosphere in the office environment, it was a pleasure to work with my fellow colleagues and managers. I learnt about the importance of client satisfaction with what we were building. During the programme, I could see how far my potential grew and it was amazing to hear such great feedback from managers and teachers. I particularly enjoyed going out on site, getting to experience the building first-hand and to know what we were dealing with.”

Hakeem Al Yasin, who is now employed at Laing O’Rourke, said: “The thing that I enjoyed about the placement at Laing O’Rourke was working with the different people like Josephine, Richard, Simon and Matt. The most valuable and useful thing I learned was using Excel and also SharePoint to download different documents that mentioned the dates of when Laing O’Rourke last had a delivery. One of my highlights at Laing O’Rourke was being with my two teachers Madalin and Tom and with my two friends Abu and Rose and going out on site with Sabien (Social Value Advisor with Laing O’Rourke Expanded).”

Sabien L’Aimable, Social Value Advisor with Laing O’Rourke Expanded, said: “The Supported Internship not only provided valuable professional learning and development for the students, but also boosted project morale and fostered a strong sense of shared purpose among all involved. This partnership has opened new pathways for young neurodivergent individuals while also reinforcing Laing O’Rourke, Expanded’s commitment to building a more inclusive and diverse workforce.”

At CCC, we offer Supported Internship Programmes for those with additional support needs and an EHCP aged 16-25 years old. These carefully-designed programmes provide students with the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed in their chosen industries.

We also have a wide range of courses for 16-18-year-olds to develop their Foundation Learning Skills and offer courses for adults in core subjects.

What to do if you don’t get the A level, BTEC, or T level grades you wanted

Posted on August 15, 2025November 10, 2025 by Erin Johnson

If you’ve opened up your results and are disappointed with your grades, here’s what to do next.

Two girls hugging by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

The morning of a results day is a stressful one for all concerned. For those that get the grades they need, the way ahead is often clear, but for those who haven’t quite achieved the grades they’d hoped for, it can be a difficult time to navigate.

Sometimes, all you can do is take the next small step, so here’s our simple guide to six things you can do when you’re facing uncertainty as a result of your grades.

Take a moment

Breathe neon sign by Fabian Moller on Unsplash

You might feel disappointment, anxiety, a heavy heart or a sense of shock. Take a moment to yourself to let it sink in and turn to someone that you trust for comfort or quiet company while you process the news.

Remember that you don’t have to share your results with anyone and if you prefer to keep them private, a simple “I don’t want to talk about it right now” is all you have to say.

It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to be overwhelmed. You’re not alone. But remember that nothing ends here.

Find out what it means

Just because you haven’t received the grades you hoped for, it doesn’t mean you can’t still go on to the next stage of your education. Each university or training provider operates slightly differently, and many offer more flexibility with grades than you might think.

If you’ve applied for university through UCAS, check UCAS Hub to find out what decisions your firm or insurance offer have made. It’s common for some universities or course providers to accept students even if they haven’t got the exact grades outlined in their offer.

Consider making an appeal

You can appeal if they think that your marks don’t reflect how you performed during the course or the exams fairly. You do this by requesting that the marking of your work is reviewed or moderated. To appeal, ask your school or college to get started with the appeals process as soon as they can, and let your chosen university or training provider know that you’re appealing as they might hold your place until your marks have been reviewed. It’s important to know that your marks can go up, down, or stay the same as a result of the appeal process.

If your marks are reviewed and you’re still unhappy with the outcome, you can appeal directly to the exam board, but bear in mind that you’ll need to be able to explain why you think the results are incorrect as part of this process. Once the exam board has reviewed the results, they’ll send you a report of their findings. If this report is unsatisfactory, then your next port of call is Ofqual, the government department that regulates qualifications, exams and tests in England.

Students who successfully appeal their grades could be offered their original place or a place on a similar course. Some universities and training providers may also allow you to defer your place to the next academic year.

Think about resits

If you know that you didn’t do as well as you could have, or you simply need a little more time to get to grips with a subject, then resits could be a viable option. Many colleges offer A Level resits, and they can be a good thing to do for students who need more time to consolidate their learning and improve on a specific grade. For T levels and BTECs, it depends on the type of assessment and the post-result service and appeal that are available.

Explore Clearing

Clearing is when UCAS allows students to apply for any remaining university places that haven’t been filled after the usual application deadlines. UCAS Clearing is a good option if you’ve missed out on your firm and insurance offers, as it allows you to search for courses with spaces across the UK at a range of universities.

Through clearing, you may well find courses similar to those that you originally applied for at universities you may not have considered. You can find courses that match your profile through the UCAS Clearing matches facility. If you do find a course that appeals to you, you’ll need to pick up the phone and call the university before you add them as a choice in your application. Feeling anxious about speaking to universities? Take a look at UCAS’ top tips for calling universities during clearing).

Re-evaluate your options

Going to university isn’t the only form of Higher Education, and perhaps you’ll want to consider a different pathway such as:

Diplomas
Foundation Degrees or Foundation years
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
Degree Level Apprenticeships

You may start researching and find something that sparks your interest straight away, or you might realise that you need a break from studying. Some students choose to take a gap year and work or volunteer while they research and process all the available options before making a decision.

For those exploring different forms of Higher Education, CCC offers an incredibly wide range of Higher Education courses and Apprenticeships spanning a variety of pathways. If you’re a CCC student, get in touch with the Careers Team at your campus for valuable advice and guidance. We provide comprehensive Career Support to all of our students at any stage of their studies.

So the road ahead has changed a little. That doesn’t mean it’s going to be any less exciting or meaningful. We’re often pushed into believing that big life changes hang on singular moments, but that’s rarely the case.

Of course you’re going to be disappointed if you didn’t get the grades you wanted – but, once the shock has subsided and you’ve found your feet, try to be open to the options available and take time to explore them at your own pace.

Success for Capital City College A Level, BTEC and T Level students!

Posted on August 14, 2025August 14, 2025 by Maria Anguita

Students from across the college’s campuses are full of cheers and excitement as A Level, BTEC and T Level students celebrate after receiving their exam results.

Student success despite COVID impact

This year is particularly special, with grade distributions expected to align closely with pre-COVID levels. Additionally, it is our first cohort to have completed T Levels, and we are delighted with their 100% pass rate.

Jasbir Sondhi, Group Principal, said: I am immensely proud of all our students receiving their A-Level, T-Level, or BTEC results today. These achievements reflect not only their hard work, resilience, and dedication, but also the unwavering support of our staff, families, and wider college community. Each grade represents determination, growth, and ambition, and we celebrate every student’s personal success.’

A Level pass rates show consistent high performance

For the third year in a row, over 90% of 16–18 year old students passed their A Level courses, showing consistently strong performance. Top grades also improved for A level students with many achieving A*-B grades to gain places at their chosen universities.

Our adult A Level students also saw great success, with an 85% pass rate and an increase in A*-B grades compared to last year.

Arts subjects delivered standout results; Art and Design courses lead the way, with 100% pass rates and over half of students achieving A*–B grades, including Textiles at 62% and Graphics at 53%. Film Studies had a 98% pass rate with over half of students achieving A*–B, while Drama and Theatre achieved 100% passes and 55% A*–B.

Among this year’s top performers were Kai-Lucy Hughes, who has secured a place at Cambridge University after achieving three As in Psychology, Sociology and an EPQ, as well as a B in Biology. Tess Perkins, who studied Maths, English and Textiles, achieved two As and will go on to study English at the University of Liverpool.

Eliza Rahman gained straight As in Advanced Psychology, Art and Design (Fine Art), Film Studies and an EPQ, and will join King’s College London this autumn. She said: “I’m feeling really happy. Next, I’m going to King’s, so it’s been like a dream.”

Another high achiever, Lucien, studied Physics, Maths and Textiles, combining his interest in fashion design with academic success. He achieved two As and has won the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation Scholarship funded by Adidas, ahead of starting at the University of the Arts London.”

BTEC success was showcased by Nika Hamid, who achieved Distinction, Distinction, Merit in BTEC Information Technology and will study Computer Science at City University, St George’s. She praised the support from teachers and careers staff, and encouraged others to take initiative, be independent, and make the most of the opportunities at Capital City College.”

Vocational courses are a success, with strong results

Our vocational courses for young people have also achieved strong results this year, with more than half of all grades awarded Merit or above. Vocational sciences topped the table with more than 80% of students achieving top grades, followed by Business. Health and Social Care also performed strongly, with more than half of students achieving Merit or above.

Adult vocational courses also saw strong results, with more than half of all grades awarded at Merit or above. Culinary Arts and Hospitality led the way, with 75% of students achieving top grades, followed by Digital and Computing.

Angela Joyce, Chief Executive of Capital City College, said: “Today is a celebration of the incredible hard work and dedication shown by our students, their teachers and support staff over the past year. We are thrilled to see so many smiling faces, proud families and joyful moments across our campuses. It’s a day full of emotion and achievement.”

Congratulations to all of our students on your excellent results!

How to apply for a course at Capital City College: five easy steps

Posted on August 8, 2025August 1, 2025 by Erin Johnson

If you’re considering applying for a college course, our straightforward guide takes you through the application process in five simple moves.

Woman in white shirt using smartphone - Photo by Bruce Mars on Unsplash — Woman in white shirt using smartphone – Photo by Bruce Mars on Unsplash

Thinking about taking your next step in education? Whether you’re leaving school or returning to your studies, a course at Capital City College (CCC) could be a key part of your pathway to your dream career. We’ve put together a simple five-step guide to help ensure a smooth and successful application journey.

Step 1: Research and choose your course

CCC offers an extensive range of subjects at various levels, so take your time and search for courses that appeal to you or browse courses by subject. Using our easy search tool, you can search by subject, course type (part time or full time), level, age and campus.

When you’ve found a course that interests you, click “Read more” to access the individual course page. Each course page contains detailed information about the course itself, including a list of what you’ll study, entry requirements, coursework requirements, fees, and ideas for progression. You can also share course pages or print a factsheet for easy reference.

If a course you like the look of doesn’t fit with your schedule, then don’t be put off. We often offer the same course at different campuses, taking place at different times and for different durations.

It’s always a good idea to attend open days if you can. This will give you the opportunity to meet teachers and current students, ask questions about courses and college life, tour the facilities, learn about the support on offer, get expert advice from the college careers team, and generally get a feel for the campus and the college environment.

We also have three great blogs here to help you prepare for an open day:

Step 2: Submit your application

White paper on brown folder by silver laptop computer - Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash — White paper on brown folder by silver laptop computer – Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

To tell us that you’d like a place on one of our courses, you need to send us an application. You do this by adding your course or courses to your application basket. You can add as many courses as you want to your application basket, giving you flexibility and ensuring that you have options. For A-Levels, remember to choose 3 subjects at the same campus.

When you hit “Apply now”, you’ll need to register with the college by creating a My College account or use an existing login if you have one. When you register, you’ll be asked to provide some personal information, details about your education and any support needs. There will also be the option to attach any relevant documentation and results if you already have them. Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive email confirmation with some details about what happens next.

Step 3: Attend an interview or Assistant Principal talk

Two women sitting - Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash — Two women sitting – Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

For some courses, you’ll be asked to come into a campus to chat about it. This is referred to as an interview but it’s not a test or something that you can pass or fail – it’s simply a chance for you to learn more about the course. At your interview you’ll have a friendly chat with college staff so that they can find out more about you and your career goals. It’s a great opportunity to make sure you’re on the right course for your needs and learn about different career pathways.

For other courses, you’ll be invited to an online Assistant Principal talk, where you’ll hear from the Assistant Principal about the campus you’ve applied to, student life and expectations, enrichment activities, events, wellbeing and support, and career and study pathways.

Check out our page on interviews and Assistant Principal talks and read our blog on preparing for your interview for more useful information.

Step 4: Accept your place

After the interview or Assistant Principal talk, you’ll usually get an offer email. There are two types of offers that applicants receive:

a conditional offer with details of certain grades or conditions for entry
an unconditional offer, meaning that you’ve already met the entry criteria

You can officially accept your place at CCC by following the instructions provided in the offer letter.

Step 5: Enrol on your course

The final step is enrolment. Enrolment opens at 9am on 21 August 2025 at all of our campuses and takes around two hours.

You’ll need to bring any relevant results slips, proof of residency and, for students aged 19+, proof of employment status or income. For more details, check out our pages on enrolment documents for students aged 16-18 and enrolment documents for adult learners.

Enrolment times are for August 2025:

Thursday 21 August – 9am-7pm (doors close at 6pm) – all campuses
Friday 22 August – 9am-5pm (doors close at 4pm) – all campuses
Monday 25 August – Bank Holiday – closed
Tuesday 26 August – Thursday 28 August – 10am-7pm (doors close at 6pm) – all campuses
Friday 29 August -10am-5pm (doors close at 4pm) – all campuses
Saturday 30 August – 10am-2pm (doors close at 1pm) – select campuses only. Details TBC.

A note on results: If your GCSE results are not quite what you expected, please don’t worry. Call our admissions hotline on 020 7832 5000 and for support or advice on next steps. With hundreds of courses to choose from, we’re able to offer alternative options and help you find a course that works for you.

Once you’ve enrolled, you’re officially a CCC student! It’s normal to have lots of questions so check our page on starting college or get in touch.

Applications for courses starting in September 2025 are still open, so why wait? Apply now and join the CCC community!

We look forward to welcoming all new students to the college in September 2025!

Psychotherapeutic Counselling student publishes insightful findings about probation system

Posted on August 6, 2025August 1, 2025 by Erin Johnson

A trainee counsellor from Capital City College has written and published a study on the role of counselling within the probation system.

Capital City College (CCC) student Edward Thacker, who recently completed the Counselling: Psychotherapeutic – Level 5 Diploma (CPCAB), has published an article in Probation Quarterly. The magazine is published by the Probation Institute, and shares articles relevant to practitioners and researchers working with people on probation and victims across the private, public and voluntary sectors.

Edward’s article, titled Counselling in the Probation Service – Counselling for Social Control or Social Liberation? appeared in the June 2025 issue (Issue 36) of Probation Quarterly. The piece studies the role of counselling within the UK probation system, asking whether it serves as a tool for social control or a path to social liberation. In writing the article, Edward drew some of his conclusions from an interview with Denise Stevens, founder of a free counselling service for people on probation in Essex. During the interview, Denise, who is also a former probation practitioner, discussed the challenges and opportunities of offering therapeutic support in the probation service.

The key findings from Edward’s study can be broken down as follows:

Confidentiality: While the service aims to build trust, it must also comply with legal requirements, such as reporting if a client discloses a new offence. This tension highlights the challenges of offering truly confidential support within a justice setting.
Coercion vs. Choice: Some clients are referred to counselling as part of a court order. While this raises concerns about coercion, many clients choose to continue voluntarily after experiencing the benefits of the service.
Social justice focus: Denise and her team recognise the impact of poverty, addiction, and mental health on offending. Their work aims to empower clients, not just to reflect on their lives, but to begin rebuilding them.

Edward concluded his article by calling on the counselling community to reflect on its role within state institutions and to explore how it can support broader social change.

Edward said: “This study is a reflection on the role of the counselling profession within carceral spaces, and a call to imagine forms of support rooted in solidarity rather than surveillance. I’m interested in how liberatory relationships can exist – however temporarily – within state institutions.”

If you’re interested in gaining a counselling qualification, take a look at our Counselling Courses.

Capital City College appoints Debbie Houghton as new Group Principal

Posted on August 4, 2025August 1, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Capital City College (CCC), the largest further education institution in London, has appointed Debbie Houghton as its new Group Principal Apprenticeships, Partnerships & Innovation, effective this month.

Debbie Houghton, Group Principal of Apprenticeships, Partnerships & Innovation

With over 25 years of experience in the further education sector, Debbie joins CCC with a strong track record in leading apprenticeship provision and driving business development. This month she will join CCC from Gower College Swansea, where she served as Interim Director of Work-Based Learning. Prior to this, she spent eight years at Bedford College Group, most recently as Executive Director for Apprenticeships, Business Development & Commercial.

Debbie has held numerous senior roles across further education colleges in the South East Midlands, progressing from lecturer to curriculum manager, director and ultimately executive leadership. Her deep understanding of the further education sector and deep commitment to employer engagement and skills development make her a valuable addition to the college’s leadership team.

Debbie Houghton said: “Capital City College’s central London location offers a unique platform to expand and innovate apprenticeship and training provision. I’m excited by the opportunity to drive growth that empowers individuals and strengthens communities through high-quality education and workforce development.

What drew me to this role is the chance to lead transformative initiatives that connect education with industry to deliver real impact. With family roots in East London, joining the college also feels like coming home.”

Angela Joyce, Chief Executive of Capital City College, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Debbie to our team. Her extensive experience and passion for apprenticeships and innovation align perfectly with our mission to deliver high-quality education for our students and employers. Debbie’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our partnerships, meeting employers needs and expanding opportunities for individuals across London.”