I Thought I Was Dreaming: Kelly’s Grade 9s in GCSE English and Maths with Skills & Learning
When Kelly saw her Maths result, she was quietly confident. Numbers had always come naturally, and she’d worked hard for it. But her English result? That was something else entirely. She’d been aiming for a 7, so when she saw a 9, she genuinely thought she was dreaming. For someone who once doubted her ability to write, that moment was unforgettable.
A Second Chance at Learning
Kelly left school young and never got the chance to sit her GCSEs. Returning to education wasn’t just about qualifications. It was about proving something to herself. She knew she deserved good grades and wanted to open up better opportunities, whether that meant jobs or higher education.
Maths Came Naturally, English Took Healing
Maths had always been Kelly’s strength. She even asked to sit the higher paper, confident in her ability. With support from her tutors, she had the space to explore advanced topics and push herself further.
English, though, was a different story. At school, Kelly’s teachers didn’t encourage her. They made her feel incapable. That knocked her confidence and put her off writing for years, even though it was something she loved. But through Skills & Learning, she found a safe space to write again, rebuild her confidence, and rediscover her voice.
Learning That Fits Your Life
Skills & Learning offered online classes, which helped ease Kelly’s anxiety about traditional classrooms. The tutors were patient, supportive, and best of all, not put off by her handwriting. The flexible timetable meant she could focus on learning without being tied to a rigid routine. It was a kinder, more relaxed environment and that made all the difference.
Tutors Who Truly Cared
Sue and Hazelin, Kelly’s tutors, were incredible. Their kindness and encouragement helped her build confidence not just in her work but in herself. That’s probably the biggest thing she took away from the whole experience.
Finding Her Rhythm
The course was just one session a week, with homework and self-study in between. Perfect for fitting around life. Kelly built a routine for Maths. Some days focused on core topics, others on higher-level material. It helped her stay on track without burning out, and that balance was great for her mental wellbeing.
Resources That Worked
Kelly leaned heavily on the resources her tutors recommended. Textbooks, YouTube channels, websites. For Maths, it was all about practice. Past papers, flashcards, formulas. With English, it was more relaxed. She read a lot and wrote often, which didn’t even feel like studying because writing is something she genuinely enjoys.
Looking Ahead
Now that she’s earned Grade 9s in both English and Maths, Kelly is thinking about further study. Maybe an Access to a higher education course or an online programme. Her big dream is to work in media journalism, writing articles and reviews about films, video games, and books. She’s especially passionate about the horror genre and hopes to turn that into a career.
Advice for Others
To anyone thinking about doing a course with Skills & Learning but feeling unsure, Kelly says: just go for it. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. It’s not as scary as it seems. Once you meet your tutor and classmates, it becomes motivating and fun. Exactly how learning should always have felt.
Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
It’s never too late to learn and gain your GCSEs. Kelly is a prime example of what’s possible when you believe in yourself and find the right support. Whether you’re returning to education or starting fresh, Skills & Learning offers flexible, supportive courses designed to fit your life.
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