We spoke to Liz, Helen and Arti, three adult learners who studied GCSE Maths at EKC Ashford College.
They all reflected on their experiences of returning to education, balancing their studies with busy lives and supporting one another throughout the course.
We’re delighted that all three achieved a pass in GCSE Maths. Upon collecting their results, they were keen to share their advice for anyone considering taking the next step back into learning.
Read what they had to say below:
How does it feel to have passed GCSE Maths?
Liz: Absolutely brilliant. It’s a real relief, I’ll tell you that, but I think we were all quite confident because the course was good and the lecturer was great, Darren, who really saw us through a lot of the time.
Arti: It’s amazing. This was my third attempt, so finally passing feels incredible. It just proves that you can do it, no matter what.
It’s a real achievement, and I’m so pleased that all the hard work has paid off. Darren was fantastic throughout the course. He really guided us through it all and supported us every step of the way.
What inspired you to do GCSE English after completing Maths?
Liz: For me, I never completed my Maths and English when I was younger. It’s not so much about the achievement itself, but about helping myself understand things that I might struggle with now. Of course, I’ve got these two [Arti and Helen] to do it with as well!
The course goes so quickly. It was about 32 weeks and it just flew by. Before you know it, you’re at the end wondering where the time went.
Arti: For me, it was about finishing something I’d started and proving to myself that I could do it. I’ve been on this journey for three years, and I didn’t want to give up.
I know what an important qualification it is, and it’s also helped me understand what my own children are going through. My eldest has already passed their GCSEs, and I’ve got another child coming up to do them next year, so it’s given me a whole new perspective.
How did you support each other during the course?
Liz: If there were things we couldn’t do, we’d work through them together and figure out what we were doing wrong. We’re all strong in different areas, and I think that really helped.
My confidence has gone up by a thousand percent. It really has.
Helen: We formed our own little friendship group and study group, and I think that really helped. Being able to work together, support each other and go through the work together made a big difference.
Arti: We’ve formed such a wonderful friendship throughout the year. We’ve been through the highs and lows together and supported one another every step of the way. Honestly, without these girls, I don’t think I could have done it.
After our mock exam in February, we planned to really focus on the final stretch. Every week, outside of class, we’d meet up to work through past papers, analyse questions and help each other understand the things we found difficult.
We’re all different and bring different strengths and having that support network made a huge difference.
How did you fit studying around everyday life?
Liz: For me, it was a bit easier because my children are older, but it still takes discipline. I decided I was going to do an hour of maths every morning. I’d get up, have my coffee, and spend an hour studying before I did anything else or got caught up in how busy each day can be.
That regular practice really helped refresh everything. As you get older, it’s harder to retain new information, so I felt I needed to keep going over it every day to make sure it stuck. It looks like it worked!
I’m retired and enjoying life too. I’ve got multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and we go on lots of holidays. During the year I went to America for three weeks and also spent three weeks on a cruise, so I was fitting study around all of that. You’ve got to enjoy yourself as well!
Helen: My children are a bit older now, so it was easier for me to fit studying in around everything else. Even so, you have to be strict with yourself and make sure you’re studying at home as well as attending classes.
Arti: It’s been blood, sweat and tears, to be honest. Balancing everything hasn’t been easy.
I work full-time as a Teaching Assistant and I have three children, so there has been a lot to juggle alongside my studies. There were definitely times when I questioned whether I’d be able to do it, but I kept going. The key is consistency. Once you’ve made that commitment, you’ve got to see it through.
Maths is tough, but perseverance is everything. There were difficult moments, but I kept reminding myself why I started, and in the end, it was completely worth it.
What would you say to someone thinking about taking the course?
Liz: Just keep going. That’s the main thing.
I honestly can’t praise Darren and Amanda enough. Darren’s a funny guy and, when you’re really struggling, that humour helps get you through. The support they give is fantastic.
If you’re finding something difficult, it’s never too much trouble to ask for help. They’ll always explain things and make sure you understand. There are things you have to go away and work out for yourself, of course, but if you’re struggling with a concept, you can’t move forward until you’ve grasped it. They’re really good at making sure you understand the basics before moving on.
Helen: I think it’s been great. I’ve genuinely enjoyed learning and I’ve really enjoyed the whole experience. I would really recommend it.
Arti: Don’t look back, look forward. Just go for it.
No question is a stupid question. Get involved, ask questions and make the most of the support available. It won’t always be easy, but it is absolutely worth it.
Enjoy the experience as well. The friendships you make and the support you receive really help carry you through.
Congratulations once again to Liz, Helen and Arti on their GCSE Maths success.
If you’re looking to develop your skills, start a new career or just regain confidence in your learning, our adult courses are a great place to start.
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