Thousands of GCSE students will be nervously opening their results tomorrow (Thursday 20 August), and it’s an experience that adult learner David Spelman remembers vividly from three years ago.
When David, from Topsham, enrolled on a GCSE English course with Learn Devon in 2023, he was taking an important step towards his long-held ambition of gaining a university degree.
He recalls picking up his results from Learn Devon in Exmouth: “I was very nervous. I think I was probably thinking about it for quite a few weeks beforehand, especially because I was thinking I may not get into university.
“It’s nerve-wracking but it’s very rewarding when you find out you’ve passed and I wish everyone all the best with their GCSEs.”
Earlier this year, David achieved his ambition, graduating from the University of Exeter with a BA (Hons) in History, achieving an impressive 2:1.
Before enrolling with Learn Devon, David had already begun rebuilding his confidence in education through other online courses. He knew that gaining a stronger English qualification was essential, but returning to the classroom as an adult learner wasn’t without its challenges.
He explains: “I wasn’t a particularly good student at school, and I needed to improve my English GCSE to gain entry to the University of Exeter.
“You always doubt and tell yourself you’re too old to learn. An ‘old dog can’t learn new tricks’ and all that, but you are never too old to learn.”
David successfully attained his English GCSE English which provided him with valuable skills and renewed confidence. It also enabled him to secure a place at the University of Exeter, where he studied History, a subject he always enjoyed at school.
He credits Learn Devon with helping him to prepare for higher education. His GCSE equipped him with essential skills that proved invaluable throughout his degree, especially when it came to academic research and writing.
He says: “The skills I learned at GCSE with Learn Devon were extremely useful and valuable in my future studies. It gave me the confidence to push on and succeed and I knew I could go on and progress.”
David has a message for everyone collecting their GCSE results. He says: “I hope everyone gets the results they’re looking for and go on and do some good things with those results. People may be looking to go into further education and further study. It definitely opened the door for me and it can do exactly the same for you as well.”
And his advice to anyone considering returning to education is simple:
“Go for it! If I can do it, you can, and don’t be afraid to. You’re never too old to learn new skills and improve.”
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member with responsibility for adult education, said:
“Good luck to everyone receiving their GCSE results this week. David’s journey shows how one qualification can become the first step towards great opportunities. Gaining his GCSE English through Learn Devon and then going on to get his University Degree three years later is an incredible achievement. He truly is an inspiration and perfectly highlights that ambitions can be achieved at any point in life if you persevere.”
If you would like to improve your skills or gain qualifications, get in touch with Learn Devon’s friendly team who can talk to you about what is available: https://www.learndevon.co.uk/contact/
GCSE students of all ages are reminded that Devon’s network of Employment and Youth Hubs offer free, friendly support to anyone aged 16 and over who is exploring options for further education, training, or work.
There are hubs in Barnstaple, Bideford, Crediton, Exeter, Honiton, Ilfracombe, Newton Abbot, Okehampton, and Tiverton, with one in Totnes opening tomorrow (Thursday 20 August). To find your nearest hub or book an appointment please visit our Employment Hubs webpages or email employmenthub@devon.gov.uk