STUDENTS at North Hertfordshire College (NHC) were praised by principal Fintan Donohue for their “exceptional hard work” as 94 per cent passed their GCSE exams.

The results at NHC are up by four per cent on last year, with pass rates for GCSE English and maths at 95 per cent.

“We are exceptionally pleased with these results,” said Mr Donohue.

“These results demonstrate the exceptional hard work of both our students and staff.”

Katy Brandom, from Stevenage, was overjoyed with her GCSE maths B grade.

The 30-year-old said: “I failed maths when I was at school and I wanted to overcome my fear and prove I could do it. I found the paper hard and I wasn’t sure what I’d get.

“I’m really really pleased and would advise anyone thinking about it to do their GCSE here, the tutors are fantastic and very supportive.”

GCSE student Sue Fox, also from the town, achieved A grades in both English and maths.

She said: “I’ve gone all goosy, now I can progress onto my degree in animal management. I would say to anyone, don’t stop trying whatever your age.”

Stevenage resident Rachel Griffin, who gained a C grade in GCSE maths, said: “I suffer with dyslexia and dyscalculia and have already taken the exam three times before coming to NHC, now I have the grade I need and can go onto study the graduate teacher programme.”

A total of 89 per cent NHC Diploma students passed at Foundation Level, while 100 per cent did so at Higher Level.

Students submitting projects as part of their Diploma achieved an 80 per cent pass rate at Foundation Level and 100 per cent at Higher Level.

James Norman, from Datchworth, studied a level one Diploma in creative and media achieving an A grade overall. The 17-year-old said: “I’m absolutely thrilled, I’m now going on to study media production at level two at NHC’s Centre for the Arts and would eventually like to go to university and become a teacher.”

Stevenage resident Hannah Gardener and Hannah Prentice, from Gamlingay, both 17, each studied a level two Diploma in health and social care, both achieving a B.

Hannah Prentice said: “We’re both staying on here to study the level three - eventually I would like to become a midwife.”