Revisiting the GCSE class of 2020

As we start a new academic year, we hear from Ella, Thomas and Noah.

We first contacted them in summer 2020, to find out how they got on with their GCSEs.

This was during the height of the pandemic, when all GCSE and A-level exams were originally cancelled. The government and Ofqual subsequently reassessed that decision, with grades based on mock exams, an algorithm based on schools' previous performance in each subject, and teachers' estimated grades. This resulted in an extremely stressful time for all students waiting for their results.

You can read their updates in full below

2020

We revisited our students two years later, in autumn 2022 and reported back on their achievements and plans for the next few years.

2025

Five years on from that initial contact as they awaited GCSE results, we catch up with Ella, Thomas and Noah to find out what they are doing now.

Ella

2025

Going to university was far from a straightforward step for me – it was a challenge that demanded a great deal of planning and organisation. Before I even arrived, a detailed care package had to be arranged to ensure my needs were met. This wasn’t just a one-off set-up. My parents had to travel down regularly to help with essential tasks, such as food shopping and cleaning my flat. Their support was invaluable, but it also meant I wasn’t able to be as independent as many of my peers.

What made matters more difficult, was that not all lecturers took the time to read or fully understand my care package. This lack of awareness sometimes left me feeling frustrated and overlooked, as though the effort and thought that had gone into arranging my support were invisible. I often found myself having to explain my situation repeatedly, which was exhausting on top of my academic work.

At times, my mental health deteriorated under the strain. Balancing my studies, daily life, and the need to constantly advocate for myself was overwhelming. However, with the unwavering support of my family, friends, and the care package in place, I was able to persevere. Their encouragement and practical help gave me the strength to carry on, even when things were at their most challenging.

Despite all of this, I have no regrets about going to university. For me, it was about far more than earning a degree – it was a journey of learning to adapt, developing resilience, and becoming more mature. Looking back, I can see not only the difficulties but also the personal growth that came from facing them head-on

2022

I joined Warriner 6th Form College in Oxfordshire to do 3 A-levels, as we were moving to the area. I had visited a couple of times and it looked a friendly school. Sadly, looks can be deceptive, as it proved quite a challenging environment for me to navigate with physical and mental health issues. I had an Education Health Care Plan, but school didn’t feel it was post 16 appropriate so didn’t follow it, which has impacted on my grades and wellbeing.

On a positive, I have really enjoyed and done well in Sociology, a subject I hadn’t really thought of doing before. Having a fresh start in Oxfordshire has been good for my mental health in respect that no one knows me and have no preconceptions. I’ve made good friends with our neighbours Joanne and Oliver; they are very positive role models. Oliver is a mentor to girls in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths). I’ve completed my 3 A-levels in Drama, Sociology and Computer Science, the latter proving the hardest, and so I’m not confident about passing it. Well, 18th August, I’ll know how I did. I don’t think I could have worked any harder or prepared more than I did.  

September, I’m starting an Accounting and Finance degree at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford. I’m in a good position, as I have an unconditional offer, so not reliant on my exam grades. To be fair, I’m excited about starting university, but scared about living independently. I’ve got to give it a try though. Ideally, when I complete my degree I’d like to specialise in Forensic Accounting. The ‘Post Office Scandal’ some years ago really intrigued me, especially as it was down to accounting to solve the cases of the Post Office staff being sentenced wrongly.

2020

Mum, Diane: Ella has always persevered to keep up with her peers and her tenacity has paid off. She loves drama, maths and reading murder mystery novels while listening to very loud music! Hopefully, her predictive grades will allow her to access A levels in Geography, Drama, Business Studies and AS core maths. 

Thomas

2025

For my third year of university, I was successful in being selected for a placement at Fulham FC, working in their Academy Operations Management Department. I worked within the Academy with all age groups up to, and including, the under 21's; arranging the different training programmes; supporting & assisting with skills, growth, & development; organising the itineraries for all of the home matches; also organising itineraries & transport for the away games against all of the different FC Academy players within the League. I really enjoyed my year there, & gained so much experience. I am looking forward to returning to Loughborough University in September 2025, for my 4th and final year.

2022

I really enjoyed 6th Form College and am pleased to have completed my A-Levels. I'm looking forward to going away in the summer with my friends, before hopefully starting university in September doing a BSc in Sports Management. In the future I aspire to be involved in the global business of sport, especially in the football industry.

2020

Mum, Catherine: Thomas is the kindest, funniest, & most loving supportive son. I feel so blessed, as he makes my life better when I'm struggling with my NF & chronic pain. He loves football & music, & in September will be going to college to take 3 A-Levels. He's also been accepted by a football academy & will start their programme in September alongside his A-Levels.

Noah

2025

I can't believe I've finished university. It was difficult at times but I kept going and trying my best. I managed to get a 2.1 in Film and Screen, I am extremely proud of myself for all my hard work. I would like to get a job in pre-production in film, TV, or theatre. I'm particularly interested in the design and making of props. At the moment, I'm just trying to get some work so I can gain experience for my C.V. Having NF1 sometimes makes things harder but I want to show people that you really can achieve things in your life.

2022

It has been a couple of crazy years again, but BTEC’s and A-Levels are finished. In September I'm planning on doing a BA degree in Film Studies at BIMM Institute in Birmingham. I'm really interested in the field of cinematography, and hope that one day I will be behind the camera of a blockbuster. This summer I have been given an opportunity of being a camera assistant at the Commonwealth Games and am hoping to cover the badminton at the NEC. I'm really excited not just because of the work involved, but to be a part of the Games in my home city.

2020

Mum, Sarah: Noah is an amazing and kind young man. He loves playing his video games, watching and reading anime and anything Japanese. He is going to sixth form in September and will do A-level photography and BTECs in computer, media and sound engineering.