Nacro continues student progression success

Students from education and skills centres run by Nacro continue to make strides in their progress, with GCSE pass rates increasing for the third year in a row and eight of ten students securing a job, an apprenticeship or a place on a further education course.
Nacro students who have to re-sit their GCSE exams in English and maths receive excellent tailored support from Nacro’s experienced and skilled staff, enabling them to take their important next step. Many students also take Functional Skills exams in maths and English at level 2, equivalent to a GCSE, with results for these expected to be published later in the year.

Our students’ overall achievement rates for maths and English GCSE re-sits continue to exceed national rates, whilst an increased number of adult learners have passed their GCSE exams this summer.

Around 3,000 students attend 16 Nacro Education and Skills Centres across the country, which offer a range of technical and vocational qualifications, including vehicle mechanics, sport and leisure, hair and beauty and construction, as well as maths and English. Students receive support for their career choices and benefit from a work placement linked to their programme. The centres also encourage school pupils aged 14-16 to attend taster sessions to try out technical learning and to explore their career options.

Nacro, now England’s largest independent training provider of its type for 16 to 18 year olds, specialist provision, apprenticeships and adult learning, was rated ‘good’ across the board by Ofsted following an inspection in March 2019.

Nacro student, Tia, said:

“I didn’t think I would be able to get my GCSEs as I hadn’t attended school since I was 14. I’d been bullied so badly I’d developed severe anxiety, and I found it hard to trust that people wouldn’t try to hurt me. Everything changed when I came to Nacro. Teachers were so supportive and kind, they really believed in me and encouraged me to aim high.

“I’ve now achieved a grade 5 in GCSE English and a grade 4 in GCSE maths, alongside a Diploma in catering. I’ve also started a full time job in the catering and hospitality sector which has been my dream for so long. I never thought this would be possible but, with Nacro, the sky really is the limit.”

Nacro Principal and Director of Education and Skills, Lisa Capper, said:

“We are immensely proud of the progress our post-16 students have made, and all their hard work in the lead up to their GCSE re-sit exams this summer and their wider vocational qualifications. Nacro staff work tirelessly to equip our students with the skills and confidence they need to flourish and reach their full potential.

“We encourage all young people receiving their GCSE results this week to know that whether they have achieved the grades they hoped for or not, Nacro is here to help them explore their options and take their next steps towards a bright future. Visit our website to find out more.”

Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said:

“We are absolutely delighted with our post 16 students ongoing performance and achievements. At Nacro, we’re committed to helping all young people succeed and we know that one size does not fit all. This is why Nacro staff do all that they can to provide wrap-around support to meet every students’ individual needs. We encourage young people who are just leaving school to think about their next steps and find out how Nacro can help them achieve their career and life goals.”