GCSE case study: Ellie-Mae Gardiner

Ellie-Mae Gardiner, 16, from Rayleigh, struggled with maths and English at school and never though that she could realise her ambition to work with children.

Having enrolled in a Level 1 Health and Childcare course at South Essex College, Ellie-Mae worked really hard, and with the support of her tutors gained a brilliant Grade 5 in English Language and a Grade 4 in maths.

A delighted Ellie- Mae said: “I have really enjoyed this year at College, it is so much better than school because the classes are smaller and you get much more personal attention. I really don’t know how I got through, but I am so happy.”

Ellie-Mae’s mum was so delighted she cried. Ellie-Mae is going to stay at the College to study for a Level 3 qualification in Health and Science.