Blackburn College Adult and ESOL Learners Celebrate GCSE Success 2026

Adult and ESOL learners at Blackburn College are celebrating GCSE success after achieving impressive results in English, Maths and Biology.

The College delivers GCSEs in English, Maths and Biology for learners aged 19 and over, alongside courses for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students and its wider Further Education and Higher Education provision.

GCSE qualifications in English and Maths are essential for many career paths and progression opportunities, helping learners move into further study, university-level education and employment.

Dr Fazal Dad, Principal and Chief Executive of Blackburn College, said:

“These GCSE results are a testament to the hard work, determination and commitment of our learners and teaching staff. These qualifications will help learners take the next step towards their chosen career paths, and I am excited to see where their achievements lead them.”

Blackburn College is committed to helping learners of all ages and backgrounds gain the skills and qualifications they need to achieve their ambitions and contribute to the local economy.

Mekka Dakak, Head of Adult Education at Blackburn College, said:

“These results are another testament to the hard work, commitment and dedication shown by our adult learners throughout the year. Our students have worked tirelessly alongside their teachers, who went above and beyond to provide the support needed to help them achieve their goals and, for some, fulfil lifelong ambitions.

“Returning to education as an adult can be incredibly challenging. These results demonstrate that regardless of age, background or personal circumstances, it is never too late to learn something new, gain qualifications and pursue a new career or promotion.”

For many learners, their GCSE achievement represents the first step towards transforming their future.

One of the College’s ESOL learners, Bilal Rashid, achieved a Grade 9 in GCSE Maths. He said:

“Studying at Blackburn College has been a great experience. The environment gave me confidence and the staff were incredibly supportive. The teachers were always helpful, and I would recommend the course to anyone.

“Now that I have my GCSEs, I am going on to study A Levels before progressing to university, where I hope to study a science-related subject. My results have opened up many more opportunities for me.”

Liubov Kukarina achieved English 6 and Maths 5 said: “I’m really happy to have received these Maths and English grades and I’ve enjoyed my time here. The course didn’t only improve my knowledge, it helped me improve my social skills, allowed me to make lots of friends and I would definitely recommend Blackburn College to others.”

Hayley Naylor, who achieved a Grade 7 in GCSE English, said:

“Blackburn College is a very accessible and friendly place to study. I have made great friends from different cultures and backgrounds, and the tutors are extremely supportive. One of the reasons I wanted to come back to education was because I knew I could always ask questions without feeling judged.”

Awat Abbaspou, who also achieved a Grade 7 in GCSE English, added:

“Age is just a number, so keep studying and never stop learning.”

Blackburn College encourages anyone considering a career change, looking to progress at work or wanting to return to education to explore its adult GCSE programmes.