Choosing their GCSEs is an important time in a young person’s life and often one of the first decisions they make that can shape their future.

This GCSE Results Day, the DHL UK Foundation are recognising the work of Get Further, an education charity supporting young people who have left school without a pass in GCSE English or Maths.

Through our partnership, Get Further support the Foundation’s vision for underserved young people in the UK to access decent employment and thrive in their careers. They provide high‑quality, small‑group tuition, helping young people gain essential “gateway” qualifications needed to progress into further study, apprenticeships, and employment.

As we see the requirements to enter the world of work become increasingly challenging, passes in English and Maths remain important qualifications that can significantly increase young people’s employment and progression opportunities.

One of the young people supported by Get Further to re-sit and achieve her English GCSE was Erin.

After experiencing a setback to her confidence, Erin attended Get Further tutoring sessions which not only helped her achieve the pass she had missed first time round but exceed her target by achieving a Grade 6.

“I am so proud of my achievement! I was aiming for just a pass, but my tutor pushed and supported me to aim for higher and I did it! My tutor didn’t give up on me even on the hard days, which gave me confidence to keep working.”

Get Further’s small-group tuition provided Erin with the tailored support she needed to rebuild her skills and confidence. Her tutor’s guidance helped her recognise her potential, while the small-group setting allowed Erin to feel empowered to ask questions, strengthen her English skills and make consistent progress.

Achieving a Grade 6 in GCSE English helped Erin secure the qualification she needed to take the next step in her career.

Since joining a dementia specialist care home as an assistant, Erin has progressed into a management role, taking responsibility for budgets, staff rotas and coordinating external support to help deliver the best outcomes for residents.

Progressing in a career she’s passionate about, Erin’s story highlights the powerful difference that high‑quality, targeted tuition can make, and the potential that’s possible when barriers to support are removed.