Anne Blowers, from Nacton, studied maths and English at Suffolk New College, after she decided to go back to work and needed to sit her exams again.

She achieved a grade 8, the second highest grade, and is now considering studying a masters. 

She said: "I was really pleased with my results as you always do doubt.

"On the day, it's all about the exam and how you cope with it.

"I applied for a job as a learning support practitioner at Suffolk New College and got it, so I had to do my exams again.

"Keep your skills updated, things do change.

"You are never too old to learn and every day is a school day."

Chris Gilbert, director of English and maths at the college said: "I am so proud of all the learners and the staff who have supported them throughout this academic year."

Sam Wahl passed his maths and English GCSEs in the hope of becoming a counsellor (Image: Suffolk New College)

Also at Suffolk New College, bin man Sam Wahl, 31, secured two grade four passes in his English and maths GCSE.

Sam, who works for Ipswich Borough Council as a refuse driver, went back into education as part of a long-term plan to become a counsellor.

The dad-of-two said: "A couple of years back I had a dramatic moment and had a bit of counselling and that inspired me to potentially get into counselling myself.

"To do that, I had to get my GCSE English and maths up to date so I can progress on to a course related to mental health.

"I previously struggled at school but I had the drive to want to do something different and the tutors have been very helpful and my work has been supportive."

The dad of two is now looking at a couple of courses to continue to pursue his ambitions to help other people.

MORE: Ipswich student achieves nearly perfect maths GCSE score

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