Results day 2026: Success for GCSE and UAL learners at WAES
Adult learners at Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) are celebrating success today as GCSE English, GCSE Maths and UAL Level 2 results are released, following a strong set of UAL Level 3 results last week.
For many adult learners, achieving a qualification can be a life-changing milestone, opening doors to new careers, further study or university, and greater confidence. GCSE English and Maths remain among the UK’s most widely recognised qualifications and are often required for progression to higher-level study, apprenticeships and employment. For adults who may have missed out on these qualifications earlier in life, achieving a GCSE can open the door to new opportunities.
This year’s GCSE results included particularly strong outcomes in Maths. Almost 80% of learners achieved a Grade 4 or above, compared with 62% last year, while more than half achieved a Grade 5 or above. GCSE English results remained strong, with more than 60% of learners achieving Grade 4 or above, while the number of learners achieving Grade 6 or above more than doubled compared with last year.
Dorar, who studied GCSE Maths, said:
I’m incredibly proud and grateful to have achieved a Grade 8 in GCSE Maths. My journey at WAES has been challenging but truly rewarding, and the support, encouragement and belief from my tutors gave me the confidence to keep going and achieve my goal. This result means so much to me because it represents not only the grade, but all the hard work, determination and progress behind it.
Dorar Mohammed, GCSE Maths
Alongside GCSE success, learners receiving UAL Level 2 results achieved excellent outcomes across Art, Ceramics, Fashion, Graphic Design and Creative Media. All 74 learners achieved their qualification, up from a 96% achievement rate last year. More than 85% achieved a Merit or Distinction, an increase from 73% in 2024-25.
The success follows last week’s UAL Level 3 results, where every learner achieved either a Merit or Distinction. Nearly three quarters achieved the highest grade of Distinction, representing a significant improvement on last year’s already strong results.
The UAL Awarding Body is part of University of the Arts London, one of the world’s leading creative education institutions. Its qualifications are widely recognised by universities and employers and help learners progress to further study and careers in the creative industries.
Negar, who achieved a Distinction in the UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice (Art) and will now progress to MA Art and Science at UAL’s Central Saint Martins, said:
“I am delighted to have achieved a UAL Distinction and deeply grateful to WAES for the opportunity to develop my craft in such a supportive and inspiring environment. A special thank you to my teacher, Andrew Stockwell, whose guidance, encouragement and belief in my abilities have been invaluable.
I am now excited to begin the next chapter of my creative journey, studying MA Art and Science at Central Saint Martins, an opportunity I truly believe would not have been possible without the skills and confidence I gained at WAES.
I believe this next step will give me the creative edge to begin producing ambitious installations.”Negar Afshar, Level 3 UAL Diploma in Creative Practice (Art)
Celebrating the results, WAES Principal, Arinola Edeh CBE said:
“Congratulations to all of our learners receiving results this year. Many of our students balance their studies alongside work, family commitments and other responsibilities, making their achievements even more impressive.
These results reflect the dedication of our learners and the commitment of our teaching and support staff. We are proud to see learners progressing to higher education, employment and new creative and professional opportunities.”Arinola Edeh CBE, Principal of WAES
WAES offers GCSE English and Maths alongside a wide range of vocational, creative and professional courses for adults looking to gain qualifications, develop new skills, progress in their careers or move on to higher levels of study.
