Ipswich mum 'delighted' to pass GCSE maths and English over 20 years after first attempt

A mum-of-three from Ipswich has revealed what a 'great relief' it is to have passed her GCSEs on the second go - having not sat a written exam since 1999.

Kate Bannatyne, 39, bagged top marks for English and a grade 5 in maths while undertaking a painting and decorating course at Suffolk New College.

She felt this was a great way to round out her education, having returned to college for the first time in 20 years.

Kate, who was 'buzzing' at the results, said: "I couldn't quite believe it when I got my results.

"I thought the college had only entered me for the foundation exam - meaning I could only get a maximum of a grade 5 - and it was amazing when I realised I got a grade 9 in English.

"I was getting grades 6-7 in lessons, but i never expected to get top marks. I was delighted when I found out."

After sitting her GCSEs back in 1999, she originally studied performing arts in college before pursuing a music career in London.

Working various jobs in her life and eventually becoming a stay-at-home mum, lockdown and home-schooling her kids made her reconsider her options.

She decided the painting and decorating course meshed with her creative ambitions.

Kate was at college for one day a week on the course, with plans to set up her own decorating business.

While studying, Kate realised she could resit her maths and English GCSEs for free, which brought the course up to two days a week.

She was concerned she would be the oldest on the course, but revealed she got along with everyone.

Back in February, she also began work experience at Spirit Yachts on the Ipswich waterfront.

Following a trial period, she was offered a job at the firm, which creates boats from scratch using sustainable timber.

In her own words, this 'filled out her week'.

Kate added: "Once I started, my husband and my children's grandparents had to start chipping in more with household chores and school runs.

"It's been six months and I'm having a blast - it's great to work with such creative people - it's what I've always wanted."

As she didn't expect to bag top marks in English, Kate made no plans to move onto further education.

However, she is 'keeping her options open', and may consider continuing her schooling down the line.

Kate has also 'always thought about being a teacher', should she chose further education down the line.

Passing her GCSEs recently means she will also be able to better relate to her three children when they commence their exams.

Right now, her plans are to continue working for Spirit Yachts while starting her own decorating business on the side.

She said: "I'm decorating for family and friends, their hallways and bedrooms and the like, and I hope to do this in addition to my work at Spirit Yachts.

"When I re-entered education I vowed to do a job that I'd want to do until I retire. I've always been a creative person, so I locked into the course and career path I've chosen.

"This demonstrates that if you make one little change everything can work out. This has made me more hopeful for the future and what I can set up for myself."