As expected, the GCSE grading standards have returned to normal after a more generous grading system last year.  We should not underestimate the challenges this Year Group have faced with multiple periods of disruption and uncertainty throughout their studies.

We are thrilled that over three-quarters of the grades achieved by our students were at Grade 4 or above, with 60% of grades being Grade 5 or above.  These grades will ensure that our students have the outcomes needed to progress on to their chosen pathway, be it Sixth Form, College or an apprenticeship.  In particular, the numbers securing a pass in Mathematics and English are once again well above national figures.

Additionally, some of our highest performing students have successfully achieved a full complement of GCSEs at Grade 7 or above, with eleven students achieving Grade 9 in over half of their subjects.  Top performers include Ayden Cutland (pictured, top left), Thomas Faulkner, Josie Kent, Aimee Miller, Amelia Nimmo Smith, Darci Shingleton (pictured, bottom left), Ava Sourjani (pictured, top right), Eleanor Thom, Bethany Ford, Emily Pickard and Shannon Wills.  These students all achieved outstanding grades across the board, whilst continuing to participate in College activities and enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom.

Henry Flay (pictured with Charles Stafford, bottom right), Arabella Faulkner, Elisha Matthews, Amy Bell and Georgia Wills should also be recognised for their outstanding progress and achievement whilst at the College.

The College community are celebrating with our Year 11 students today, and we look forward to many of them returning to study in our Sixth Form alongside new students joining us from other providers.  For further information regarding Post-16 provision or further advice and guidance, please contact our Sixth Form by clicking here.

We are always proud of the diverse academic and enrichment provision at our College and this really supports the future pathways of our students; whilst many will remain at the College for Sixth Form study, students have also been successful in securing places on competitive apprenticeships, bespoke courses across the South West and sporting scholarships further afield.

Reflecting on this year’s GCSE results Principal, Rachel Hutchinson, said, “I am immensely proud and would like to congratulate our students for their successful outcomes.  The disruption to their learning and the challenges this particular Year Group has had to face has been unprecedented.  In particular, I would like to celebrate our students who joined us from Ukraine part way through Year 10, who have successfully gained passes in all their GCSE subjects, with some obtaining some of the highest grades.  This is a true testament of their effort and commitment.  I wish all our Year 11 students the very best of luck as they embark on the next stage of their education pathways.”

Thank you to all our staff, governance and the School Improvement Team of the Westcountry Schools Trust for their continued support, and to all our parents and carers for the part they play in supporting their child’s education.

Congratulations again to all of our students on their achievements this week.