Students celebrate GCSE results across the South Hams

Students across the South Hams have finally been able to breathe a sigh of relief as they were given their GCSE results yesterday. 

GCSE results, which came out across the UK yesterday, Thursday, 20 August, had a national pass rate of 67%, broadly stable from the last couple of years. 

KEVICC Students Celebrate GCSE Success in Totnes

Students at King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) in Totnes, part of Education South West, have been celebrating collecting their GCSE results, marking an exciting milestone in their education journey.

As with all years, student grades represented lots of hard work and set young people up for their next steps in education, employment and training. A significant amount of grades this year were awarded in the higher bands, with students such as Diego with 7 grade 9s and 2 grade 8s, Maddy with 5 grade 9s, and Xavier with 4 grade 9s.

A spokesperson for KEVICC said: "As a proudly comprehensive school, staff were thrilled to celebrate results across the board with all students that represented years of hard work, and in many cases, students surmounting significant personal challenges. 

"KEVICC has continued to strengthen its inclusive provision this year through the development of a new specialist SEND unit for students with autism. The purpose-built provision offers a nurturing environment with personalised support, high levels of adult guidance and access to the wider school community, helping young people thrive both academically and socially. 

"Delivered in partnership with the Special Partnership Trust and supported through Devon County Council's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process, the unit represents a significant investment in expanding high-quality local SEND provision."

Alan Salt, Principal at KEVICC said: "Today is a proud day for our whole school community as we celebrate the achievements of our year 11 students. It has been a privilege to watch them grow into confident and capable young people. Whatever their results, each student should be proud of what they have accomplished and the progress they have made.”

§Kingsbridge Community College Celebrates GCSE Success

The GCSE students at Kingsbridge Community College, (KCC) part of Education South West,  are celebrating another fantastic year of success. Students have received a strong set of results, reflecting their hard work and commitment throughout their time at the college.

This year’s GCSE results mark an improvement in outcomes for KCC students, with strong performance across a wide range of subjects and a wealth of exciting pathways open to them as they take their next steps.

More than a quarter of all grades awarded were at the highest levels of 9–7 (26.5%), while 80% of grades were at grade 4 or above, representing a standard pass. The number of students achieving both the standard pass (grade 4) and strong pass (grade 5) in English and mathematics has also increased in both subjects.

These achievements are particularly significant in helping students secure their chosen next steps into sixth form, college, further education and apprenticeships, giving them the qualifications they need to pursue their ambitions.

Among those celebrating exceptional results are:

• Bryn Walsh, who secured an outstanding eight grade 9s and two grade 8s
  
• Zak Alcroft, who achieved seven grade 9s, two grade 8s and one grade 7
• Jack Graham, who achieved six grade 9s, three grade 8s and one grade 7
• Sebastian Bly, who achieved seven grade 9s, three grade 8s and one grade 6
• Izzy Niblett, who achieved six grade 9s, three grade 8s and two grade 7s
• Amy Lakeman, who achieved six grade 9s, one grade 8, two grade 7s and a Level 2 Distinction, equivalent to a further grade 7
• Finn Whitaker, who secured six grade 9s, two grade 8s, one grade 7 and one grade 6.

A spokesperson for KCC said: "KCC staff are incredibly proud of all their students and their achievements. They are particularly delighted that these students will continue their academic journey in the Sixth Form at Kingsbridge Community College, where staff look forward to seeing them build on their success, continue to flourish and act as positive role models for younger students across the school.

"Alongside these outstanding individual performances, many other students have made significant progress from their starting points, demonstrating determination, resilience and a commitment to their learning. Their achievements are particularly noteworthy given the challenges they experienced during their education as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the end of their primary education and the beginning of their time at Kingsbridge Community College.

"Today’s results reflect not only the hard work and dedication of KCC students, but also the support they have received throughout their journey. Staff are grateful to their families and to the wider community for the encouragement and support they have provided.

"Together, this has helped students overcome challenges, realise their potential and reach this important milestone with confidence as they look ahead to the next chapter of their education."

"This academic year, Kingsbridge Community College has continued to offer a diverse range of experiences designed to broaden horizons, develop skills and enrich learning beyond the classroom. 

"Students have showcased their creativity through the annual KCCREATE exhibition at Harbour House Gallery, gained invaluable insights from a visit by the Bank of England, and explored the South West coastline through geography fieldwork. 

"The college has also championed student wellbeing through Mental Health Awareness Week activities, while aspiring engineers competed in the Greenpower Electric Car Endurance event, developing practical STEM and teamwork skills. 

"Recently, students took part in an innovative police challenge event delivered in partnership with Devon & Cornwall Police, giving them hands-on experience of problem-solving, public service and community safety. 

"Across the year, Kingsbridge Community College has remained committed to providing exceptional enrichment opportunities, strong community partnerships and real-world experiences that prepare students for future study, careers and life beyond school."

Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College said: "Today is about celebrating every student and recognising the journey they have taken to reach this point. We have watched this year group grow in confidence and character, embracing opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, and I could not be more proud of everything they have achieved.”

Dartmouth Academy Celebrates GCSE Success 

Pupils from Dartmouth Academy, part of Education South West, were all smiles this morning as they collected their GCSE results.

A spokesperson for Dartmouth Academy said: "This year’s cohort have achieved fantastic results, reflecting their dedication and the support of the staff at the school.

"Dartmouth pupils have shown fantastic commitment and determination throughout their GCSEs, and staff are incredibly proud of the excellent results they have achieved. Their hard work, resilience and dedication have been rewarded, with many pupils achieving or exceeding their targets. 

"Particular congratulations go to Harry Senior, Alex Slade, Luke Black, Amber Heales and Seren Southern, who achieved especially impressive results, significantly exceeding their predicted targets. Their achievements are a wonderful reflection of the effort they have put in throughout their time at Dartmouth Academy, and staff wish all of the pupils every success as they take their exciting next steps. 

"This academic year, Dartmouth Academy has continued to provide a rich and varied programme of opportunities for pupils, combining academic achievement with creativity, personal development and community engagement. 

"Pupils have showcased their talents at the school’s  annual GCSE Art and Photography Exhibition at The Flavel Arts Centre, worked alongside professional Bristol artist Jody Thomas in a specialist spray-painting workshop, and benefited from a range of enrichment activities including residential visits, educational trips and reward experiences. 

"Highlights have included a residential in North Devon featuring surfing, outdoor learning and team-building activities and a Rotary Club-supported reward trip to Woodlands Theme Park. The school has also strengthened its international links after securing funding for the next phase of its UK–Ukraine partnership project. 

"Alongside these opportunities, Dartmouth Academy has continued to build strong partnerships with local organisations and community groups while expanding leadership, extracurricular and personal development opportunities for pupils across all year groups."

Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy said: "I am incredibly proud of every one of our pupils today. These results reflect not only their hard work and determination, but also the encouragement and commitment shown by our dedicated staff and the support of families throughout their journey.

"Whatever their individual results, each student should feel proud of what they have achieved and excited about the opportunities that now lie ahead. We wish them every success as they take their next steps and look forward to seeing all they go on to accomplish." 

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, which includes all three schools, said: "Congratulations to every student receiving their GCSE results today. We know that behind every grade are years of hard work, supported by dedicated teachers, support staff and families who have encouraged young people every step of the way. 

“These results represent far more than examination outcomes. They mark the beginning of exciting new opportunities, whether students are moving on to sixth form, college, apprenticeships or employment. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and wish them every success as they embark on the next stage of their education and careers." 

Students Shine on GCSE Results Day at Ivybridge Community College

Ivybridge Community College is thrilled to celebrate students achieving an outstanding set of GCSE results, with impressive outcomes and many success stories across our community.

These individual successes reflect another year of strong overall performance for students at Ivybridge Community College, further strengthening the college’s proud reputation for academic excellence and developing young people with strength of character.

Students are now looking ahead to an exciting range of destinations, including the College's successful Sixth Form, specialist post-16 providers, apprenticeships and vocational pathways.

Principal Rachel Hutchinson said: "GCSE results day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all our students’ hard work and personal journeys. We are delighted to see students progressing on to a wide range of exciting next steps and are thrilled so many have elected to return to Ivybridge for their Sixth Form education.  

"I look forward to seeing the class of 2026 continue to flourish in our community in the years ahead."

Deputy Principal Tim Cresswell said: "We are immensely proud of the Class of 2026 as a whole, and of each and every student individually.  Their stories of success, including those achieved in the face of personal challenge, are inspiring and a wonderful testament to the resilience, determination and ambition of this group of young people.  

"For many, the results achieved today open doors to bright futures, new opportunities and pathways they can approach with real confidence.  These achievements are passports to the future and show all young people that, when you show up, work hard and work with the people around you, great things really are possible."

Ten grade nines! We are delighted to celebrate Thomas G and Lucy S’s exceptional achievements. Lucy secured straight grade 9s across ten subjects, including Statistics, which she studied independently. Lucy also contributed fully to college life, collecting her Platinum Character Charter award, running the pop vocals group for younger students and playing an integral role in college performing arts productions.

Lucy said: “I am delighted with my grades, especially English! I didn’t think I’d get that grade! I’m excited to stay on at Ivybridge Community College Sixth Form to do Maths, Further Maths, Physics and an EPQ as I’d love to do a degree in Maths in the future.”

Thomas contributed enthusiastically to college life through rugby and music and plays saxophone with Devon Youth Music. Thomas’s ability to combine academic excellence with such wide-ranging participation is truly impressive. He said: “This has been an incredible year, a real demonstration that hard work can and will pay off and any goal can be achieved.”

Year 11 student Scarlett J was ecstatic to receive the majority of her results at grades 5 and above. Achieving these grades means that Scarlett has now successfully secured a highly competitive Babcock apprenticeship.

Scarlett said: “Thank you to all my teachers who have helped me pass everything. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you guys. I needed my Maths, English and Science to get my apprenticeship with Babcock”. 

The college's Finish Line programme played an important part in helping students build confidence and momentum during the crucial final stages of Year 11. This included subject intervention sessions, targeted revision resources and expert guidance from teachers after College and during the holidays. The programme ensured students received tailored support and encouragement to help them achieve their full potential.

As the college community comes together to celebrate these fantastic achievements, we wish all our students every success as they step confidently into the next stage of their educational and professional journeys.