ALL across Teignbridge students are picking up their GCSE grades today (Thursday).

Early indications are that there have been a lot of successes and that their hard work has paid off.

We will add to our round-up of schools as we received the information.

Dawlish College

AFTER an interesting year, Dawlish College is very proud to share the phenomenal successes of their Year 11 students.

Headteacher, Mrs Wickham, observed that ‘Developing resilience is a key aspect of the college’s culture and these young people have needed endless amounts of it over the final two years of their secondary education.

‘The following students exceeded their (externally set) targets in at least 70 per cent of their subjects: Ewan Cox, Josie Harman, Luke Palmer, Liliana Patrocinio, Ethan Harris, James Clarke, Anna Field, Jacob Forrest, Yasmin Sluman and Summer Vowden.’

The college is very proud of everything that has been achieved by all of its students: every grade has been earnt by our young people and we wish them well for the next stage of their adventure. However, a special mention must go to Malachi Hibbins and Alexander White who achieved a clean sweep of 10 Grade 9s (A** in ‘old money’) each: an amazing achievement.

Closely followed by Lola Hogarth and Eva Parfitt with 6 Grade 9s each and Lauren Waldron with 5.

David Violett, Chair of the Local Academy Committee, would like to thank the hard work and support of all the staff at the college, ‘for every obstacle that presented itself the leadership and staff have found a solution so that students could continue to learn and have as full an experience as possible in their final years at the college.’

Newton Abbot College

STUDENTS at Newton Abbot College collected their results on Thursday morning against a backdrop of turbulence and uncertainty. This year group of students have completed the majority of their year 10 and 11 studies under the trials and tribulations of the COVID pandemic. Much of their studies and teaching has been completed and received remotely – they have coped tremendously and have worked so tirelessly.

Paul Cornish, in his final year as principal at the college, was full of pride for his students, but also very quick to praise and thank his staff when he said: ‘Across two years where schools have been open and closed... and open and closed... the two remaining constants have been the gratitude shown by parents for what we have done for their children and the total commitment and dedication of the staff.’

The college is very proud of the achievements of all students, but there were exceptionally noteworthy performances by the following twelve who each achieved at least 5 GCSE and BTEC qualifications at grades 8/9 (A*/A** in old money GCSE) or Distinction* (BTEC):

Kitty Brooker, Ben Campbell, Katie French, Sam Frost, Katherine Hamilton, Carrie Heale, Lupe Ojeda, Jonny Pegrum, Alex Shefras, Zara Smerdon, Florence Streather, and Emily Templeman.

The chair of Governors at the college, Linda Caunter, took the opportunity to thank the college leadership: ‘The Governors would like to say a massive well done to all the students collecting their results today and we wish them all the very best in the next stage of their education – many of them are of course staying at our college in the sixth form.’

Coombeshead Academy

‘WELL done to the fantastic Year 11 class of 2021,’ said Coombeshead Academy headteacher Robert Coles.

‘After two years of tumultuous education for our young people celebrating their GCSE results today, I am so pleased to announce an outstanding set of outcomes for our students.

‘This year group have had much of their KS4 interrupted by lockdown and self-isolation.

‘They have dealt with the situation stoically and with resilience. As a year group their attendance to online learning was excellent as they showed determination to achieve the best grades they could in the final assessments.’

‘We would like to mention a few key students for their notable success.

‘Our highest performing female student is Martha Hirst with an amazing set of results which includes seven grade 9s and an 8. Well done Martha.

‘The highest performing male student is Joe Denning with 5 9’s a distinction and two 8s. Congratulations Joe.

‘Other higher performers include Yvie Miller (5 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s, and 1 grade 7 a) as well as Momo Middleton (2 grade 9’s, 3 grade 8’s, 2 7’s and a grade 6). Well done to both of these students.

‘Laila Bouticha, Rosie Arnold, Oliver Taylor, Tom Taylor and Ollie Pead are noted for their outstanding progress from Key 2 (Year 6) to the end of Key Stage 4 (Year 11). These exceptional students have made the most progress during the 5-year journey of secondary school and we cannot be prouder of their academic success,’ added Robert Coles, headteacher.

Teign School

TEIGN School would like to offer their congratulations to all of the year 11 cohort for their fantastic GCSE results.

For the third year in a row Teign School students have demonstrated excellent performance for their GCSEs.

Despite the huge disruption to school over the last 18 months, the students have risen to the challenges they have faced and showed the resolve, resilience, perseverance and hard work to achieve the grades they have been awarded.

This year teachers have awarded the grades to students following a rigorous, quality assurance process to ensure that the grades awarded are fair and accurate.

Headteacher, Suzannah Wharf, said: ‘We are delighted with these results, which reflect the incredible hard work of the pupils, the support of their parents and carers, and, of course, some really excellent teaching from our staff.

‘Teachers have used their professionalism and wealth of experience to support our students throughout a very challenging year and a half.

‘It is wonderful to see the continuing positive impact of the raised standards at Teign School and how this is supporting the young people within the community.

‘Along with the excellent A’ level results earlier this week, these results represent another step up on our journey to be outstanding and confirms Teign School as a place where children fulfil their potential both academically and through the acquisition of attributes that will allow them to go on to lead extraordinary lives.

‘Some individuals have excelled themselves with several children attaining the highest grades of 8s and 9s. There are many pupils whose progress has really been truly spectacular. We are very proud of everything they have accomplished and are excited to follow their next steps.’South Dartmoor Community College and AtriumStaff at South Dartmoor Community College and Atrium are celebrating the achievements of their GCSE students.Despite an extremely challenging year, the results show a continued upward trend in outcomes at the college. Many students gained top grades in one or more subjects: 34 shared a total of 71 grade 9s, an increase on last year. Kitty Coulson-Byng scored 11 grade 9s and Ben Glenton was not far behind with seven grade 9s, one A*, two grade 8s, one grade 7 and one grade 6. Teachers are particularly proud of Toby Beasley, who suffered the loss of his home due to a house fire during lockdown one. They noted that his determination in the face of adversity was “inspirational”. Toby achieved two grade 7s, three grade 6s, three grade 5s and two grade 4s. Executive head teacher, Jen Veal, said: ‘Our students have worked really hard to achieve a set of results of which they can be truly proud. ‘They have had to be resourceful, resilient and determined this year, more so than any other year, to find different ways to study and learn and to be successful. They adapted really well to the blended learning approach of online and face to face teaching and these results are testament to their hard work and persistence. ‘As much as our exam statistics are fantastic, this year should focus on the personal stories of all our exceptional young people who now have great sets of results behind them to enable them to go on to do whatever they wish to do next. ‘They have been taught and supported by the most amazing team of staff, who throughout this year and during lockdowns have maintained their unwavering help, guidance and teaching, in person, on the phone, via email or through video calls. On behalf of all staff, I would like to wish our students much happiness and huge success for the future.’Emma Gallagher, deputy head teacher, said: ‘We are thrilled for all of our students and the excellent set of results that they have achieved. It is a testament to how well our teachers know our students, the excellent relationships, combined with outstanding subject knowledge has resulted in a set of results of which the college is exceptionally proud. ‘We are excited to be welcoming new and existing students in September to our outstanding sixth form and to support them with their post 16 education. We would like to take this opportunity to wish our students every success for the future and we look forward to watching them flourish through the next stage of their educational journey, whatever that may be.”Achievements include: Daisy Brown - 5 Grade 9s, 5 Grade 8s, 1 Grade 6; Hannah Manley - 5 Grade 9s, 1A*, 4 Grade 8s, 2 Grade 7s; Harvey Field - 3 Grade 9s, 4 Grade 8s, 3 Grade 7s, 1 Grade 6; Harry Wilson - 1 Grade 9, 6 Grade 8s, 1 Distinction, 2 Grade 7s, 1 Grade 6; Jonathan Rockey - 5 Grade 9s, 1A*, 3 Grade 8s, 1 Grade 7, 1 Merit; Rory Turner - 3 Grade 9s, 3 Grade 8s, 4 Grade 7s; Scarlett Ritchie - 1 Grade 9, 5 Grade 8s, 2 Grade 7s, 1 Grade 6, 2 Grade 5s; Charlie Peirce - 2 Grade 9s, 3 Grade 8s, 1 Distinction, 4 Grade 7s, 1 Grade 6, 1 Grade 4; Isla Bloomfield - 4 Grade 8s, 5 Grade 7s, 2 Grade 6s.South Devon High SchoolSouth Devon High School is celebrating a stunning set of GCSE results with 81 per cent of all English entries graded 9-4 (old grades A*- C) and a massive 85 per cent of all maths entries graded 9-4.  Students achieved highly across a wide range of subjects. 92 per cent of entries in Computer Science were graded 9-4 (old grades A*-C).The 14-16 school, part of South Devon College, also saw 100 per cent pass rates in vocational subjects including Games Development, Engineering and Adventure Sport.‘Coming to South Devon High School was the best choice I ever made,” said 16-year-old Fiona Hiscutt from Newton Abbot. The aspiring art teacher achieved a 9 in photography, a 7 in maths and English literature, a 5 in English language, a 6 in combined science and distinction in her Level 2 digital media and digital games development.’Shakira Mead, 16, from Totnes who is aiming to become a paediatric nurse achieved a distinction * in her Level 2 health and social care qualification as well as an A in childcare. She’s worked hard to improve on her previous school’s predicted academic grades for her. She has achieved a 7 in maths, a 6 in photography, English literature, history and combined science as well as a 5 in English language. Matt Burrows, head of South Devon High School said,: ‘I am delighted?that the pupils’ achievements have been fully recognised?given the unique challenges faced this year.?‘Our pupils?are rightly proud of their results and the?positive progress they have made. We offer an innovative and exciting curriculum, combined with fantastic pupil support. It has been wonderful to see pupils thrive?and succeed?within the School. The results are an excellent reward for all the pupils’ hard work, and it is a testament to the outstanding support and guidance provided by their teachers. ‘Pupils can now look forward to their exciting next steps, with many progressing to A Levels, apprenticeships or technical and professional courses at South Devon College.’ South Devon High School combines academic and technical qualifications with great opportunity for progression into further and higher education. With a strong focus on careers and employability alongside learning, young people have the opportunity to develop the skills that employers need now, more than ever, to find new and innovative ways of working on the road to economic recovery.  Pupils work with state of the art, industry standard, equipment and resources which include access to the new South Devon College Sports Centre and Hi Tech & Digital Centre. The College is home to University Centre South Devon (UCSD) which has strong links with the University of Plymouth and with a wide range of local and regional employers, meaning your entire education journey can be done locally. If you’re interested in studying further or higher education, there’s still time to apply. The College’s expert team are in place to assist with progression to a variety of different pathways that your new qualifications will make possible, simply call 08000 380 123 or email them [email protected] SchoolThe Year 11 pupils at Stover gained grades of 5 and above for 84% of all papers entered, with 94% of the pupils receiving five or more grades of 9 to 4 including English and Mathematics.This year’s GCSE cohort at Stover School are celebrating some outstanding achievements. The Year 11 pupils at Stover gained grades of 5 and above for 84% of all papers entered, with 94% of the pupils receiving five or more grades of 9 to 4 including English and Mathematics. The dedication of the entire year group throughout a year when their GCSE assessment processes were far from certain for much of the time, is an absolute credit to them all.Top grades of 7, 8 and 9 where realised by the candidates in 40% of all of the papers that were entered. Of particular note were Isabella Farleigh who achieved nine grade 9s and one grade 8 and Harvey Camilleri with eight grade 9s and two grade 8s. Others worthy of special mention are Madison Cooper-Thompson and Robert Lee who each had total value-added scores of over 20 grades above their expected grades.Headmaster, Richard Notman, said “this group of young people have had to cope with enforced school closure and considerable change in the methods used to assess their GCSE outcomes. I am immensely proud of the way they have adapted and coped with what has been a very challenging time for both the pupils and the staff who have guided them through their GCSE courses; very well done. To achieve such an incredible set of results in such a time of adversity is a testament to them as individuals and to the professionalism and dedication of the staff here at Stover School.”

More to follow