Shebbear College pupils have achieved an outstanding set of results at GCSE, despite the last 6 months being far from normal. 26.3% achieved the highest possible Grades 8 and 9 (the equivalent of an A*) with 40.4% achieving Grades 7 – 9 (A*- A) – well above the national average of 27.6% – and 63.2% achieving Grades 6 – 9 (A* – B).

• 40.4% of all Grades were 7-9  
• 26.3% were the highest Grades 8 or 9
• Star student Niall achieved an astonishing twelve Grade 9s with eight pupils scoring nine or more Grades 7-9

Niall found out this morning that he was Shebbear’s top performing student with an incredible twelve Grade 9s and one Grade 8.

“I got eleven 9s and one 8 this morning – and I took Latin a year early and got a 9 for that as well!” said Niall, who also has a passion for public speaking and plays the guitar. “I’m taking Maths, Further Maths, Physics and History A-levels in the Sixth Form here at Shebbear and my aim after that is to study Maths at Oxbridge.”

Twins Oliver and Sophie both excelled with Sophie achieving seven 9s, three 8s and a 7 and Oliver gaining two 9s, five 8s and four 7s. The twins will both go on to study mainly STEM subjects at A-level.

“I’m really pleased with how I’ve done – I’ve beaten my brother so I’m happy!” said Sophie who is planning to go into Dentistry in the future, with Oliver adding “I’ve got the results I needed to study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science at A-level so I’m really happy with that.’

Bella was delighted when she opened her envelope this morning to discover that she had been awarded ten Grades 7 – 9. “I’m really pleased with how I did! I’m going to take Drama, Geography, RS and English Literature A-Levels here at Shebbear and I am planning to become a Human Rights Lawyer in the future.” said Bella, who has also recently completed an Internship on Politics and Law.

Another happy pupil is Harrison with four 9s, five 8s and two 7s. “I’m taking Chemistry, Biology, English Literature and Drama A-levels in the Sixth Form here and I would like to go into Medicine to be an Anaesthetist or a Pediatrician.” Harrison is also a talented Rugby player and was recently selected for the Devon U16s team so has done brilliantly juggling his sporting and academic achievements.

Shebbear students have excelled across the board, with ten departments seeing 50% of pupils gaining 7 – 9 (A*  – A) grades in their subject and thirteen subjects achieving a 100% pass rate.

“I am so proud and delighted for all of our Form 5 pupils, who thoroughly deserve their excellent GCSE results” said Mrs Kirby. “They have worked so very hard and when lock-down descended, they continued to engage remotely with their teachers in live lessons – the learning didn’t ever cease during the Trinity Term and, as a year group they are a credit to Shebbear after demonstrating such resilience during an unprecedented journey towards the end of their GCSEs. It was an absolute joy today to see so many pupils celebrating with their friends and teachers who have supported them so industriously over the last two years. They really are a talented year group and I am looking forward to seeing them flourish in the next chapter of their educational journey and beyond.”