Sidmouth College celebrates 'excellent' GCSE results

The school said: "These results are the combination of not only the commitment and dedication of a group of incredible students but also of the staff and parents who have supported them over the last five years.

"We are proud of this year group as we recognise that they have managed the disruption caused by Covid during their education. There is a lot to celebrate both collectively as a year group and also as individuals."

Some individual successes:

Xavier Rowbotham - 6 x Grade 9, 4 x Grade 8

Harriet Keenan - 5 x Grade 9 and 4 x Grade 8

Grace Clarke - 9 x Grade 9 and 1 x Grade 8

Ella Watkins - 5 x Grade 9, 4 x Grade 8

James Adesina - 2 x Grade 9 and 4 x Grade 8

Matilda Bentall - 1 x Grade 9 and 4 x Grade 8

Robin Binu - 3 x Grade 9 and 1 x Grade 8

Olli Crowther - Distinction, 1 x Grade 9 and 5 x Grade 8

Josie Lamour - 1 x Grade 9, 3 x Grade 8

Scarlet Randall - Distinction, 1 x Grade 9, 5 x Grade 8

Headteacher Sarah Parsons said: "Today is about our amazing students and their success, but it is also a chance to thank all the wonderful staff at the College who have worked with these students over the year.

"I would also like to thank the community for their continued support of the young people and the future of Sidmouth.

"On behalf of the staff at the College we wish all our students continued success in the future and are looking forward to welcoming high numbers of students back into our Sixth Form in September."

Nationally, Covid led to an increase in top grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams.

This year Ofqual built protection into the grading process, designed to enable a pupil to get the grade they would have received before the pandemic, even if their quality of work was slightly weaker than before.