Sidmouth girl sweeps the board with 11 A* at Colyton Grammar School

THERE were celebrations at Sidmouth College on Tuesday as GCSE students achieved the best ever results for the school.

Groups of 16-year-olds retreated to corners of the college hall to digest their results, which mean an 11 percent rise in those achieving five A* to C grades – up from 66 per cent to 77 percent.

There was also a rise to 62 percent from 54 percent last year, in those getting five A* to C grades including English and Maths.

Deputy principal Julie Capewell said: “We are delighted with the results, they are absolutely fantastic.”

Chairman of the governors, Garry Neal added: “I think this year’s results are further evidence of the tremendous progress Sidmouth College is making, reflecting the many changes and improvements that are being made and they also reflect what Ofsted said, that it is a rapidly improving school.”

For the first time Year 10 students, some just 14, have sat GCSEs and some have been rewarded with good grades.

Year 11 student Stephen Moss, 16, from Sidbury was pleased with his raft of A grades, gaining two A* and five As, and a distinction in IT.

He would like to sit some A-levels at Sidmouth and some at The King’s School, Ottery St Mary.

James Bevan from West Hill hopes to go on to Bath University after studying for his A-levels at Sidmouth College.

He gained an A*, seven A grades and two Bs in his GCSE exams and said: “I am pretty pleased, I expected to do well, I was confident. I want to be a professional millionaire!”

Wendy Chiu, 16, gained three A* and six A grades and only joined Sidmouth College in Year 10.

She said: “I am surprised, but really happy. I have been working hard for them.”

Wendy, who wants to be a doctor, will take A-levels at Exeter College as she lives in Exeter.

With an A* in maths and seven As and two B grades, Max Smart, 16, from Livonia Road, Sidmouth, says he did “better than expected” and will stay on in the sixth form to take A-levels.

He has set his sights on a career using maths and further maths.

Mrs Capewell said: “There has been an enormous push on Year 11s this year. We have had a lot of intervention for those finding the going hard, with a lot of extra sessions set up to make sure they were clear about what they were doing and it really paid off. I am delighted with the results.”

She added: “I think the results represent and outstanding achievement and I am grateful to staff who put in an enormous amount of time and effort this year to make sure students achieved in line with their potential.

“But we are not going to be complacent. Next year will be even better!”

She said principal Jeremy Roberts’ vision and drive was central to the school’s success.

Mr Neal also thanked teachers, support staff, parents and community partners for their contribution.

Meanwhile, at Colyton Grammar School, 85 per cent of all GCSEs awarded were A or A* grades.

Seven ‘star’ students achieved A*s in all 11 subjects they studied, including Sarah Clarke from Sidmouth.

Head teacher Paul Evans said: “These are another excellent set of results across the whole year group.

“I’m very pleased with all the successes and congratulate every student on their achievement.

“As well as the ‘high fliers,’ it’s good to see the people who, through hard work and determination, have met or exceeded their personal targets.

“I’m also grateful to staff who have worked hard to support students to do so well.”