There were hugs, sighs of relief and some shocked looking faces when Sidmouth College students received their GCSE results yesterday (Thursday).

Sidmouth Herald: Jessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth SharpJessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth Sharp (Image: Archant)

Despite changes nationally, which mean many subjects are now graded from 9 to 1, and the increased challenge at GCSE, there were some fantastic results.

Among some of the students who performed outstandingly was Emma Seward, who was awarded two grade 8s (equivalent of A*s), eight grade 7s (A), and one grade 5.

Mattie Laurenti achieved two grade 8s , three grade 7s, two As and four grade 6s. Lucy Gosling also did remarkably well, obtaining two grade 8s , five grade 7s, three grade 6s and one grade 5 along with George Goodman who was given one grade 8, six grade 7s, three grade 6s and one B grade.

The college also gave a special mention to Millie Jarrett who achieved a grade 9 in mathematics.

Sidmouth Herald: Jessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth SharpJessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth Sharp (Image: Archant)

Millie said: “I am really happy with my results in maths, geography and business. A 9 in maths is not what I expected I thought it be like a 7.

“I am planning to do A-levels either at Sidmouth or Colyton. I would love to go uni too but I’m not sure what I’d do - I would just like to get a job I enjoy.”

Mattie added: “I am quite happy with my results. I think my parents will be happy. There are a few things I wanted to do better in but then there are a few subjects I did better than I expected, so that’s good.

“I’m planning to go Exeter College to do English language, business and history.

Sidmouth Herald: Jessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth SharpJessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth Sharp (Image: Archant)

“I’ll probably go uni after that to do something business-based.”

Co-principal Martyn Dudley said: “Well done to all the year 11 students. “We wish them well as they move on to the next stage of their education. I look forward to welcoming back many of the students into the sixth form and wish all of them, whatever their path, the best and brightest future.

“I would like to thank the staff who have contributed to this success and also recognise the fabulous support each student received from their parents and families. Due to the well-documented changes to the examinations, it is difficult to gauge the true picture of the college’s success.

“This however, will become clearer as examination performance across the country is released in the coming weeks. For now we can enjoy celebrating our student’s individual successes.”

Sidmouth Herald: Jessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth SharpJessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth Sharp (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Jessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth SharpJessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth Sharp (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Jessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth SharpJessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth Sharp (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Jessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth SharpJessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth Sharp (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Jessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth SharpJessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth Sharp (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Jessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth SharpJessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth Sharp (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Jessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth SharpJessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth Sharp (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Jessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth SharpJessica shackleford, mia collings and Jenny Cardwell get their grades. Picture: Beth Sharp (Image: Archant)