North Devon schools celebrate GCSE success

North Devon secondary schools are celebrating their GCSE results today (August 22), despite a national decline in pass rates. 

Across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the percentage of students achieving grades 4/C and above has fallen for the third consecutive year to 67.6 per cent.

However, several North Devon schools have reported strong performances.

Braunton Academy

Year 11 students at Braunton Academy are celebrating a highly successful set of results. The cohort achieved 36 grade 9s, 100 grade 8s, and 172 grade 7s, marking a significant accomplishment amid the return to pre-COVID grading standards. 

The school is proud of the students' hard work and perseverance over the past five years.

The Ilfracombe Academy

The Ilfracombe Academy has recorded its best-ever set of GCSE results, with notable improvements in core subjects. 

The percentage of students passing both English and Maths at grade 4 or higher rose from 59 per cent in 2023 to 78 per cent in 2024. 

Additionally, those achieving grade 5 or higher in these subjects increased from 38 per cent to 59 per cent, reflecting a significant leap in academic performance.

The Park Community School

The Park Community School also saw substantial improvements, with 48 per cent of students achieving grades 9-5 in English and Maths, and 69 per cent securing grades 9-4. The school awarded 116 grade 9s, with two students achieving a clean sweep of all grade 9s. 

The school looks forward to welcoming students back for award presentations and as part of its alumni network.

Atlantic Academy

Atlantic Academy students and staff are celebrating a strong year of GCSE results. 

The students have worked diligently over the past two years, and their efforts have paid off with many now looking forward to progressing to further education courses and apprenticeships. 

As part of the Athena Learning Trust, the Academy has seen its students achieve impressive results that reflect their hard work and the school’s supportive environment.

Bideford College

Bideford College is marking a successful year with significant improvements in pass rates, particularly in English and Maths, both of which exceeded 70 per cent.

The number of students achieving grades 4 and 5 in these subjects also saw a notable increase, with the school excited to see students embark on the next stages of their education.

West Buckland School

West Buckland School’s Year 11 students are celebrating impressive results, with nearly half of all grades achieved being between 9 and 7. 

The school attributes this success to its supportive environment and comprehensive curriculum, which have helped students overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Head, Phillip Stapleton said: “Starting a new school is tough but for these pupils the world shut down due to Covid after just one term. Despite the difficult start, they have grown in positivity and resilience to become a wonderful group of young people.

“I am delighted for them all and wish to thank the staff for their efforts over those years but also the parents

for their continued support. Most of all to the pupils whose hard work has been rewarded today.”

Shebbear College

Shebbear College students exceeded expectations with their GCSE results. 

Among the standout performances was Joe Pennington, who achieved five grade 9s, four grade 8s, and two grade 7s. 

Head Charlie Jenkins praised the hard work and dedication of all students, noting the strong value-added progress they made from their starting points.

Kingsley School

Kingsley School is celebrating exceptional GCSE results, with a significant improvement in average grades over the past three years.

Languages were a particular strength, with 78 per cent of students achieving a grade 9 and 89 per cent securing grades 7-9, highlighting the school’s commitment to academic excellence.

Holsworthy Community College

Students at Holsworthy Community College, which is part of the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust are celebrating today after receiving their GCSE results, as they get ready to take their next steps in their educational journey.

Staff and students have come together to mark the achievements of all the students, who have worked exceptionally hard over the last 5 years to secure these grades. They are an improvement on the previous year’s results.

Gareth Smith, Principal at Holsworthy Community College, said: “Our latest cohort of students are an absolute credit to our school and trust. I am immensely proud of all of their dedication and enthusiasm for learning. These results represent 5 years of devotion to learning. I wish them all the very best of luck with their future learning.”