A Level results day: Smiles for standout students at Shebbear College

There were smiles all around at Shebbear College this morning (Thursday, August 14) as its upper sixth students celebrated an excellent set of A Level and BTEC results, with some truly standout individual achievements.

Most have secured places at their first-choice university, with nearly half heading off to prestigious Russell Group institutions. The ‘Class of 2025’ will be studying a wide range of degree subjects—from STEM courses such as computer science, medicine, forensic science and chemistry, to politics and international relations, business, law, drama and theology.

Students will be heading to top universities including the University of St Andrews, University of Exeter, University of Leeds, Durham University and the University of Bath.

Above: Shebbear College students are taking up places at top universities after successful A Level results. Credit: Shebbear College

In a particularly talented performing arts cohort, several students have earned places on specialist drama and music courses, including at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) and BIMM Music Institute.

Among the standout achievers were head of school Sebastian Crookes, from Holsworthy and deputy head of school Alice Hunkin, from Torrington, who both achieved an incredible four A* grades at A Level and have secured places at their chosen universities.

Above: Shebbear College head Charlie Jenkins with Sebastian Crookes and Alice Hunkin, who both achieved four A* grades in their A Levels. Credit: Shebbear College

Sebastian, who achieved the top grade in computer science, maths, physics and further maths, will be heading to the University of St Andrews to study computer science. Today marks a double celebration for him as it’s also his 18th birthday!

Reflecting on the moment he opened his results, Sebastian said: “I was shaking this morning and I couldn’t believe it when I opened my envelope. I wasn’t expecting to do quite as well as I did.

“I worked hard, but there were still some doubts in my mind. It’s just overwhelming that I got the grades I did and I’m so happy!”

A talented musician, Sebastian also holds Grade 8 in the piano and was a finalist in the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Young Musician Competition in 2024, performing at St Hilda’s College, Oxford.

He added: “I’m actually taking my piano diploma in a few weeks, which is the equivalent to the first year recital at university. I love the piano so much and I’m definitely going to keep playing at uni.”

Above: Alice Hunkin (left) achieved four A* grades and will be studying medicine after taking a gap year. Credit: Shebbear College

Alice, who made the headlines two years ago when she was one of only a few pupils nationwide to gain 12 grade 9s at GCSE, gained four A* grades in biology, chemistry, maths and further maths. She will be taking a gap year before starting her medicine degree at the University of Leeds.

She said: “I was hoping to do quite well, but you never know what will happen on the day!.

“I wasn’t expecting to get four A*s – I also got 100% in Maths Paper 1 so I’m happy with that!”

Other notable successes include Darcey Grey, from Bude, who will be studying politics and international relations at the University of Bath after achieving A* in English Literature, A in geography and A in economics.

Henry Prickett from Werrington will be studying chemistry at Cardiff University and head of school, Lily Down from Winkleigh will be reading theology, ministry and mission at Durham University.

Above: A delighted Beth Tibble will be going to the world-renowned RADA to study technical theatre and stage management. Credit: Shebbear College

Performing arts scholar Beth Tibble secured a place to study technical theatre and stage management at the world-renowned RADA, following a successful application earlier this year, whilst fellow drama scholar William Pomroy - fondly remembered for his iconic role as Monsieur Thénardier in Shebbear’s production of Les Misérables - will be studying Drama at Bath Spa University.

Talented musician Jon-Christopher Wright, an international student from Jamaica, will be reading popular music performance at BIMM University, the UK’s newest university for the creative industries. 

Beth, who had unconditional offers from LAMDA and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama as well as RADA, said: “I’m really excited! The applications involved interviews and practical workshops and I was lucky enough to be able to choose between the three universities. I chose RADA as it had a really nice feel to it and I thought going with vibes was probably a good way to choose!”

Charlie Jenkins, head at Shebbear College, said: “I’m so proud of our Upper Sixth - it was brilliant to see so many happy faces this morning!

“They’ve worked incredibly hard across all their subjects and many have managed to balance their studies with sporting and musical commitments too.

“On top of that, they’ve been fantastic role models for our younger pupils, which makes today’s achievements even more special. I’m delighted that so many have secured places at the universities of their choice and I’m sure they’ll go on to do amazing things. I hope they’ll keep in touch and let us know how they’re getting on.

“A huge thank you also to our wonderful teachers, who’ve supported and encouraged them through their sixth form years. One of the joys of being a small school is that we get to know each pupil so well and it’s incredibly rewarding to see them heading off to the next exciting chapter in their lives.”

Above: Standout Shebbear College students Alice Hunkin and Sebastian Crookes with their proud families on A Level results day. Credit: Shebbear College