Bideford College and Atlantic Academy buoyed on GCSE results day

Bideford College is celebrating the best GCSE results it has ever seen as a three year upward curve continues.

Its smaller sister school Atlantic Academy at Bucks Cross on the A39, which is also operated by the Athena Learning Trust, saw great improvements on last year too.

Bideford College's 230 students achieved a higher Attainment 8 score this year (a measure of how well students have attained across eight of their GCSEs) of 44.6 (up from 42.5 in 2024 and 38.3 in 2023).

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Plus 68% of students achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and maths (up from 65% in 2024 and 57% in 2023). Students achieving at a grade 5 or above in both English and maths came in at 50% (a significant rise from 42% in 2024 and 35% in 2023).

Above: Bideford College student Poppy Sojitra gained an impressive nine GCSEs at grade 9 plus two at grade 8. Credit: Bideford College

Lastly, 14% of students achieved both English and maths results at grade 7 or higher (up from 12% in 2024 and 8% in 2023).

Standout individual achievements included Poppy Sojitra, who led the charge with 11 top grades, including nine grade 9s and two grade 8s. Amber McDonald also achieved remarkable results, with eight Grade 9s, one Grade 8 and two Grade 7s.

Other standout performances included Isaac Killey, who earned five grade 9s, three grade 8s, and one grade 6 and Daniel Neve, who celebrated seven grade 9s, an 8, a 6, an A and a Merit.

Above: Bideford College student Daniel Neve celebrated seven grade 9s, an 8, a 6, an A and a Merit. Credit: Bideford College

With 52 students, Atlantic Academy saw a significant leap in its average attainment score to 41.9 (from 35.5 in 2024).

Hunter Prutch stood out with four grade 9 GCSEs, a Distinction*, a Distinction, one grade 8, and three grade 7s. Felix Mullins-Przeracki also celebrated, securing three grade 9s, four grade 8s, and two Distinction*.

Meanwhile, Amelija Ogden's results included three grade 9s, one grade 8, two grade 7s, a grade 6 and two Merits.

The academy saw 62% of students achieve a grade 4 or above in both English and maths (up from 48% in 2024). Students achieving at a grade 5 or above in both English and maths came in at 42% (up from 29% in 2024). Lastly, 10% of students achieved both English and maths results at grade 7 or higher.

Dr Claire Ankers, principal of both schools, said: “We are incredibly proud of all our students today. Their hard work and determination have truly paid off, and it’s been a joy to see them celebrating with their families and teachers.

“Whether they’re staying with us for sixth form or starting a new adventure, we know they’re ready for the exciting challenges ahead. Huge thanks to our dedicated staff for the support they’ve given every step of the way.”

Above and below: Bideford College students Alisha-Kelly Tatton and a proud mum and Soloman Turner. Credit: Bideford College