Sidmouth College celebrates 'fantastic' GCSE results

The principal of Sidmouth College has again spoken of her pride in the achievements of her pupils, after GCSE results were published two days after A-level grades.

Sarah Parsons says she's 'immensely proud' of the way Year 11 have coped with the Covid-19 pandemic – and pleased that record numbers of students will be returning to the college to continue their studies in the sixth form.

She said: "Our students have remained calm and focused on their studies even when there was so much uncertainty surrounding how they would be examined.

"I would like to thank each and every one of them for their dedication and commitment.

"They have proved once again that our young people are incredibly resilient and determined to succeed despite all of the challenges of the pandemic.

"I was really pleased that we were able to continue with our Year 11 Prom in July to celebrate the end of this special time and provide a chance to look forward to the bright future that our students have in front of them."

How the pupils were assessed this year

With no exams taking place this year, GCSE pupils were assessed by their teachers, as was the case with A-level students.

Mrs Parsons said this was done 'with a high level of rigour, integrity and accountability, based on high quality evidence from assessments with a thorough quality assurance moderation process.

"As a college we were confident that our teacher assessed grades were accurate and reflected the ability of each individual student."

"I would like to thank Mr Ingham-Hill (Vice Principal) who has worked closely with the year group during this pivotal year, providing clear structure and high expectations; I know that the students have once again benefited from his leadership.

"Thanks must also go to our dedicated staff who enabled our students to maintain their studies even when they were working remotely. Thank you also to our wonderful parents who have supported their sons and daughters and the college during the past 18 months."

Among this year's outstanding results were Rio Bourne who achieved 8 grade 9 GCSEs, Thomas Fletcher, Zahra Hassan and Harold Areeckal who all achieved 5 grade 9 GCSEs; Georgie McNally and Henry Tuohy who both achieved 3 grade 9 GCSEs.