AFTER a few years of disrupted learning, COVID complications, and the cancellation of national examinations the Trust responsible for education and outcomes at three of Teignbridge’s secondary schools (Dawlish College, Newton Abbot College, and Teignmouth Community School) are delighted with this summers GCSE and level 2 BTEC results.

Paul Cornish, Executive Director of Education for the Trust, said: ‘It makes no sense to compare results this year with those of previous cohorts, even comparisons between schools and regions lack any significance – the pandemic and resulting remote learning affected everyone in such a huge variety of ways.

‘This year’s results must be about each and every individual student…what matters is the level of success for them and ensuring that they have plans for their next stage of education and beyond.’

‘I am so proud of the staff and students across our schools.

‘They have been so positive and so resilient these last few years.

‘Today brings a huge sigh of relief for so many and with it such hope and positivity for the future.’

The Trust have decided not to list the names and grades of any specific individual students this year in their media communications – as a conscious decision to value the individual stories and successes of every student equally.

► Dawlish College

Students and staff at Dawlish College are celebrating a set of well-deserved results today.

Headteacher, Rachel Wickham, said: ‘These results reflect the work ethic and resilience of our learners and are well-deserved.

‘We have encouraged this cohort, more than ever, to focus on what you can control and influence what you can change rather than using challenges as an excuse.

That attitude shines through in this set of results.’

Kate Bukowski, Head of College for September, said: ‘This year we consider the whole year group to be ‘top performers’, each in their own way.

‘From our highest six attainers who clocked up twenty-three grade 8s and seventeen grade 9s between them, through those who have coped with the pressure of studying and examinations alongside personal or family health issues, to the refugee who arrived in the country on a Wednesday and sat their first exam on the Friday - securing strong passes in science, English language, and maths.

‘We are just over the moon for them all that they have got through it so successfully and can leap on from here.’

► Newton Abbot College

There were similar feelings at Newton Abbot College where the students achieved excellent GCSE and level 2 BTEC results.

Amy Grashoff, Headteacher, was quick to praise the students and thank her staff.

‘I am delighted with the achievements of our year 11 students this summer; they should be very proud of themselves and what they have achieved.

‘Throughout their GCSE studies, at times under the strangest of circumstances, they have worked incredibly hard and always with determination – it is so rewarding to see them make such good progress and achieve such well-deserved grades.

‘We cannot wait to welcome the majority back to join our sixth form in September. We wish all students the very best of luck for the future.’

She added, ‘I am eternally grateful to the teaching and support staff for everything they have done for this cohort of students.

‘Their commitment to high quality teaching and pastoral care has been unwavering through the difficult and challenging times caused by the pandemic.’

► Teignmouth Community School

Spirits were high at Teignmouth Community School as staff and students gathered on results day to celebrate together.

There were smiles, screams (of delight), and tears (of joy) as students opened their envelopes with a mix of trepidation and relief.

Executive Headteacher, Paul Cornish, said: ‘It has been such a good end to year 11 with this group of students – the end of term celebrations, the prom, and now such a lovely celebratory and community feel to the results.

‘They are such a warm and friendly group of students and they have got all that they deserve.

‘With the majority staying with us at TCS for their post-16 education we are so excited to have two further years with them.’

Any year 11 student from Teignbridge and surrounding area wishing to join either Newton Abbot College or Teignmouth Community School sixth forms should contact the schools via the email addresses on websites. Both schools offer a broad and wide-ranging post-16 curriculum.