Upper Sixth pupils at Shebbear College are celebrating another excellent set of A-Level and BTEC results today with a pass rate of 100% and the vast majority of pupils gaining a place at their first or second choice of university. Over a third achieved A*-A in their A-Levels and 50% of BTEC grades were Distinction* or Distinction.

Across the board, pupils have achieved highly, with A Level subjects Art, Psychology, Further Maths, Geography and Chinese all achieving 100% A* - A grades.

The class of 2022 have some exciting prospects ahead of them, and have gained places on a wide range of degree courses with a 50:50 split between STEM and Arts & Humanities subjects at prestigious universities including Russell Group members Warwick, Bristol, University College London (UCL), Cardiff and Liverpool.

Some pupils have chosen to follow the apprenticeship route and others are taking a gap year or going straight into the workplace.

Niall found out this morning that he had achieved an impressive A*A*A*A in Maths, Further Maths and Physics and History. Niall has gained a place at the University of Warwick to study Mathematics.

“I had done quite a bit of revision, but obviously I was still quite nervous!” said Niall. “I’m really happy with my results and I’m excited to be able to continue with Maths at university – it has always been a passion of mine!”

Another of those to have excelled is Lauren who also gained A*A*A* in Business, Psychology and English Literature and will be reading Communication and Media at the University of Liverpool.

Heads of School Bella and Harrison were among the pupils who came into school to receive their results this morning.

Bella achieved AAA in English Literature, Economics and Geography and is off to UCL to read Global Humanitarian Studies whilst Harrison gained ABB in English Literature, Biology and Chemistry and has a place at Anglia Ruskin University to study Paramedic Science, although he will be taking a gap year this year before continuing his studies.

“I wasn’t really expecting the results I got and I prepared myself for the worst,” said Bella, who has clear career aspirations for the future. “I’m really happy now! UCL is the only university that offers the course I wanted to do so I’m really pleased I got in. In the future I either want to be a Human Rights Barrister or working in Humanitarian Aid for an organisation like the UN or the Red Cross.”

Outgoing Head at Shebbear College, Caroline Kirby, said: “I am really proud of all our Upper Sixth pupils — this is the first time they have taken traditional public exams and they have demonstrated resilience, tenacity and drive following an unprecedented GCSE year for them in 2020 and a difficult two years as the pandemic continued to disrupt their studies.

“Their achievements this year are excellent and this is testament to their conscientious attitude and the support of our teachers. I wish them all the best in the future!”

Charlie Jenkins, current senior deputy head and incoming head, said: “These results reflect the hard work and ability of a year group who have worked with enthusiasm and grit.

“These pupils have spent a significant proportion of their time learning remotely and have coped excellently with the variety of challenges this poses.

“I am incredibly pleased with the overall results and the opportunities that these have opened up to each of our Upper Sixth leavers. Well done to all of you!”