Exam Results
At Shebbear College, we focus on the individual, with our aim being to provide the right pathway for every pupil, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential, whatever that may be.
As an academically non-selective school, our public examination results reflect a wide range of pupil ability – from the high achievers that gain straight 9s at GCSE and A*s at A-Level, to those who achieve, for example, a Grade 4 at GCSE, which is an excellent result for them personally.
Our value-added output means that pupils often surpass their expectations, doing better than expected in their exams.
Value-Added
We are extremely proud of our value-added output, adding, on average, 1 Grade to a pupil’s exam results.
Value-added measures how much progress a child has made since their starting point, compared to the progress they have made relative to similar pupils. If the individuals have done better than they expected, value has been added, if not then value has not been added. It focuses on measuring progress based on the individual rather than overall exam results in a school, therefore comparing like with like.
The value-added analysis shows whether progress is made as a whole at that school, instead of just looking at the schools with the highest academic results. After all, if a school is academically selective, then of course they are more likely to show higher examination results.
We are a school which promotes excellence across the curriculum and co-curriculum and you can see evidence of this across the school. Our aim is to build confidence and enjoyment of learning in all of our pupils, which we do through our pupil-centered curriculum, our dedicated teachers and the individual attention we can offer children.
We believe that education is a rounded experience, not just about academic results, but also about the development of the individual as a whole child.
A-Level 
Every year our Sixth Form pupils achieve excellent academic results, going on to study a wide range of degree courses at prestigious universities. In 2023, 100% of our students gained places at their choice of university destination or course, and across the last five years, 95% of students have gained a place at their first choice of university.
GCSE
At GCSE our students achieve highly each year. In 2023, a year where the proportion of candidates receiving the highest grades has fallen nationally, students gained outstanding results across all subjects, opening up exciting opportunities for the future. Star student Alice gained an outstanding twelve grade 9s at GCSE, one of only 125 students nationally to achieve eleven or more grade 9s.
University Destinations 2023
| Destination | Subject |
|---|---|
| Cardiff University | Human Geography |
| Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS) | Medicine |
| UCL | Applied Medical Sciences |
| University of Nottingham | Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence |
| Coventry University | Automotive Engineering |
| University of Winchester | Physiotherapy |
| King’s College London | English Language and Linguistics |
| King’s College London | Physics |
| University of Winchester | Law |
| Oxford Brookes University | Business and Finance |
| Oxford Brookes University | English and Journalism |
| Royal Agricultural University | Real Estate |
| University of Plymouth | Mechanical Engineering |
| University of South Wales | Theatre and Drama |
| Cardiff University | Journalism, Media and English Literature |
| University of Bristol | Vetinerary Science |
A-Level & BTEC 2024
Congratulations to our Upper Sixth students, who celebrated high achievements across the board in their A-Level and BTEC results in 2024, with a 100% pass rate. Once again, the vast majority have gained a place at their first-choice university destination with a number going onto Russell Group universities.
The Class of 2024 will be going on to study an impressive range of degree subjects – from Mechanical Engineering and Astrophysics to Criminology, Liberal Arts, Landscape Architecture and Actor-Musician.
Students will be taking up places at prestigious universities including the University of Birmingham, the University of Leeds and Guildford School of Acting (GSA). Meanwhile, others have chosen to take a different path, with plans for exciting opportunities
including joining the RAF and travelling in South East Asia.
Head of School, George, found out this morning that he had achieved AAB in Physics, Economics and Maths and has gained a place at his first choice of university; he will be studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham.
“I didn’t really think about it until this morning to be honest.” he said when asked how he felt about receiving his results, “I was a bit nervous coming in to school and opening the envelope, but Mrs Aliberti, our UCAS teacher, told me that I got into my first choice, so that’s all that matters!”
Meanwhile, Isobel was also very happy to have got into her first choice and is off to the University of Birmingham to study Liberal Arts, whilst her brother Cameron will be studying Astrophysics at the University of Leeds. A talented pianist, Isobel has juggled her A-level studies with her music during her time in the Sixth Form.
“When I saw that I had got into my first choice of uni and course I felt really relieved!” said Isobel. “My long-term plan is to try and study for a Masters but obviously that’s a way off at the moment, so I’ll see what happens!”
Performing Arts Scholar, Toby, gained CCC and an A* in his EPQ and is about to set out on an exciting career path, having gained a place on the Actor-Musician BA at the Guildford School of Acting, one of the most highly regarded theatre schools in the UK. Toby has had a busy Upper Sixth, having played the lead role of Jean Val Jean in the school production of Les Misérables in March as well as travelling to London every Saturday to attend the Royal College of Music Junior Department (RCMJD) where he gained a place to study Orchestral Percussion during his time in the Sixth Form.
“I was a little bit nervous this morning, because writing and essays are not my strongest point, hence why I did so many practical A-levels, but as soon as I opened the envelope, I knew I had got into GSA and that’s all I needed – I’m really excited to start in September. I’m very happy with an A* in my EPQ too!”
Charlie Jenkins, Head at Shebbear College, said “Congratulations to our U6th who have all worked so hard to achieve these results. With courses ranging from Astrophysics to Acting and Liberal Arts to Landscape Architecture, this year group really embodies the Shebbearian spirit! They have a diverse range of interests and talents, and it is fantastic to see that they will be fulfilling their ambitions, whether that be at university, a gap year or a career.
Thank you also to the teachers who have supported our pupils with such care and expertise over their Sixth Form years. As a small school, we get to know each individual incredibly well and it is so rewarding to see them going off to the next stage of their educational journey.”
GCSE 2024
There was a mixture of relief and excitement this morning at Shebbear College, as Form 5 (Year 11) pupils nervously opened their envelopes at school to reveal their GCSE grades.
Students have been working hard this year, with some taking as many as eleven GCSEs, as well as juggling other interests including music and sport. Their hard work has paid off with many achieving highly across all subjects and exceeding expectations, demonstrating Shebbear’s strong value-added output, which measures how much progress a child has made since their starting point.
“I’m really proud of all our students and it was fantastic to see so many happy faces this morning, with many exceeding their target grades!” said Mr Jenkins. “This year group have worked really hard across all subjects and it’s great to see so many of them achieving their personal best.”
Joe is celebrating an impressive five Grade 9s, four Grade 8s and two Grade 7s as well as having recently gained a Grade 7 in the Trumpet and Grade 6 in the Piano, whilst fellow musician, Zeb, who has juggled his GCSE studies with his talent in drumming as well as being a part of the College’s successful U16 Rugby team, gained three Grade 9s, one Grade 8, four Grade 7s and three Grade 6s.
Isabel will move on to the Sixth Form to study for her A-levels in September after having gained one Grade 9, three Grade 8s, four Grade 7s and two Grade 6s in her GCSES, whilst classmate Robyn also achieved highly with five Grade 7s, four Grade 6s and a Grade 5 and will be taking History, Geography and Music at A-level.
“I was very nervous this morning” said Robyn, “I was trying not to think about it too much, but I couldn’t think about much else! I’m relieved and happy with my results!”
Two students, Henry and Leo, recently returned to Devon having spent the summer in Cambodia on an expedition with Camps International, an initiative offered to students in Year 11 and the Sixth Form each year.
Reflecting over the summer, Leo said, “It was a long trip over to Cambodia, but I had an amazing time! I did Scuba Diving and got my PADI qualifications, lots of sightseeing and loads of Charity work, building toilets, wells and shelters – an unforgettable experience!”
As for his results, Leo said that he was really nervous this morning but is very happy with what he achieved. “I’m especially pleased to have passed French! I’m chuffed with what I got, and I’m planning on going to College in September to study a T-level in Livestock Production.”
“I wish Form 5 all the best for the future.” said Mr Jenkins. “Their GCSE results today have opened some exciting opportunities, and I know they will go on to achieve great things. A huge thank you to our brilliant team of teachers, who have been a big part of this success, and well done everyone!”
