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 2026, 100% of our students gained places at their choice of university destination and 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 2025, students gained outstanding results across all subjects, opening up exciting opportunities for the future. Their hard work truly paid off, with many pupils exceeding expectations and achieving their personal bests. We’re especially proud of the strong value-added output, which remains a key focus here.
A-Level & BTEC 2026
Upper Sixth students at Shebbear College celebrated an outstanding set of A-Level and BTEC results this year, with 100% of university applicants securing places at their first-choice institution alongside a host of impressive individual achievements. The Class of 2026 will be progressing to a diverse range of degree courses, including Biomedical Sciences, English, Law, Global Sustainability, History and International Relations, Technical Theatre Arts and Business Management. Students have secured places at leading universities across the UK, including the University of Exeter, University of Leeds, Falmouth University, University of Stirling and Bath Spa University. Alongside those heading to university, students have also secured competitive apprenticeships and military careers, reflecting the diverse ambitions and successes of the year group. Among the standout achievers is Head of School Lucia, who joined Shebbear College in Form 4 (Yr 10) from Spain with limited English and has now achieved an outstanding A*, A*, A in her A-Levels. Lucia will go on to study English and Music at the University of Leeds. A talented musician with Grade 8 qualifications in both Voice and Piano, Lucia was unable to collect her results in person as she is currently in Spain. Speaking this morning, she said: “I am extremely happy with my results, especially in English Literature, as I’ve worked so incredibly hard given that it is my second language and it’s the subject I will be studying at university. I think all the hard work I’ve put in over the past few years has definitely paid off, but the passion I have for my chosen subjects is what drove my success. I can’t wait to discover what university holds for me in this next chapter.”
Daisy, who travelled from her home on the Isles of Scilly to collect her results, will be studying Global Sustainability at the University of Exeter from September.
“I was a bit unsure as to whether I’d achieve my grades, but I worked really hard so I was hoping I would do OK. My grades have enabled me to take up the course I really wanted to do at the University of Exeter, so I’m very happy!”
Other notable successes include Robyn, who achieved A, A, B, B and will study History and International Relations at the University of Exeter; Isabel, who is heading to the University of Exeter to study Biomedical Sciences; Rowan, who will study English at the University of Stirling; Tilly, who has a place to study Law at Bath Spa University; and Dylan, who will be taking his passion for the performing arts to Falmouth University, where he will study Technical Theatre Arts.
Students are also pursuing a range of exciting pathways beyond university. Jack has secured an engineering apprenticeship with Navantia UK and hopes to pursue a career in Naval Architecture, while Keith will join the RAF later this year with the ambition of becoming a pilot. Albert has successfully secured an apprenticeship with a powered access hire company and is looking forward to starting his career in the industry. Harrison is also joining the RAF after achieving an outstanding A* in Art and a Distinction in BTEC Sport.
“I’m absolutely amazed with my A* in Art. I’m so proud of myself and grateful for all the help and support I’ve been given by my family and teachers,” said Harrison. “Coming from a state secondary school, joining Shebbear for Sixth Form completely changed my academic outlook. Because it’s a smaller environment, I’ve received much more support and have come out of it with these grades! The last two years have gone really quickly, but I’m so thankful to have come here.”
Mr Jenkins said:
“It was fantastic to see so many happy faces this morning, with everyone achieving what they needed for their next chapter. I’m really proud of all of them. They’ve worked incredibly hard across all their subjects and have been brilliant role models for our younger pupils as well.
We’re delighted that all of our university applicants have secured places at their first-choice institution, which is a fantastic achievement – and it’s exciting to see others going on to pursue apprenticeship and career opportunities. I hope they’ll all keep in touch and let us know how they’re getting on.
A huge thank you also to our teachers, who’ve supported them so well throughout their time at Shebbear. We’ve had the chance to see these students grow and develop into impressive young people over the last two years and it’s a real pleasure to celebrate their successes with them and see where their next chapter takes them.”
GCSE 2026
There were plenty of smiles at Shebbear College as pupils celebrated their GCSE results. The cohort achieved success across a wide range of subjects, with many delighted to secure the grades needed for their chosen Sixth Form pathways and future ambitions, opening up exciting opportunities ahead.
“GCSE Results Day is always one of my favourite days of the year because it is all about our pupils and celebrating their achievements,” said Mr Jenkins. “There was a great atmosphere around the school this morning and it was fantastic to see so many pupils pleased with their results.”
Among the highest achievers were Dylan, who secured an incredible five Grade 9s, two Grade 8s and three Grade 7s. Beth, Tichy, Ethan, Abi and Kaia also celebrated outstanding results, each achieving nine Grades 9-5 across a range of subjects.
“I started feeling a little bit anxious when I got into school and saw everyone, that’s when I realised it was real!” said Dylan. “But the anxiety passed very quickly and I’m very happy with my results! I got a 9 in Further Maths, which is my biggest takeaway. I’m very excited… I might go home and frame it, or get a tattoo!”
Dylan, who also travelled to Peru earlier this summer on the Camps International Expedition, is looking forward to joining Shebbear College Sixth Form in September, where he will study A-levels in Maths, Physics, Further Maths and Italian.
Fellow Peru traveller Tichy will also progress to the Sixth Form in September after achieving an impressive set of GCSE results. Tichy has balanced her academic studies with her equestrian commitments as one of Shebbear College’s star riders.
“I was so nervous this morning, I really didn’t want to open my envelope,” she said. “When I did, though, it was all good. I’m really pleased with my results.”
Reflecting on her recent trip to Peru, she added: “It was awesome! I’d do it again in a heartbeat. The trek was hard, but everyone completed it and it really was the experience of a lifetime.”
Ethan was delighted when he opened his envelope this morning. He has successfully balanced his studies with a passion for music and the performing arts, currently working towards Grade 7 in piano and Grade 8 in singing, as well as playing the guitar. This year, he also starred as Eddie in the Senior School production of Sister Act and completed the Ten Tors Challenge as part of the 45-mile team.
“I was quite nervous… not as much as my sister though, who for some reason was more nervous than me!” he said. “I got what I wanted so I’m happy, and I’m going into the Sixth Form to study A-levels in September.”
“I am incredibly proud of everything Form 5 have achieved, not only in the classroom but across all areas of school life,” added Mr Jenkins. “These young people have thrown themselves into every opportunity available to them, and it has been wonderful to watch them grow in confidence and character throughout their time in the Senior School.
“Today is about celebrating their achievements and looking ahead to the exciting next chapter. We look forward to welcoming many of them into our Sixth Form in September and wish every member of the year group the very best for the future.”
