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 2025, the majority 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 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 2025
There were smiles all round at Shebbear College on Results Day as Upper Sixth students celebrated an excellent set of A-Level and BTEC results, with some truly exceptional individual achievements. The vast majority secured places at their first-choice university, with nearly half heading off to prestigious Russell Group institutions. The Class of 2025 are studying a wide and impressive range of degree subjects—from STEM courses such as Computer Science, Medicine, Forensic Science and Chemistry, to Politics & International Relations, Business, Law, Drama and Theology. Students are taking up places at top universities including the University of St Andrews, University of Exeter, University of Leeds, Durham University and the University of Bath. In a particularly talented Performing Arts cohort, several students have earned places on specialist Drama and Music courses, including at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) and BIMM Music Institute. Among the standout achievers were Head of School Sebastian and Deputy Head of School Alice, who both achieved an incredible four A*s in their A-levels and have secured places at their chosen universities. Sebastian, who achieved A*A*A*A* in Computer Science, Maths, Physics and Further Maths, is heading to the University of St Andrews to study Computer Science. Results Day marked a double celebration for him as it’s also his 18th birthday! Reflecting on the moment he opened his results, Sebastian said, “I was shaking this morning, and I couldn’t believe it when I opened my envelope. I wasn’t expecting to do quite as well as I did. I worked hard, but there were still some doubts in my mind. It’s just overwhelming that I got the grades I did and I’m so happy!” A talented musician, Sebastian also holds Grade 8 in the Piano and was a finalist in the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Young Musician Competition in 2024, performing at St Hilda’s College, Oxford. “I’m actually taking my Piano Diploma in a few weeks, which is the equivalent to the first year recital at University. I love the piano so much and I’m definitely going to keep playing at Uni.” Alice, who made headlines two years ago when she was one of only a few pupils nationwide to gain twelve grade 9s at GCSE, gained A*A*A*A* in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths. She will be taking a gap year before starting her Medicine degree at the University of Leeds. “I was hoping to do quite well, but you never know what will happen on the day!” said Alice. “I wasn’t expecting to get four A*s – I also got 100% in Maths Paper 1 so I’m happy with that!”
Other notable successes include Darcey, who will be studying Politics and International Relations at the University of Bath after achieving A* in English Literature, A in Geography and A in Economics, Henry who will be studying Chemistry at Cardiff University and Head of School, Lily who will be reading Theology, Ministry and Mission at Durham University.
Performing Arts Scholar Beth secured a place to study Technical Theatre and Stage Management at the world-renowned RADA following a successful application earlier this year, whilst fellow Drama Scholar William – fondly remembered for his iconic role as Monsieur Thénardier in Shebbear’s production of Les Misérables – will be studying Drama at Bath Spa University, and talented musician Jon-Christopher will be reading Popular Music Performance at BIMM University, the UK’s newest university for the creative industries.
Beth, who had unconditional offers from LAMDA and Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama as well as RADA, said “I’m really excited! The applications involved interviews and practical workshops and I was lucky enough to be able to choose between the three universities. I chose RADA as it had a really nice feel to it and I thought going with vibes was probably a good way to choose!”
Mr Jenkins said “I’m so proud of our Upper Sixth – it was brilliant to see so many happy faces this morning! They’ve worked incredibly hard across all their subjects, and many have managed to balance their studies with sporting and musical commitments too. On top of that, they’ve been fantastic role models for our younger pupils, which makes today’s achievements even more special. I’m delighted that so many have secured places at the universities of their choice, and I’m sure they’ll go on to do amazing things. I hope they’ll keep in touch and let us know how they’re getting on!
A huge thank you also to our wonderful teachers, who’ve supported and encouraged them through their Sixth Form years. One of the joys of being a small school is that we get to know each pupil so well, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see them heading off to the next exciting chapter in their lives.”
GCSE 2025
- Strong Value Added output
- 87% Grade 9-4
- 100% Grade 5-9 in several subjects including Business, Higher Languages and Higher Sciences
- 100% Grade 9-4 in 11 subjects
There was a fantastic atmosphere at Shebear on GCSE Results Day, as Form 5 (Year 11) pupils gathered with friends, family, and teachers to receive their long-awaited GCSE results.
This year’s cohort faced unique challenges, joining Year 7 in the middle of the Covid pandemic, but despite this, have performed exceptionally well in their GCSEs with many achieving highly across all subjects , opening up exciting opportunities for the future. A number of pupils also exceeded their target grades, demonstrating our strong value-added output, which measures how much progress a child has made since their starting point.
“I’m incredibly proud of Form 5, and it was a real pleasure to see so many smiling faces this morning as they received their results,” said Mr Jenkins. “Many pupils have successfully balanced their GCSE studies with other passions such as sport and the performing arts, which speaks volumes about their resilience and commitment.”
“Our focus at Sheb is always on helping each pupil achieve their personal best – whatever that looks like for them – and I’m delighted that so many have done just that, often surpassing the grades predicted when they first joined us.”
Heidi celebrated an impressive four Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and two Grade 7s, while classmate Bethany opened her envelope to reveal five Grade 8s and three Grade 7s.
“I was feeling really stressed this morning to be honest! said Heidi. “But when I opened my envelope and found out how I’d done I was very surprised, and definitely happy – I’m over the moon with PE, Chemistry and Biology in particular.”
Bodie will study Physics, Maths, Further Maths and Geography A-levels after having gained one Grade 9, three Grade 8s, 3 Grade 7s, two Grade 6s and a Grade 5 in his GCSEs. Bodie has juggled his academic studies with a talent in Music and the Performing Arts, having achieved Grade 7 in the Piano and starring as Bernardo in the Senior School Production of West Side Story, as well as completing the Ten Tors Challenge as part of the 45-mile team.
“I was shaking a little bit when I opened my results as I was really nervous.” said Bodie. “I’m very happy with what I got; I worked pretty hard and I feel like my grades reflect that. I got a 9 in Physics which is a highlight as I’m doing Physics A-level.”
This year’s cohort had two sets of twins: Natasha and Sophia and Ben and Ed celebrated together this morning as they opened their envelopes to reveal some excellent results!
“Obviously there’s quite a lot of stress around results day, but I feel so much better now I know my results!” said Sophia, “I’m really happy and I’m going to be studying Biology and Geography A-Levels, and BTEC Sport in the Sixth Form”
Meanwhile, sister Natasha said she had a mixture of excitement and nerves this morning. “I’m really happy with what I got and I did better than I expected in some subjects so I feel very relieved! I’m staying at Shebbear to do English Lit, Geography and Politics A-Levels and I can’t wait!”
“I wish Form 5 all the best for the future.” Mr Jenkins said. “I’m looking forward to seeing many of them return to Shebbear for the Sixth Form and I hope that those heading to college for specialist courses will keep in touch. A huge thank you to our brilliant team of teachers, who have played a key role in this success – well done everyone!
