Congratulations to our Upper Sixth, who are celebrating an excellent set of A-Level and BTEC results this morning, having achieved highly across the board. In a year when there was an anticipation that A and A* grades would be harder to achieve, the vast majority of students have gained a place at their first-choice university destination with nearly 50% going onto Russell Group universities. Students also did well in vocational BTEC subjects with 100% Distinction - Merit achieved.

The Class of 2023 will be studying an impressive range of degree subjects – from STEM subjects Medicine, Veterinary Science, Physics, Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence and Mechanical Engineering to English, Human Geography, Law, Business & Finance and Real Estate.

Students will be taking up places at prestigious universities including UCL, Kings College London, the University of Nottingham, Cardiff University and the University of Bristol. Meanwhile, others have chosen to take a gap year, with plans for exciting opportunities including a wildlife conservation course in Namibia.

Whilst many students travelled into school to open their envelopes, others joined their friends remotely on video calls from destinations around the world including Bali and Hong Kong!

Charlotte found out this morning that she had achieved AAA in Biology, Chemistry and Spanish and has gained a place at her first choice of university; she will be studying Medicine at the highly acclaimed Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS) in Canterbury in September.

‘I’m very happy as I’ve done better than I expected, and I’ve got into my first choice of uni! I’ve also had an offer from Cardiff but I think my heart is set on KMMS as it’s one of the newer medical schools and is really innovative.”

Charlotte has juggled her academic studies with a plethora of other interests and responsibilities during her time in the Sixth Form. A talented musician in both piano and french horn, she has also played lead roles in the whole school musical productions of ‘Grease’ in 2022 and ‘Into The Woods’ in 2023. On top of this she has been an excellent role model as Head of Way House, and a keen sportswoman.

“My music really helped me to relax during A-Levels so that I didn’t feel like I was constantly studying! I’d definitely say to anyone taking their exams in future that having a way to wind down – whether that be through music, reading, sport or anything else you enjoy - can really help to manage the stress of exams.”

Another pupil to have excelled is Kieran, who gained AAA in Computer Science, Maths and Physics and will be reading Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence at the University of Nottingham.

“I’m happy with my grades - I’ve got into my first choice of university and I’m looking forward to starting. My course includes a year in industry which should be really interesting.”

Singer Songwriter Mitzi has also gained a place at her first choice of university and will be studying English Language & Linguistics at Kings College London. Alongside life as a uni student, Mitzi, who has already released two singles, will be continuing with her musical career in London.

Heads of School Jack and Roy are also celebrating places at their first choice of universities and will be reading Physics at King’s College London and Applied Medical Science at UCL respectively.

Mr Jenkins said “Congratulations to all our students who have worked so hard to achieve these impressive results, particularly as they have never sat a public examination before. This is a year group with 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. I am very proud of the way this year group have worked as a team to lead the College and wish them all the best for the future.

I must also say a huge thank you to all of their teachers who have been a huge part of the successes that we are celebrating today. As a small school, our teachers are able to focus on each individual during their Sixth Form journey in order to prepare them for life beyond school and we can see real evidence of that today.

Mr Jenkins added "Shebbear offers much more than a first class education, it’s rooted in tradition but with a 21st Century outlook, with alumni represented and respected in every walk of life, be it farming, finance, medicine, sport, the arts, business or STEM - and everything in between! Respect for others and an ethical approach to how they lead their lives is the hallmark of a Shebbearian.”