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 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.”
