SMILES were in abundance last week as Tavistock College students eagerly opened their GCSE results, achieving grades which show the college is 'bouncing back and looking to the future' according to the principal.

The college celebrated after a huge uplift in its GCSE results this year, and students secured grades well above the national average.

The headline pass rate rose by 17% from 56% last year, to 73% this year. The key pass rate for 5 A* to C grades, including English and Maths, also increased by 16%, from 48% last year to 64%.

Student Catherine Jones, who gained eight A*s and an A, was delighted with her grades. She said: 'I'm very pleased. It was very unexpected, I didn't expect to do this well — I don't think it has really sunk in yet. I revised a lot but I think it was down to luck on the day.'

Catherine will be going onto sixth form at the college to study English Literature, Psychology, History, Chemistry and Religious Studies.

Beth Kingman was also a high achiever gaining eight A*s and two As. She said: 'I was hoping to do well, but didn't think I do quite as well as this. It's a long time to wait to get the results and the more you wait the more nervous you get — I'm relieved now though.'

Beth will also be going onto sixth form to study Law, Geography, Japanese, Maths and further Maths. She said: 'I'm looking forward to sixth form because I'll be doing all the subjects I enjoy.'

Principal Helen Salmon said the success was down to the hard work of staff and students and the support of parents. She said: 'We are absolutely delighted to see this uplift in our results. It is most encouraging that more students are being successful and that Tavistock College is heading back to its rightful place as one of the highest achieving schools in Devon. If this level of uplift can be achieved in one year, the college can now build on this and really go places.'

Mandy Govier, chair of governors, said: 'The college is now reaping the rewards of the hard work set in place by Helen Salmon and her senior leadership team.

'All staff, students and parents have come through a difficult period for the college and the tanker has now nearly turned full tilt to get the college back at the top of the tables for Devon.

'This is the start of a new era at the college for the community as a whole and we want Tavistock College to be the first choice school for parents to send their children to. These results will hopefully inspire them to do that.'

The college will be introducing a new programme in the sixth form called the Aspire Programme, which focuses on getting more of the young people into prestigious universities. The programme will include a residential in London visiting Parliament and the city and a series of master classes and voluntary opportunities.

l KELLY College students celebrated a 93.2% GCSE pass rate at grades A* to C this year.

Some 20% of students gained A* grades.

Some of the particularly high achievers were Joseph Morel who attained 9.5 A*s and one A; Georgina Hammerton who achieved 8.5 A*s and one A; Chantal Whitfield with 8.5 A*s and one A; Justin Southam, 7.5 A*s and two As; Henry Kisby, 7.5 A*s and two As; Oliver Broadhead, 7.5 A*s and one A and Matthew Courtis, 6.5 A*s and three As.

Many fourth formers also successfully gained excellent GCSE results with 81.7% at A* to C and 19 gaining A*s.

Headmaster Dr Graham Hawley said: 'These are very pleasing results and I am absolutely thrilled for each and every one of our pupils — they have worked very hard and they have earned their success.

'Our team of teachers will be so delighted that all their pupils have been rewarded with these grades.'