STUDENTS from Tavistock College were overjoyed today after achieving some of the school’s best GCSE results in years.

Overall results in English and mathematics were much better than expected, with this year being the first time the new-styled GCSEs were completed.

The college achieved way above the 2% national average of the new grade 9 in English with 7% achieving the high grade — equivalent to an A**. Staff were also delighted that students performed well in mathematics, English literature, history, construction, art, and resistant materials. In Japanese, 71% of students gained an A* or A grade.

Top performing students included George Tucker, who gained four A*s, 3 As, two 9s, one 8 and a B; Amber Turner gained one A*, six As, two 9s, one 7 and a B; Emily Hill gained seven A*s, two 9s and one 8; Grace Morewood gained four A*s, two A’s, two 7s and a B; Sam Bates gained three A*s, two As, two Bs and one 8; and Suzie Perkin gained an A*, five As, two 9s and a B.

One student who was delighted with his results was Conner Earley, 16.

After receiving a 2 — equivalent to an F grade — in his English literature GCSE mock exam, Conner said he was determined to achieve a much higher result.

’In the mock results I failed and I was predicted a 4 [C grade] in both English literature and language — I then worked really hard and did about ten hours of revision every weekend and I managed to get a 6 in English literature [B grade] and a 7 in language [A grade].’

Conner plans to stay at Tavistock College for A-levels to study drama, music and hopefully religious studies.

Sarah Jones, principal at the college, said: ’All the staff and governors at the college are extremely proud of our students’ achievements this year.

’Results day represents the culmination of a huge amount of work by our students in partnership with my teaching staff and the unsung heroes — the parents at home.

’I am delighted to see so many smiling faces as students look forward to taking the next step in their educational journey.’