STAFF at Tavistock College and Callington Community Colleges have said they are extremely proud of their students achievements after A-level results were released today.

With coronavirus cancelling the usual A-level examinations this summer students were instead assessed by a standardisation process based on previous performance.

Sarah Jones, principal at Tavistock College, which is part of the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, said: ‘All the staff and governors at the academy are extremely proud of our students’ achievements this year, both in A-level and vocational qualifications.

‘It has been an extremely worrying time, with nobody being clear about how grades would be calculated.’

‘The school submitted centre assessed grades and a rank order list for each subject. The grades were then subject to an algorithm which produced a final grade.

‘Past performance was allegedly taken into account, along with a weighting that compared students to others in the country. As a result, some students have seen their predictions skewed.

‘Results day normally 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.

‘Today is no different for many. I am delighted to see so many smiling faces as students look forward to taking the next step in their educational journey.’

Top performing students this year included Tamar Hearne who received an A* for English language, an A* for EPQ (extended project qualification), A* French and an A for psychology A; Beau Waycott, English literature A*, history A, Japanese A*; Benjamin Moran, English language A*, Japanese A, media studies A; Emily Handel, English literature A*, French A, history A; William Thompson, EPG A, geography B, maths A, physics A* and Amber Gunby, art A, further maths A, maths A, Spanish A.

Students and staff from Callington College were said to be ‘really pleased’ with the school’s fantastic A-level results.

Of all grades entered, a third have been changed, mostly by just one grade, and within these grades, there are some standout successes, said principal Wendy Ainsworth.

Darcey Jones gained A in drama and extended project, a distinction star in music and B in English literature and Charlie Trevithick gained triple distinction star in sport.

A grades were obtained in the sciences, music, drama, history and the equivalent grade was also obtained in sport and health and social care. Scott Drew, Charlotte Smith and Tiggy Crawford amongst others gained results of real merit, demonstrating fantastic progress from Key Stage 4.

Wendy Ainsworth said: ‘We were particularly devastated by the loss of examinations this summer as we were set to show marked improvements on the previous year, following a significant investment in teaching and learning and rapid improvements secured in many areas. We were worried that a standardisation process based on previous performance would particularly disadvantage us. Therefore, we are delighted that not only were the majority of our predictions upheld, they are also a further improvement on last year.’

She added that 92% of students secured entry to their chosen courses at universities on their results, with the majority of these securing a place at their first choice institution; the remaining students have secured apprenticeships.

‘We wish them all the best of luck in the next stage of their education,’ added Wendy. ‘They have worked really hard to reach this next stage and we commend them on their commitment and fortitude.’