JUST a week after publication of an excellent set of A-level results, students and staff at Tavistock College are celebrating record GCSE pass rates. This year?s results show an improvement on last year?s, the best in the college?s history. More than 56% of students gained at least five grade C passes ? but the biggest change was the higher proportion of A and A* grades which have risen by almost 100 and now represent close to one in five entries. Thirteen students gained at least eight top grades, four up on last year. Ella Evans gained 11 A*s ? she was joined by Sophie Baugh, Matthew Drage, Tabitha Gould, Alice Hobbs, Jack Kenyon, Lauren Medland, James Tailyour and Philip Webb who all gained at least 10 A or A*s. In addition, Ella Evans, Philip Webb and Rebecca Jones received personal congratulations from two different examining boards ? they each gained one of the top five marks nationally, compared with a total of more than 460,000 candidates. Some students even managed to take A-levels in what spare time they had. All passed their business studies exams, three gained B grades and Becky Jones achieved an A grade. Marice Russell, head of Year 11, said: ?These results genuinely reflect five years of hard work. I am very pleased to see further improvements in standards across the full range of ability ? the qualifications students have gained provide a solid foundation for the next stage in their lives.? Colin Eves, Tavistock College principal, said: ?I am delighted with these results. There is obviously a focus at this time of year on higher grades and for the greatest improvement to be in this area is very rewarding. ?However, we must not forget that some of the more modest results represent outstanding achievements. ?Of particular note this year was that all but two students gained at least one GCSE, with more than 90% gaining at least five.? Mr Eves extended a big thank-you to present and former staff ? and parents of students. ?In my first year at Tavistock it is very clear that the very strong partnership between students, staff, parents and the local community is at the heart of the success of the college,? he said. Kelly College students and staff are also delighted with another wonderful set of GCSE results. This year?s overall pass rate was 94%, 41.1% of exams taken were graded at A or A* grades ? on average, each candidate achieved 7.5 GCSE passes. Among the top students was Jack Newton, of Sydenham Damerel, who achieved 10A*s. Jack also plays for the 1st XV rugby team, the 1st XI cricket squad and the 1st XI hockey team ? he also completed the 45-mile Ten Tors expedition this spring. Other congratulations go to Harry Wyatt who achieved 9A* and an A grade, 14-year-old Christine Corlet who took GCSE French two years early, achieving an A, and musical scholar Laurence O?Neil, who achieved A*s, As and Bs and plays for the National Youth Strings Orchestra. Kelly headmaster Mark Steed said: ?I am absolutely delighted for each and every one of our students ? they have worked tremendously hard and have earned these results. ?Our outstanding team of teachers will be so pleased their hard work and commitment to the students have been rewarded with these fantastic grades.? lCALLINGTON Community College GCSE students achieved a 61% pass rate at 5 A-C grades, it was announced this week. Headteacher Steve Kenning said he was delighted with the results. A total of 72% of college students gained a grade A*-C in English and 64% achieved a grade A*-C in maths. Mr Kenning said the college provided much more for its students than just examination success although it was always good to get successful examination results.
