Summer holiday drizzle was not enough to dampen the spirits of Exmouth Community College pupils celebrating their GCSE results this morning.

Exmouth Journal: Exmouth Community College pupils with their GCSE results.Exmouth Community College pupils with their GCSE results. (Image: Archant)

After last week’s record-breaking A-level results, the college noted particular success in subjects including maths, computer science, and technology.

Among individual pupils, top achievers included Lizzie Reffell, who gained seven A*s and three As, Joyce Tang, who achieved eight A*s and two As, and Imogen Handford, who achieved seven A*s and four As.

Lizzie said: “I’m really pleased. I didn’t expect to do that well at all.”

Also celebrating were Sabrina Mitchell, who gained three A*s and seven As, Jack Gooding, who achieved 8 A grades, and Ben Hopley, who gained two A*s and five As.

Ben said: “I didn’t really know what to expect, I was hoping to pass them all, but it’s a nice surprise to achieve higher than just a pass.”

Amber Richardson, who achieved two A*s, five As and two Bs, said: “I’m so happy. I knew that I’d be disappointed if I got any below a B.

“I really thought I’d do badly in Spanish as I found the exam really difficult, so I’m really happy to get an A.”

Alfie Downs, who got two A*s, seven As and two Bs, said: “I’m pretty excited. I did better in all of them than I thought.”

The college singled out successes in maths, where 78 per cent of pupils achieved A* to C, further additional science, which saw 88 per cent A* to C, Latin, which saw 71 per cent A* to C, computer science, with 87 per cent C and above.

There was also continued improvement in English language, with 69 per cent achieving C and above, technology, with 70 per cent A* to C, and creative arts, with 70 per cent A* to C.

Reacting to the results, college principal Tony Alexander said: “I am very pleased with the standards achieved in a number of subjects, especially maths, English, further additional science, technology, media and Latin.

“I am delighted with the excellent individual results of a large number of students, which is a great testament to their ability, their work ethic and the total commitment of my staff.

“Given the increase in the severity of marking this year, the results are all the more satisfactory.

“As ever, we will review the achievements in all subjects and prepare to improve yet again for next year.

“I would like to offer my personal congratulations to the students, who deserve their success. Well done.”

Heads of year for key stage four Ben Findel-Hawkins and Andrew Bown said: “We are very pleased with the results. As always, there are some fantastic individual achievements, which reflect the hours of hard work which have been put in by students and staff.

“It’s pleasing to know so many of the students will now be able to follow their chosen pathways into post-16, and we are looking forward to them returning to the college.”

Assistant principal for key stage four Henri Miles said: “The results reflect the hard work put in by the students and staff over the last two years. In particular, the relentless work by the English and maths departments to ensure students gain strong grades in these key GCSEs.”

Chair of governors Jill Elson said: “I am very pleased that the hard work of students and staff have reaped dividends, and particularly impressed with the English and maths results.

“The college is always thankful for the support of parents to their children and the college.

“The governors will be working with Mr Alexander to ensure we build upon this achievement for next year.”