We are particularly impressed by how committed and resilient our students have been throughout the examination period.  We cannot underestimate how hard it has been for this year’s cohort given the disruptions due to Covid and with the uncertainty as to whether their examination series was going ahead or not.

Reflecting on this year’s GCSE results Principal, Rachel Hutchinson, said, “I have seen first-hand how hard the students and staff have worked over the last year to overcome such challenges and I am confident that our students’ results reflect a fair and accurate outcome of their commitment to their learning against the national picture”.

We have always known that this year was a ‘transition year’ between 2021 (when assessment was done directly by schools and colleges) and 2019 (the last year examinations took place).  This means that we have been told that overall grades will be about halfway between the two nationally. This does not mean that marking was harsher; the marking was done by Examination Boards in the usual way. Instead, it means that when setting the grade boundaries, Examination Boards have been more generous than in a normal year to bring grades closer to the 2021 levels. All marking and grading is done at a national level, with all students across the country being treated the same way.

Our students have certainly shown grit and determination, rising to the challenge of achieving their best.  We are delighted that almost 80% of the grades achieved by our students were at Grade 4 or above, with over a quarter of the grades being Grade 7 or above. In particular, the numbers securing a pass in Mathematics and English are once again well above national figures.

Additionally, some of our highest performing students have successfully achieved a full complement of GCSEs at Grade 8 and 9. Recognition must be given to James Deacon, Ciaran Ricketts, Ben Firth, Alice Chapman, Lottie Humphrey and Freya Bechley who have all achieved outstanding grades across the board, whilst continuing to participate in College activities and enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom. 

Izzy Farrow-Jones, Edie Longhurst and Eva Metcalfe should also be recognised their outstanding progress whilst at the College.

Our whole community will be celebrating the many successes of our students today, which allows them to securely take the next step into their future career pathways, be that into Sixth Form, a Further Education College or an apprenticeship placement.

 The staff and governors are so proud of all our students’ achievements, and we look forward to many of them returning to study in our thriving Sixth Form, alongside new students joining us from other providers. 

Thank you to all our staff, governors and the School Improvement Team of the Westcountry Schools Trust for their continued support, and to all our parents and carers for being so instrumental in their child’s education.

For further information regarding Post-16 provision or further advice and guidance, please contact our Sixth Form via ks5office@ivybridge.devon.sch.uk

Finally, to all students: remember that you are more than a grade. The resilience you have shown under such conditions is remarkable. We are extremely proud of all our students at Ivybridge Community College and across our family of secondary schools of the Westcountry Schools Trust, you are all exceptional, inspiring and talented young people, we could not be more proud of you all and wish you every success with your future plans.

Congratulations again on your achievements this week.