East Devon and Exeter community news round-up – including GCSE and A-Level celebrations from Sidmouth, Exmouth, Honiton, Cranbrook, and Exeter, plus what’s on

A round-up of community news and photos from across East Devon and Exeter – including GCSE and A-Level exam success, plus what’s on.
Send your news, photos, what’s on to newsdesk@eastdevonnews.co.uk

Sidmouth – GCSE celebrations

‘Fantastic’ GCSE results were on Thursday morning (August 21) celebrated across the board by Sidmouth College students.

The college said there was an ‘amazing’ 10 per cent increase in the number of students achieving a good pass (grade 5 or above) in both GCSE English and Maths, placing them above the national average for both 4+ and 5+ (when compared to the 2024 averages available).

And there were also ‘significant increases’ in the number of students from lower-income families who gained both a pass (a grade 4 or above) and a good pass (a grade 5 or above) in GCSE English and Maths.

Year 11 student Nye Potbury-Dapling, whose ambition is to study medicine at university, celebrated a clean sweep of grade 9s in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

He also achieved a grade 7 in English Literature, English Language and Photography, and a grade 8 in History, Maths, Statistics, DT and RE.

Exams

Nye Potbury-Dapling celebrating a clean sweep of top grades.
Photo: with permission.

Student Rose Bennett achieved a ‘wonderful ‘set of results including a Distinction in her Health and Social Care, a grade 8 in Art, Science and Geography, a grade 8 and 7 in Combined Science and a grade 7 in English Language and English Literature.

Sidmouth

Rose Bennett, pictured here, achieved a ‘wonderful ‘set of GCSE results.
Photo: with permission.

The college said Lily Evans, achieved an ‘amazing’ set of results across the board including a grade 8 and 7 in Science, grade 9 in English Language, PE, History and RE, and grade 8s in English Literature and Statistics.

And the college celebrated Kai Furzer’s  ‘strong set of results’ allowing them to focus on maths and STEM at Post 16, with a grade 9 in Maths and grade 8’s in Statistics, Business Studies, and 7’s in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Lisa Whitworth, Sidmouth College headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and the fantastic results they’ve achieved today. Our students have shown resilience, positivity, and a real commitment to their learning and today is a celebration of all their hard work. These results are just the beginning, and I’m excited to see where their journeys take them next. A huge thank you also to our staff and families for the incredible support they’ve shown throughout the year.”

Exmouth – what’s on

ExmouthExmouth Stroke Survivors Club is holding a summer fayre on bank holiday Monday, August 25, in aid of the organisation.

The event, from 10am until 2pm, at All Saint’s Church, in Church Road, Exmouth, will include stalls, live music, and a barbecue.

Club chairman Steve said the club relied on public help to continue funding the friendship and stroke support group

If you would like to hold a stall on the day contact club chairman, Steve, on 01395 744362.

Exmouth – GCSE results

Record-breaking GCSE exam success was celebrated at Exmouth Community College on Thursday morning (August 21) after results’ day showed ‘best across the board’ grades.

East Devon

Their smiles say it all – Erin Abraham and Grace Govan on GCSE results’ day.
Photo: with permission.

The school said it was ‘buzzing’ after results revealed a ‘huge’ 10 per cent increase in the number of students obtaining a grade 5 or above in English, the highest in the school’s history.

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Caitlin Dormer celebrated her GCSE success.
Photo: with permission.

For those students experiencing disadvantage there was a significant 17 per cent increase in achieving 4+ in English and Maths compared to the last year, the college said.

Some 10 students achieved eight or more grades 9 and 8, and six students achieved five or more grade 9s.

These included Laila Escott and Anna Sullivan, who both achieved six grade 9s and six grade 8s, Zara Scott, Oscar Thompson, Jessica Waite and Jasmyne Watson, whose results included at least five grade 9s and five grade 8s.

And Emilia Gibson, Reina Nishitani, Lottie Blundell and Evan Clark, who all achieved four grade 9s and four grade 8s.

results

Pictured here are students Evan Clarke and Oscar Payne.
Photo: with permission.

Tom Inman, Exmouth Community College headteacher, said: “We are so proud of our students and everything they’ve achieved. Today’s results are a reflection of their hard work, determination, and the support of our dedicated staff and families. This year group has not only excelled academically but also contributed positively to the wider school community through enrichment, environmental projects, and leadership.

“They truly embody our values of belonging, ambition and responsibility. We’re excited to welcome many of our students back for sixth form this year, and we wish everyone the best of luck with the next chapter in their educational journey.”

Learn Devon, Exmouth

Adult learners from Exmouth who signed up to the county council’s free education service joined in the GCSE celebrations when they collected their results.

Emily Poslett, who achieved English GCSE grade six, said: “I’m relieved and surprised. I didn’t feel that my exam went well as I had a lot going on at the time, but the result was amazing.”

Exmouth

Emily Poslett passed her English GCSE.
Photo: with permission.

Roseanna McElligott, celebrating a grade seven in English, said: “I’m feeling really happy. Glad it’s over but the course was great. I’m doing an Access Course right now and I’m hoping to go to Uni next year to study Nursing.”

Exmouth

Roseanna McElligott celebrated passing GCSE English.
Photo: with permission.

Finlay Beale, who achieved a five in English and a four in Maths, was pleased with his ‘very good result’, thanking his tutor for helping him study.

Exmouth

Finlay Beale passed English and Maths GCSEs.
Photo: with permission.

Exeter – GCSE results

Thomas Hall School

Record-breaking GCSE success was celebrated at Thomas Hall School, in Cowley Bridge Road, Exeter, on Thursday (August 21) thanks to students achieving the highest number of top grades in the school’s history.

Exeter GCSE

Smiles of happiness on GCSE results’ day at Thomas Hall School 
Photo: with permission.

GCSE 2025

GCSE results’ day at Thomas Hall School, in Cowley Bridge Road, Exeter.
Photo: with permission.

Staff were proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its students in this year’s GCSE examinations, saying pupils had ‘truly excelled, demonstrating resilience, ambition, and a commitment to excellence’.

Phil Arnold, headteacher, said, “We are absolutely delighted with this year’s results. Our students have worked incredibly hard, and their success is a testament to their dedication and the strength of our school community.”

Exeter

Thomas Hall School students achieved the highest number of top grades in the school’s history.
Photo: with permission.

Exeter

Record-breaking GCSE success was celebrated at Thomas Hall School.
Photo: with permission.

Staff wished success and happiness to all its Year 11 students, whether continuing their studies, entering apprenticeships or exploring new opportunities.

Exeter

Thomas Hall School GCSE results’ day.
Photo: with permission.

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Thomas Hall School students celebrated their GCSE results.
Photo: with permission.

West Exe
Students and staff were ‘elated’ at the Year 11’s  ‘brilliant’ GCSE results

Exeter GCSE

Some three-quarters of West Exe students successfully passed both English and Maths.
Photo: with permission.

The school said three quarters of students successfully passed both English and Maths, ‘placing West Exe considerably above the national average yet again’.

Exeter

Smiles of joy at West Exe School.
Photo: with permission.

Exeter

Students at West Exe School celebrating GCSE success.
Photo: with permission.

Top achievers included eight grade 9s for one student, while two other students each achieved 10 CGSEs, both at grade 8 or above.

One pupil celebrated an ‘incredible’ six GCSEs after studying for just over a year in the UK.

GCSE 2025

All smiles on GCSE results’ day at West Exe School, in Exeter.

Exeter

West Exe pupils on GCSE results’ morning.
Photo: with permission.

Isca Academy

Students and staff at Isca Academy, in Exeter, celebrated another year of ‘brilliant’ GCSE results.

This year 72 per cent of students achieved a good pass (a grade 4+ or above) in English and 74 per cent in Maths. Across eight GCSEs, students averaged a grade 5+.

Exeter GCSE results

Isca Academy students celebrated ‘brilliant’ GCSE results.
Photo: with permission.

Students who achieved exceptional results included Sol Turl, who secured five grade 9s and three grade 7s across his subjects; he is heading to Exeter College to study Maths, Further Maths and Economics. Clara Oxer achieved two grade 9s in Biology and Geography, plus two grade 8s, three grade 7s and a Level 2 distinction. She will go Exeter College to study Performing and Production Arts (acting). Alex Winterbottom earned seven grade 9s including Science, Maths, Geography and Art & Design and is off  to Exeter Maths School to study Double Mathematics and Physics.

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Pictured here is Clara Oxer on GCSE results’ day 2025.
Photo: with permission.

Exeter

Aidan Corbett on GCSE results’ day at Isca Academy.
Photo: with permission.

Aidan Corbett achieved a grade 7 or above in seven GCSEs and will take A-Levels in Environmental Science, Biology, Geography and Microbiology at Exeter College. Emily Wray achieved four Grade 7s and 5 Grade 8s across her subjects including French, Science, History and Maths and is joining The Maynard School.

GCSE Exeter

Emily Wray at Isca Academy’s GCSE results’ day.
Photo: with permission.

GCSE 2025

Isca Academy pupil Alex Winterbottom.
Photo: with permission.

Vicki Joyce, Isca Academy headteacher, said: These outcomes are not only a celebration of academic success, but of the values and character our young people have developed throughout their time with us. It has been a joy to share this moment with our students and their families, who have worked in partnership with our dedicated staff to support each child’s journey.

“We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished and excited to see them take their next steps with confidence, creativity and purpose. The future is full of opportunity and I know our students are ready to embrace it.”

St James School

At St James School, in Beacon Heath, Year 11 students achieved a ‘fantastic’ set of results with 72 per cent of students achieving a pass (4+ and above) in their Maths GCSE and 73 per cent in English.

Exeter GCSes

Pictured here is headteacher Emily Harper at St James and student Duha Alkhouli.
Photo: with permission.

Student successes to be proud of included Joseph Collings, who achieved six grade 9s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Statistics and Geography, alongside grade 7s and 8s in all other subjects. He will study Maths, Physics and Geography A Levels at Exeter College.

Elly Chen with ten GCSEs including grade 9s in Art, Chinese, Geography, Maths and two grade 9s in Combined Science. She will study Maths, Chemistry and Economics A Levels at Exeter College.

And George Bea, who achieved nine GCSEs at grade 7+, with six grade 8s and three grade 9s – including both English Language and English Literature. He will study French, Geography and Biology A Levels at Exeter College.

Emily Harper, St James School headteacher, said: “We are so delighted for our students and their well-earned results, which are a credit to our school community.

St Lukes School

At St Luke’s School, in Harts Lane, Pinhoe, Exeter, staff celebrated ‘the best result in the school’s recent history’, thanks to the percentage of students achieving 5+ in English and Maths increasing.

The school outperformed similar schools nationally for the number of their students achieving 4+ and 5+ in English and Maths.

 

Exeter GCSEs

St Luke’s student Alfie Mead secured a full set of GCSEs
Photo: with permission.

Success stories celebrated by the staff include Jake Reddin, who is off to Exeter College to study Maths, Computer Science and Music having achieved an ‘outstanding’ set of results with grade 9s in English and Maths, grade 8s in History and Computer Science, a Distinction* in Music and a grade 8 and 9 in Combined Science.

Rosie de Vetter , who only joined St Luke’s this academic year after moving to the UK from New Zealand, achieved a full set of GCSEs including two grade 7s and a Distinction*. She is going on to study a T-level in Education and Childcare.

Also, Alfie Mead is moving on to Exeter College to study Music Performance after securing a full set of GCSEs including a grade 9, three grade 7s and two Merits.

And Bana Daoud achieved a ‘strong set of results’ with a grade 9, three grade 8s and five grade 7s and is heading to Exeter College to study Biology, Chemistry and Business.

Harrison Littler, St Luke’s Church of England School headteacher, said:”We are incredibly proud of our GCSE students and their results today, reflecting their hard work and commitment, and the support from their families and our dedicated staff.

“This year group has not only achieved academically but also made a real impact in our school and wider community.”

Exeter School

GCSE Exeter

Exeter School pupils on GCSE results’ day.
Photo: with permission.

Exeter School celebrated 23 per cent of all results being grade 9, saying its pupils ‘have shone’ this year.

In addition, 47 per cent of grades awarded were a grade 8 or 9. And 52 per cent of the school’s pupils achieved 8 or more 9-7 grades – revealing ten pupils achieved eight or more grade 9s, while twelve pupils secured exclusively grade 8s and 9s.

Exeter

Exeter School pupils collected their GCSE results.
Photo: with permission.

Exeter

Pupils shared the good news.
Photo: with permission.

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GCSE results at Exeter School.
Photo: with permission.

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GCSE students at Exeter School.
Photo: with permission.

The school said class of 2025 had all performed ‘exceptionally’, adding ‘we are immensely proud of their outstanding achievements’.

Luigi Chu, Exeter School Head of Sixth Form, said: “I warmly congratulate all our Year 11 pupils on their well-deserved success at GCSE.

“My colleagues and I look forward to welcoming them back to school as they embark on the exciting new challenges and experiences that await them in our sixth form.”

He added: “A particular well done to those joining the sixth form as new pupils to the school; we look forward to them becoming part of the Exeter School community.” 

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Exeter School pupils celebrate their GCSE results.
Photo: with permission.

GCSE

Exeter School pupils compared results.
Photo: with permission.

Cranbrook – GCSE success

Cranbrook Education Campus celebrated its ‘fantastic students’ who today (August 21) collected GCSE results.

Some 68 per cent of Year 11 pupils achieved a pass in both English and Maths, while 75 per cent of Year 10 pupils secured a pass in their early entry English Literature.

Overall students’ average performance has increased, the school said.

Stephen Farmer, Cranbrook Education Campus head, congratulated its students, and paid tribute to their families and the staff for supporting them through their exams.

Some of the school’s top performers include, Bernice Wong who achieved seven Grade 9s, one Grade 8, one Grade 7 and a Distinction in Performing Arts and will be going to Colyton Grammar Sixth Form to study A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. Edward Greed, who secured six Grade 9s and three Grade 8s, will be going to Exeter College to study A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and 3D Product Design.

Cranbrook

Cranbrook student Bernice Wong.
Photo: with permission.

Cranbrook

Pictured here is Cranbrook student Edward Greed.
Photo: with permission.

Also Grazia Mok who was awarded five Grade 9s, two Grade 8s, one Grade 7, one Grade 6 and a Distinction in Music, to go to Exeter College to study UAL Diploma in Musical Theatre.

And Krista Martin who achieved two Grade 9s, six Grade 8s and oner Grade 7 and will be going to Exeter College to study A Levels in Chemistry, Physics and Maths.

Ottery St Mary

A park home kitchen in Honiton was destroyed by a blaze when an air fryer caught fire in the early hours of Monday morning (August 19).

Firefighters from Honiton and Ottery St Mary were called to a home in Otter Valley Park, Northcote Hill, shortly after 2.30am where they found the roof of a property on fire.

The fire service said the cause of the blaze was accidental, and thought to be linked to electrics.

The blaze completely destroyed the home’s kitchen and caused smoke damage throughout the rest of the property.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Fire control received a report of an air fryer on fire within a property in the Otter Valley Park area and immediately mobilised crews from Honiton and Ottery St Mary.

“Upon arrival of crews, they confirmed the roof was well alight and got to work with a hose reel jet.”

They added: “The fire is thought to have been caused by an electrical issue.”

Crews wore breathing apparatus and used hose reel jets, small tools and a ladder to tackle the blaze, plus a thermal imaging camera to check for hot spots.

Clyst Vale Community College – ‘outstanding’ GCSE results

Clyst Vale

‘Another outstanding year of grades’ were announced by Clyst Vale Community College on GCSE results’ day.
Photo: with permission.

‘Remarkable’ outcomes were celebrated at Clyst Vale Community College on GCSE results’ day (August 21) after the school announced ‘another outstanding year’ of grades.

The college put its GCSE success down to the ‘dedication and resilience of students, saying the results were ‘testament to the tireless efforts of our learners and the unwavering support and expertise of our teaching staff.’

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Students compare grades on GCSE day at Clyst Vale Community College.
Photo: with permission.

Standout students included Natacha Summerfield-Steed, who achieved five grade 9s, three grade 8s and one grade 7, Tristan Welch, whose grades included three grade 9s, one grade 8, one grade 7

Ella Bayley with seven grade 9-7s, Gus Knight with five grade 8s and four grade 7s, Lily Nash, who achieved two grade 9s, one grade 8 and five grade 7s, and Matilda Wren with 8s and 9s in all GCSE subjects, plus a Level 2 Distinction.

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Students collected their GCSE results.
Photo: with permission.

Clyst Vale

The college put its GCSE success down to the ‘dedication and resilience of students’.
Photo: with permission.

Sara Jacobs, principal, said: “This year’s results reflect the consistent effort and commitment our students have shown throughout their time at Clyst  Vale.

“We’re pleased to see a wide range of achievements, whether that’s top grades or personal milestones reached. As a college rooted in the community, we aim to support every student to succeed, and these outcomes demonstrate the strength of that approach.”

She added: “I want to thank our dedicated staff who consistently go the extra mile to support and inspire our students.

“The encouragement from parents and carers has also been vital in helping our young people realise their ambitions. Leading a school where every student is nurtured and challenged is a privilege.”

Honiton – GCSE celebrations

Honiton Community College celebrated ‘a strong set of results’ in this year’s GCSEs.

Student successes included a grade 9 in Spanish and a grade 7 in French for one pupil, while another is off to  Exeter College to study Maths, Computer Science and Physics having achieved an ‘amazing’ seven Grade 9s.

Honiton

Nicole, who achieved a grade 9 in Spanish and a grade 7 in French, is heading to Exeter College to study Economics, Law and Psychology. she is pictured here with fellow student, Katie.
Photo: with permission.

The college said  there was a significant increase in a good pass (5+ or above) in Maths for students ‘experiencing disadvantage’.

Honiton

‘Super proud’ Freya, off to Exeter College to study Psychology, Sociology and Geography, is pictured here with fellow student Ruby.
Photo: with permission.

Caroline Brothwood, Honiton Community College headteacher said:“We’re incredibly proud of our students and everything they have achieved.”

She added: “We wish them the best of luck for their next chapter, we can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Honiton

William, left, is going to Exeter College to study Maths, Computer Science and Physics having achieved seven Grade 9s. Right, Isabelle will study Environmental Science, Biology and Geography at Exeter College.
Photo: with permission.

Sidmouth

A pair of donkeys have settled into their new Sidmouth home after their own sanctuary closed earlier this year.

Sidmouth

Pictured here is Gerry resting on Lottie.
Photo: The Donkey Sanctuary.

Gerry, aged eight, and four-year-old Lottie were taken in by The Donkey Sanctuary after Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary, a charity in the West Midlands, closed earlier this year.

Beci Brown, a groom at the Sidmouth sanctuary’s new arrivals unit, said: “When Lottie and Gerry first arrived, they settled in very quickly. Both were very friendly and keen to explore their new environment.

“They were gradually introduced to a group of five other donkeys and they all got along really well from the start – particularly Lottie, who seemed to take a liking to a donkey called Jenny.

“Although Lottie and Gerry remain very bonded, all seven donkeys now spend their time together as a close-knit group.”

East Devon – A-Levels

Exam success celebrations were held at Honiton Community College, Exmouth Community College and Sidmouth College when students collected their A-Level results.

The colleges’ sixth form students achieved ‘fantastic results’ with A*- C grades up 6 per cent at Exmouth Community College compared to last year, and the number of A*- A grades nearly doubling, while at Honiton Community College of the students moving onto university, 75 per cent are off to Russell Group universities and 80 per cent of students successfully achieved their first university choice.

Honiton

Honiton College sixth form exam celebrations.
Photo: with permission.

Honiton

Honiton Community College students celebrating A-Level results.
Photo: with permission.

Sidmouth College students achieved the best set of results achieved in recent years with an increase in the average grade in A Levels.

Exmouth

Pictured here are Exmouth Community College students celebrating their A-Level and Level 3 results.
Photos: with permission.

Student Ella Watkins is gearing up to go to the University of York to study Psychology with an integrated Masters after achieving a ‘phenomenal’ set of results of A* in Psychology, A* in Art, Distinction in Health and Social Care and an A* in her EPQ. Grace Clarke is also off to the University of York to study an integrated masters in Biomedical Science, having achieved A* in Biology, A* in Psychology, A in Chemistry and an A* in her EPQ.

GCSE 2025

Student Ella Watkins with headteacher Lisa Whitworth.
Photo: with permission.

At Exmouth Community College (ECC), sixth form students ‘exceeded expectations’ and achieved the best results in recent years, with A*- C grades up 6 per cent compared to last year, and the number of A*- A grades nearly doubling.

The college was celebrating the likelihood of being placed in the top 20 per cent post-16 institutions in the country the progress made in the two years between GCSE and A Levels.

High achievers at ECC included Hugo Castro (A*AA) who will study Engineering at Southampton University, Chloe Mora (A*AA) gearing up to study Physical Geography at Exeter University, Imogen Hitchcock (A*AB) heading for studying Physiotherapy at Southampton University and Dylan Hurst (AAB), who will go on to study Medicine at Plymouth University.

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Imogen Hitchcock, who will study Physiotherapy at Southampton University.
Photo: with permission

East Devon

Dylan Hurst, who will go on to study Medicine at Plymouth University.
Photo: with permission

And Honiton College A-Level success resulted in one student heading off to the University of Oxford, University College, to read History after achieving 3 A*s and 2 As.

Lisa Whitworth, Sidmouth College headteacher, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our Year 13 students and everything they’ve achieved. Their results reflect not only their hard work and resilience but also the unwavering dedication of our staff and the support of families. These young people leave us with the confidence, skills and ambition to take on the next stage of their journey. I’m so pleased that the majority of our students who applied to university have been offered their first choice.”

East Devon

Brown bears who escaped their East Devon sanctuary enclosure, sparking police action amid public safety, have two new pals.

Earlier this year Mish and Lucy sparked a lockdown on the Escot estate, plus warning to a nearby school not to let the kids walk home, after a pair Wildwood Devon bears got free.

bears

Back in their enclosure, bear Mish and Lucy.
Photo: Wildwood Trust.

Now the bears have been introduced to two new arrival bears, twin cubs, Malenky and Nanuq, rescued in May from war-torn Ukraine.

It is hoped the cubs will become playmates for Mish and Lucy, boosting the bears’ development and welfare.

East Devon

Cubs Malenky and Nanuq Photo: Wildwood Trust.

Becky Copland, Wildwood Trust animal behaviour management officer, said: “Introducing Mish and Lucy to Malenky and Nanuq is an important step for their social and emotional development.
“Playmates give bears the chance to form bonds, explore, and learn essential behaviors, all while keeping them mentally stimulated and happy in a safe environment.”

Broadclyst

Clyst Vale Community College (CVCC) celebrated ‘wonderful’ A-Level and Level 3 results, announcing a 98.7 per cent pass rate -with a quarter of all students achieving AAB, or better.

East Devon

A-Level success: left to right: Jamie Beuscher, Milo Jackson, Ray Phillips, Wami Kalenga, Tobias Minchinton, Lewis
Voysey.
Photo: with permission.

Students Joel Buckeridge achieved three A*s and an A, securing a place at Exeter University to study Natural Science, Jamie Beuscher achieved three As and will be heading to Warwick University to study History. Lewis Voysey attained AAB and successfully gained a place at Bristol University to study Chemistry. While Ray Phillips achieved A*, A and three Bs, and will be heading to Exeter University to study Biological Sciences.

East Devon

Pictured here, left to right: Clyst Vale Community College students Lewis Voysey, Ray Phillips, Jamie Beuscher and Joel Buckeridge.
Photo: with permission.

Sara Jacobs, CVCC principal, said “These results are a testament to the dedication of our students, the expertise of our staff, and the supportive, values-driven environment that defines Post-16 education at Clyst Vale.”

Seaton

Seaton

Seaton Library has relocated.
Photo: with permission.

Seaton Library recently reopened at its new home at the Marshlands Centre, in Harbour Road, after the county council announced the service would be run in partnership with the town council in a bid to slash costs and safeguard its future.

Kate Turner, Libraries Unlimited spokeswoman, said: “A great deal of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to move the library to its new location and we are very pleased to be able to reopen and serve the local community in Seaton with the same service as before, just in a new building.”

Exeter 

Exeter School 2025 sixth form leavers celebrated top A Level and BTEC results, with six of the students securing places at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Some 30 pupils scored three or more A*, A or Distinction* grades, which is more than 27 per cent of the year group.

Exeter

Exeter School 2025 sixth form leavers’ exam celebrations.
Photo: with permission.

At A Level, more than half of all grades were either an A* or A with 83 per cent of all grades being A*, A or B. At BTEC, 100 per cent of all grades recorded were at Distinction* or Distinction.

Louise Simpson, head, said: “A Level and BTEC qualifications continue to pave the way for our leavers’ next steps to university, degree apprenticeships and the world of work. It is especially rewarding in my final year at the school to see so many of the outgoing upper sixth secure their chosen university place, including at Oxbridge and within the Russell Group.”

Sidmouth

A stricken trawler spotted drifting off Sidmouth was last week pulled to safety by the town’s lifeboat.

A large trapped log lodged against the trawler’s steering gear stopped the vessel’s propellers, leaving it drifting.

A spokeswoman for Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat said: “On arrival, Sidmouth lifeboat attached a tow line to the log and, working together with the trawler’s crew, successfully managed to pull it clear.

“Exmouth all-weather lifeboat also arrived on scene to provide additional support if required.”

She added: “With the obstruction removed and the trawler able to continue under its own power.”

Sidmouth lifeboat

Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat.
Photo: Kyle Baker.

East Devon and Exeter

Scouts from Seaton and Exeter were among hundreds to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure in Portugal.

James Lee, a trainee archivist from Exeter, and Jake Taylor, an animal management student from Seaton, recently set off on the World Scout Moot from Tejo Park in Lisbon.

Seaton

Jake Taylor, from Seaton.
Photo: with permission.

Exeter

James Lee, from Exeter.
Photo: with permission.

The international Scouting event, finishing in Porto, included a four-day expedition, joining forces with Scouts from other countries to tackle 100 routes through remote parts of Portugal.

East Devon

Pictured here is the opening ceremony of the World Scout Moot from Tejo Park in Lisbon.
Photo: with permission.

Before leaving, Jake, from Seaton, said he was ‘excited’ to be heading to the Azores with his camera, while meeting new people, adding getting to hang out with Scouts from all over the world was’ going to be absolutely amazin’.g

James, from Exeter, said the adventure was ‘a pretty special one’, adding: “It’s my final goodbye to Scouting as a young person, and I couldn’t think of a better way to wrap it all up.”

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