Students across Exeter collected their GCSE results on Thursday (August 20) sparking wide-spread celebrations.
Isca Academy
Isca Academy students and staff were ‘elated’ as Year 11 students achieved a set of results to be proud of, reflecting the hard work, determination and resilience shown by pupils throughout their studies.
The school reported an increase in the number of students achieving grades 5 or above in both English and Maths compared to last year. Many students achieved a grade 4 or above in five or more subjects, providing a strong foundation for their next steps. And a number of students achieved ‘impressive’ combinations of grades 8s and 9s across a range of subjects.
Vicki Joyce, Isca Academy headteacher, said: “Today is an important moment for our students as they celebrate the results of their hard work and look ahead to what comes next. They have shown real commitment during their time at Isca, and they should be proud of what they have achieved.
“Alongside their academic achievements, our students have embraced the wider experiences that make school life so important, and it has been wonderful to see them grow as individuals and develop their ambitions for the future.
“Whatever route they choose, whether that is further education, an apprenticeship or employment, we wish them all the very best for the future.”
Year 11 students at Isca Academy achieved a set of results to be proud of. Photo: with permission
The school reported an increase in the number of students achieving grades 5 or above in both English and Maths compared to last year. Photo: with permission
Isca Academy students celebrated their GCSE results. Photo: with permission
Wide-spread celebrations were held at Isca Academy.
Photo: with permission
The school spoke of its pride in its Year 11 students.
Photo: with permission
Students opened GCSE results on Thursday morning (August 20).
Photo: with permission
Vicki Joyce, Isca Academy headteacher, said students should be proud of their achievements. Photo: with permission
Isca Academy headteacher Vicki Joyce said students had shown real commitment to their studies.
Photo: with permission
St James School
Students and staff at St James School celebrated a ‘strong’ set of GCSE results with 70 per cent of students achieving grade 4 and above – a secure pass – in English and maths, which is above the national average and an increase on last year. The school said 51 per cent achieved a 5 and above – a strong pass.
The school said outcomes for students experiencing disadvantage and those with Special Educational Needs have improved significantly with a 12 per cent improvement on grades 4+ in English and Maths for both groups.
Emily Harper, St James School headteacher, said: “Today is a chance to celebrate everything our students have achieved during their time at St James. We are delighted to see their hard work rewarded and proud of the progress each of them has made.
“GCSE results day is also a chance to reflect on the wider experiences that have been part of our students’ time at St James, from developing their interests outside the classroom to representing the school through activities such as sport, volunteering and leadership. These experiences have helped make their time with us so memorable and left a lasting impact on our community.
“As they leave us for the next stage of their education or careers, we wish every one of them the very best for the future and we hope they will keep in touch with us.”
Students at St James School, in Exeter, celebrated a strong set of GCSE results. Photo: with permission.
Emily Harper, St James School headteacher, said: “We are delighted to see their hard work rewarded and proud of the progress each of them has made.” Photo: with permission.
Students and staff at St James celebrated a ‘strong’ set of GCSE results with 70 per cent of students achieving grade 4 and above – a secure pass – in English and maths, which is above the national average and an increase on last year. Photo: with permission.
Emily Harper, St James School headteacher, said: “Today is a chance to celebrate everything our students have achieved during their time at St James. Photo: with permission.
Bartek M achieved four grade 9s, four grade 8s, a grade 7 and a Distinction* in Engineering. Photo: with permission.
Ellie C achieved five grade 9s, four grade 8s, a grade 7 and a Distinction* in Engineering. Photo: with permission.
Fatima S achieved seven grade 9s, two grade 8s a Distinction* in Engineering.
Pictured here, L to R, is Hadi, Freddie C, who achieved seven grade 9s, two grade 8s and a grade 7, and Oliver. Photo: with permission.
St Luke’s Church of England School
After years of hard work, students at St Luke’s Church of England School celebrated ‘a great set of results’.
The school said students achieved excellent results in maths, with more than three-quarters – 76 per cent – securing a grade 4 or above and 22 per cent achieving the highest grades of 7-9, equivalent to A/A* under the previous grading system.
The school said the strong performance highlights the ‘commitment, resilience and determination’ shown by students throughout their GCSE studies.
Mr Harrison Littler, St Luke’s C of E School headteacher, said: “Every student collecting their results today has their own story of hard work, challenges overcome and achievements to celebrate. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished during their time with us and the lasting impact they have had on our school community.
“Whatever route they choose next, whether that is further education, an apprenticeship or employment, we wish them all the very best for the future.”
L to R: Kika M, who achieved five grade 9s, a grade 9-8 in Combined Science, two grade 8s and one grade 7, is off to Loughton College to study Geography, Maths, Economics and English Literature. Kitty B, who achieved five grade 9s, a grade 9-8 in Combined Science, one grade 8 and a Merit is heading to Exeter College to study English Literature, Spanish and Art. Photo: with permission.
Harrison Littler, St Luke’s C of E School headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished during their time with us and the lasting impact they have had on our school community.” Photo: with permission.
West Exe School
West Exe School students celebrated a ‘strong’ set of results, going on to study at Exeter and Bicton colleges or onto apprenticeships with a range of local businesses.
The school said an increase of students achieved grade 5s or above – a strong pass) -in both English and maths, as well as over 70 per cent of students achieving above a grade 4 – a standard pass- in both subjects.
And high achievements were gained in in subjects such as performing arts where 100 per cent of students achieved the pass grade or above.
The school said an increase of students achieved grade 5s or above – a strong pass – in both English and maths. Photo: with permission.
West Exe School students celebrated a ‘strong’ set of results. Photo: with permission.
West Exe pupils are pictured here on GCSE results day. Photo: with permission.
West Exe students are going on to study at Exeter and Bicton colleges, or on to apprenticeships with a range of local businesses Photo: with permission.
Jamie Engineer, West Exe School headteacher, said: “Seeing our students collect their results today is a proud moment for everyone at West Exe.” Photo: with permission.
Sophia I celebrated an exceptional set of nine GCSEs, including five grade 9s in subjects such as History, English Language and English Literature. She plans to continue her studies at Exeter College, taking A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Spanish. Photo: with permission.
Markus K, right, pictured here with Florence and Hal, earned 12 GCSEs, including grade 9s in Chemistry, Maths and Russian, alongside grade 8s in Physics, Further Maths and Statistics. Photo: with permission.
Florence R, right, attained a strong set of nine GCSEs, including a grade 9 in English Language and a grade 8 in English Literature. She plans to study Philosophy, English Literature and History at Exeter College. Photo: with permission.
Jamie Engineer, West Exe School headteacher, said: “Seeing our students collect their results today is a proud moment for everyone at West Exe. They have worked incredibly hard and achieved so much during their time with us.
“GCSE results day is also a chance to reflect on the wider experiences that have been part of our students’ time at West Exe, and it has been so rewarding to see students develop their interests and contribute beyond the classroom. We wish every one of them the very best as they take their next steps and look forward to seeing all they go on to achieve.”
Thomas Hall School
Thomas Hall School said every one of its students deserved to be celebrated for their GCSE results.
Among the success stories at the school was Ember Hine, who achieved six grade 8s and two grade 9s, in French and maths. Arran Brazier achieved grade 9s in Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Geography and Charlie Metcalf, with strong passes across all subjects, including a grade 7 in maths.
Thomas School pupil Ember Hine achieved six grade 8s and two grade 9s, in French and maths. Photo: with permission.
Charlie Metcalf achieved strong passes across all subjects, including a grade 7 in maths. Photo: with permission.
Betsy Lewis achieved grade 7s and 8s across all her subjects. Photo: with permission.
Betsy Lewis achieved grade 7s and 8s across all her subjects, Harry Wren gained four grade 8s and a grade 9 in Physics, and Ophelia Ellis Brown achieved four grade 8s and a grade 9 in Art.
Charlotte Webster, Thomas Hall School head, said: “What makes today so special is seeing our students recognise just how far they have come. Behind every result is a story of persistence and personal achievement, and every one of those stories deserves to be celebrated.
“We have watched these young people grow in confidence, discover their strengths and develop the courage to challenge themselves, and that is something we are immensely proud of. As they move on to the next stage of their journey, we hope they carry with them not only their qualifications, but also the belief that they can continue to achieve great things. We wish every student the very best for the future.”
Exeter School
Exeter School congratulated pupils on their ‘excellent GCSE results, saying they had ‘shone’.
The class of 2026 ‘all performed exceptionally’ and staff were ‘immensely proud of their outstanding achievements.’
Luigi Chu, Exeter School’s Head of Sixth Form, said: “I warmly congratulate all our Year 11 pupils on their well-deserved success at GCSE.” Photo: with permission.
The school said over 120 pupils in the year group, 26 per cent of all grades awarded were a grade 9. Over 50 per cent of grades awarded were a grade 8 or 9. Some 52 per cent of pupils achieved 8 or more 9-7 grades, with seven pupils gaining eight or more grade 9s.
Strong subject performances were biology, drama, English, history, Latin, and physics, where more than 35 per cent of grades awarded were the top grade of 9.
Luigi Chu, Exeter School’s 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. 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.”
Dr Adrian Rainbow, Head of Exeter School, said: “It’s a genuine pleasure, as I join the school as Head, to celebrate such a strong set of GCSE results alongside our Year 11 pupils. They have worked with real commitment and focus, and these results reflect that effort combined with the excellent teaching, strong pastoral care, and breadth of opportunity that Exeter School offers. With well over a quarter of results at the top grade of 9, and over 50 per cent at the top two grades, there is a great deal for our pupils, families, and staff to be proud of.
“My thanks go to all our staff, particularly our teachers, for the dedication they’ve shown in supporting our pupils to these excellent outcomes.”
He thanked Graham Bone for his leadership as acting head, crediting him for laying the strong foundations for the results.
Dr Rainbow added: “It’s especially pleasing that so many pupils are continuing with us into the sixth form, and I’m confident their hard work, resilience, and ambition will serve them well as they move into the next stage of their education.”
