Students at Dawlish College were in high spirits when they picked up their GCSE and Level 1 BTEC results this morning with shrieks of delight echoing across the hall.

The cohort receiving the GCSE results today started their secondary school journey in September 2020; just six months after the start of the first Covid 19 lockdown. They had missed out on the usual rites of passage that mark the end of primary school and negotiated the transition to secondary school in the midst of learning bubbles and weekly Covid testing.

‘I am really proud of my students for what they have achieved,’ said Dawlish College headteacher Sam Banks. ‘Alongside the individual standout successes, I’m delighted that the vast majority leave us with the qualifications they need to take their next steps. I hope they go on to live lives full of choice and opportunity. They’ve learned that hard work and determination pay off.’

Mr Banks also paid tribute to his colleagues. ‘I’m hugely grateful to all the staff at Dawlish College, whatever their role, for their contribution to this success and for creating the conditions for our students to thrive.’

Dawlish College is part of the Ivy Education Trust, which includes Teignmouth Community School and Newton Abbot College. Ivy Education Trust chief executive Katy Quinn praised the collective efforts of learners and educators. ‘I am so pleased for the learners across our collaborative family of schools today,’ she said. ‘They have achieved great things with their GCSE and Level 2 BTEC results. Their hard work has been rewarded with the grades they deserve. I am incredibly proud of them, and of the staff who have supported them so compassionately throughout their five years of secondary education. Their courage and commitment have truly shone through.’