CHULMLEIGH College says it would like to congratulate all of its pupils and staff who have risen to the challenge of this year’s GCSEs.

It says its pupils have achieved fantastic results for the fifth year in a row, which yet again put the college firmly in the top 10 per cent of schools nationally, an incredible achievement for pupils and staff.

A total of 58 per cent of the year group achieved the EBacc pass – grade 4 or above (national average in 2018 was 24.1 per cent).

In order to achieve this, Grade 4s are required in two sciences, English, Maths, History or Geography.

A total of 34 per cent of all pupils achieved a good EBacc pass – grade 5 and above. (National average in 2018 was 16 per cent).

A total of 28 per cent of all grades are 7, 8 or 9 (the old A or A*, and new A** equivalent).

A Progress 8 score of +0.45 was achieved.

A total of 74 per cent of all pupils achieved the standard pass grade of 4 or above in five subjects including English and Maths.

Some 56 per cent of all pupils achieved a good pass of 5 or above in five subjects including English and Maths.

Pupils with special educational needs made excellent progress.

Three pupils achieved 11 grade 9s, 8s or 7s – (the equivalent of A**-A; one achieved eight grade 9s, and two achieved 6 grade 9s.

Ex-Head Boy Henry Huxtable achieved six grade 9s, three grade 8s and two 7s and said: “I would like to thank all the staff at Chulmleigh who have helped me to achieve everything I could have wished for and more.

“I am immensely grateful to my parents for making the decision to send me there, and for overcoming transport issues to do so, as it wasn’t my catchment school.

“I am now moving on to Exeter College for A Levels, and I’m delighted to also be joining their Reach Academy.”

Ex-Head Girl Esme Hazelden will also be joining the Reach Academy and said: “Chulmleigh taught me to believe in myself and not to stop until I’m proud – that takes you half-way towards achieving your goals.”

Michael Johnson, executive headteacher, said: “Our pupils have made excellent progress and achieved so much as a year group. I would like to use this opportunity to pay tribute to all the staff in both the secondary and primary schools who have worked so hard to prepare our pupils.

“We believe strongly that encouraging young people to strive and take difficult subjects challenges them to achieve great things, and helps to set them up for the next part of their lives.

“Our wonderful pupils have, again, proved us right. We are delighted that five of our pupils will be joining the Exeter College Reach Academy for academically gifted students, particularly when they take only 60 per year. This is a huge achievement for a small secondary school.”

Mrs Cain, a parent of one of the school’s highest achievers said: “I knew from the very first visit to Chulmleigh, that even though it was out of catchment for us, it was the best choice for my children.

“Although my daughter earned every one of her outstanding grades, I have no doubt that the environment and excellent team at Chulmleigh have made this possible. They have proved my decision right more times than I can remember!”