Students at Okehampton College are celebrating today (Thursday, August 20) as they collect their GCSE results and mark the culmination of years of hard work.

The school, part of the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, welcomed students and their families this morning to recognise their achievements and celebrate the next stage of their educational journeys.

This year's results reflect the commitment shown by students throughout their studies, supported by staff, families and the wider school community.

The school achieved its best results since 2023 in student progress and students achieving 9-4 grades in English and mathematics. This shows a continuing pattern of improvement at Okehampton College.

Pupils achieved particularly strongly in subjects like mathematics, geography, PE and science where students made greater than expected progress. Students with special educational needs also achieved well with the school getting record results for students identified as SEND support.

Alongside strong academic outcomes, many pupils have secured places at sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships and other post-16 destinations, where they will continue their studies and pursue their ambitions.

Among the many individual success stories are Gabriel McCloskey, who achieved ten grade 9s in: Maths, Statistics, English Language, English Literature, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French and History; Lily Thorne, who achieved seven grade 9s and two grade 7s and will go to Exeter College to study the International Baccalaureate; and Vinnie Richards, who achieved seven grade 9s and a level 2 distinction*.

Evelyn Wood, who achieved four grade 9s, five grade 8s and one grade 7 and is going to Exeter Maths School; Matthew Camp achieved six grade 9s, two grade 8s and one grade 7 and will study A-levels in Chemistry, Biology and Business at Exeter College; and Florence Grayling, who achieved a Level 2 distinction, two grade 9s, three grade 8s and three grade 7s.

Florence Grayling and Vinnie Richards collecting their GCSE results at Okehampton College
Florence Grayling and Vinnie Richards collecting their GCSE results at Okehampton College (DMAT)

Collecting his results, Matthew Camp said: “I have exceeded my own expectations. I am so pleased with myself and so grateful to my teachers.”

Vinnie Richards said: “I am feeling really proud and happy after all the work I have done.”

Gareth Smith, principal at Okehampton College, said: “I am so proud of our students and how hard they have worked. I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them at school and seeing them enjoying and thriving in their lessons. They are an absolute credit to the parents and members of staff who have supported them.

“There are so many amazing stories of student achievement at all levels. I wish them all the very best of luck with their future endeavours and I hope that they stay in touch and tell us about how successful they have been. Thank you to every member at staff at school for their dedication in supporting our students.”