Bodmin College students smash last year’s GCSE record

A year ago, Bodmin College broke its own GCSE record. This August, the Class of 2026 have gone one further, and in English and Maths in particular, the scale of the change is hard to miss.

A leap in English and Maths

The shift is clearest in the two subjects every student needs to move on to their next step. Since 2023-24, the proportion of students achieving a strong pass, a Grade 5, in both English and Maths has more than doubled. A further 20 per cent more students are now reaching at least a Grade 4 in both subjects, the standard pass that opens the door to further study, training and employment. English has carried on building from a position among the top 10 schools nationally for progress last year, with outcomes improving again for the Class of 2026.

Strong results across the curriculum

The improvement is not confined to the core subjects. Bodmin College reported exceptional results in Spanish, French and Food and Nutrition, and in Sports Science more than 60 per cent of students achieved at least a Level 2 Distinction.

Yanna’s 2.4-grade leap, and medals to match

Individual results tell their own story. Yanna’s grades came in an average of 2.4 grades higher than expected from her Year 7 starting points, an outcome the college has called extraordinary. She achieved it while competing internationally in martial arts, where she has won numerous national and international medals.

Maia’s Grade 9 in Drama, and a place at the BRIT School

Drama is now Bodmin College’s fifth highest-performing subject, and Head Student Maia is among those celebrating exceptional results there. One of the college’s highest attainers, she achieved a Grade 9 in Drama alongside a suite of Grade 7 to 9 results, and will continue her studies at the prestigious BRIT School in Croydon, London. It builds on a passion for performance developed throughout her time at Bodmin, from performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company to her much-loved Silly School sketches at school events.

A fresh start for Alfred in Greenfield

There is also plenty to celebrate for Alfred, a student in Greenfield, Bodmin College’s Area Resource Base, whose results mark a significant personal achievement. Alfred has secured four GCSE passes, in English Language, English Literature, Maths and Drama, and now intends to continue his studies at Truro College.

‘These are truly transformational results’

Headteacher Claire White said the Class of 2026 had raised the bar again. “These are truly transformational results,” she said. “Last year our students broke school records, the Class of 2026 have raised the bar again. Students studying at Bodmin College are, on average, now achieving 1.5 grades higher in every one of their subjects than they were four years ago. This reflects the ambition and hard work of our young people and the staff who have supported them.”

Claire said the college’s mission was to provide an exceptional quality of education so that every young person is enabled to live a life full of choice and opportunity, and that these results brought that mission to life, since every qualification secured opens another door. That is already visible, she said, in the destinations students have secured, including apprenticeships, local post-16 providers, and the students returning to Bodmin College to join BCX, its new career-focused programme combining qualifications with real-world and industry opportunities.

“This is an incredible year group and we could not be prouder of them,” Claire said. “They will be remembered as the latest cohort to break school records and continue the transformation of Bodmin College. We wish every member of the Class of 2026 every success as they take their next steps.”