Launceston College students celebrate GCSE success

Nerves gave way to grins in sports halls across Launceston this morning, as Year 11 students collected two years of work condensed into a handful of grades. Staff and families packed into Launceston College to watch the moment months of revision, mock exams and early starts finally paid off.

There were tears, hugs and a fair few nervous shuffles before envelopes were opened, but by mid-morning the mood across the college was unmistakably one of relief and pride.

Individual highlights

Staff are keen to stress that every student’s achievement matters, whatever the grades on the page. But a handful of results stood out for their consistency across the board.

• Amira P achieved a remarkable Grade 8 or 9 in all of her GCSEs. She returns to Launceston Sixth in September to study A-levels in art, English literature and history.
• Andre W secured an impressive Grade 8 or 9 across all of his GCSEs. Andre is hoping to pursue a career in engineering and will study physics, maths and further maths at Launceston Sixth.
• Izzy J obtained 100% Grade 8 and 9 in her GCSEs and will study maths, chemistry and psychology.
• Tilly P was rightly pleased to secure 100% Grade 8 and 9 in her GCSEs. Tilly will progress to study psychology, sport, geography and chemistry.
• Ruben T achieved 100% Grade 7 to 9 in his GCSEs and will return to Launceston Sixth to study physics, maths and computer science, before hopefully studying physics at university.
• Jake M achieved a fantastic Grade 7, 8 or 9 in all of his GCSEs and will start A-levels in maths, French and Spanish, before studying languages at university.
• Emily J worked hard to achieve a fantastic suite of GCSEs including a Grade 8 in geography, art and combined science, and returns to study biology, geography and art.
• Irene J is celebrating a great set of GCSE results, including a Grade 6 in English language, English literature, combined science, history and geography, and will study chemistry, biology and psychology.
• Lily B worked tirelessly to achieve a very impressive set of results, including a Grade 6 in maths and a Grade 5-5 in combined science, English literature, French and hospitality and catering. She moves on to study Health & Social Care.

More than grades

Results day capped a year in which Launceston students made their mark well beyond the classroom, from sporting success to national competition wins for young writers and poets. The college has also leaned on experiences built to test resilience, including Ten Tors and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Principal Matthew Thompson said the results reflected the determination students had shown throughout their time at the college.

“Congratulations to all of our students on their fantastic achievements today. These results are a reflection of the determination they have shown throughout their time at Launceston College, and we are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished,” he said.

“I would also like to thank our dedicated staff and supportive families, whose encouragement has helped our young people reach this important milestone. Whatever path our students choose next, whether that’s joining Launceston Sixth, another post-16 provider, an apprenticeship or another exciting opportunity, we know they leave us with the confidence, skills and ambition to succeed. We wish every one of them the very best for the future.”

For many of this year’s leavers, the next stop is Launceston Sixth in September. For others it’s an apprenticeship, a different college, or a first step straight into work, with this morning’s envelope now tucked away as proof of what got them there.