Launceston College Students Celebrate Strong GCSE Results

A Morning of Celebration

It was a day of pride and excitement at Launceston College this morning (Thursday 21st August) as students collected their GCSE results. The college, part of Athena Learning Trust, supported 250 students this year and reported another rise in performance across key measures.

The Attainment 8 score has climbed to 47.8, up from 46.0 in 2024. A record 54% of students achieved a grade 5 or above in both maths and English, an improvement on 51% in 2024 and 50% in 2023.

In subject-specific highlights, around 70% of grades in biology, chemistry and physics were awarded at grades 7-9. Half of all art grades reached that level too, while 25% of results in maths, history and Spanish also scored at the top end.

Standout Student Achievements

Several students celebrated exceptional individual results, including:

• Charlotte C achieved 100% grade 7-9, with seven grade 9s in English, art, biology, chemistry, physics and history. She will be studying A-Levels in English, History and Psychology at Launceston Sixth before applying to Oxbridge.

• Sophie D secured 100% grade 7-9 across nine subjects and will now study A-Levels in maths, physics and further maths at Launceston Sixth.

• Evie D also celebrated 100% grade 7-9, with top grades in science, English, French and history. She plans to study history, French and English A-Levels, with the aim of a future career in law.

• Maia D achieved 100% grades 7-9, including 9s in art and maths, and will study art, maths and biology.

• Rosie K-W gained grade 8-9 in all nine subjects and will progress to A-Levels in English, Spanish and art.

• Ben L secured a grade 9 in maths, biology, chemistry, physics and DT, with 100% grade 7-9 overall. He will now take A-Levels in physics, Spanish and English.

• Holly M achieved seven grade 8-9s and will continue her studies in history and Spanish.

• Charlie M received 100% grades 7-9, with top results in English, geography and maths, and will study maths, Spanish and geography.

• Keziah N secured grades 7-9 in all nine subjects, including grade 9 in maths, English and DT: Food.

• Jaya Z earned 100% grades 7-9, with 9s in maths and biology, alongside a distinction* in sport. She will now study maths, biology and French at A-Level.

Many students will continue their education at Launceston Sixth, building on their successes.

A College Rooted in the Community

Founded in 1409, Launceston College remains a cornerstone of the community. The college boasts facilities across the arts, sciences and sports, underpinned by a focus on academic achievement, personal development and mutual respect.

The last year has seen achievements beyond the classroom. Four Year 9 students entered the Quay Words Young Writers Flash Fiction Competition, with Esther B earning high commendation and publication. In maths, Finlay and Stamatis achieved Gold in the UK Maths Trust's Senior Challenge and progressed to the Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo competition.

The college also introduced its new Elite Sports Academies programme and hosted numerous reward events for students.

Principal's Reaction

Principal Matthew Thompson praised both staff and students, saying:

"It's been fantastic to see so many proud and happy faces this morning. Our students have worked incredibly hard, and these results are a reflection of their dedication, resilience and the support of our committed staff. We're proud not just of the grades they've achieved, but of the well-rounded, thoughtful young people they are becoming. It is also a really welcome opportunity for me to thank all of the staff who have supported Year 11 throughout their GCSEs and to thank all of our students and their families for working so hard to ensure they achieved their potential. Today is a celebration of their achievements and the bright futures that lie ahead."

Ofsted Praise

Launceston College holds a Good rating from Ofsted across all areas, including Quality of education, Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management, and Sixth form provision.

Inspectors noted that all pupils, including those with SEND, follow a broad and ambitious curriculum taught in a logical order. Sixth form students are offered qualifications matched to their aspirations, while those in the specially resourced provision follow tailored programmes designed to meet their needs.