Smiles all around for Shebbear students on GCSE results day

Shebbear College has enjoyed another strong set of GCSE results for 2026

Shebbear College students have posted another set of strong GCSE results, with many gaining the grades they need to go on to sixth form or their chosen paths.

Speaking on results day yesterday (Thursday, August 20), Shebbear head Charlie Jenkins said: “GCSE Results Day is always one of my favourite days of the year because it is all about our pupils and celebrating their achievements.

“There was a great atmosphere around the school this morning and it was fantastic to see so many pupils pleased with their results.”

Among the highest achievers were Dylan Ferrigni-Monfils, who secured five grade 9s, two grade 8s and three grade 7s. Bethany Atkinson, Tichy Sanders, Ethan Lim, Abigail Richardson and Kaia Macartney also celebrated outstanding results, each achieving nine grades from 9 to 5 across a range of subjects.

Dylan said: “I started feeling a little bit anxious when I got into school and saw everyone, that's when I realised it was real!

“But the anxiety passed very quickly and I'm very happy with my results. I got a 9 in further maths, which is my biggest takeaway. I'm very excited... I might go home and frame it, or get a tattoo!”

Dylan, who also travelled to Peru earlier this summer on the Camps International Expedition, is looking forward to joining Shebbear sixth form in September, where he will study A-levels in maths, physics, further maths and Italian.

Fellow Peru traveller Tichy Sanders will also progress to sixth form. Tichy has balanced her academic studies with her equestrian commitments as one of Shebbear College's star riders.

She said: “I was so nervous this morning, I really didn't want to open my envelope. When I did, though, it was all good. I'm really pleased with my results.”

Reflecting on her recent trip to Peru, she added: “It was awesome! I'd do it again in a heartbeat. The trek was hard, but everyone completed it and it really was the experience of a lifetime.”

Ethan Lim was also delighted when he opened his envelope this morning. Ethan has successfully balanced his studies with a passion for music and the performing arts, currently working towards Grade 7 in piano and Grade 8 in singing, as well as playing the guitar. This year, he also starred as Eddie in the senior school production of Sister Act and completed the Ten Tors Challenge as part of the 45-mile team.

Ethan said: “I was quite nervous... not as much as my sister though, who for some reason was more nervous than me! I got what I wanted so I’m happy and I’m going into the sixth form to study A-levels in September.”

Mr Jenkins added: “I am incredibly proud of everything Form 5 have achieved, not only in the classroom but across all areas of school life.

“These young people have thrown themselves into every opportunity available to them and it has been wonderful to watch them grow in confidence and character throughout their time in the senior school.”