GCSE Joy Across Ted Wragg Schools in Exeter

St James School, St Luke's C of E School, Isca Academy and West Exe School have been celebrating their students' GCSE success today (21st August).

The four schools, all part of The Ted Wragg Trust, are celebrating a strong set of GCSE results this year. These results are part of a sustained improvement across the Exeter based schools, across a number of years, and are an important reminder of the power of schools working together to transform the life chances for young people across Devon.

St James School

At St James School they empower their students to use their education to be kind and community minded and to lead happy and healthy lives.

Year 11 students achieved a fantastic set of results with 72% of students achieving a pass (4+ and above) in their Maths GCSE and 73% in English.

There are so many student successes to be proud of. Joseph Collings achieved six grade 9s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Statistics and Geography, alongside grade 7s and 8s in all other subjects. He will study Maths, Physics and Geography A Levels at Exeter College.

Elly Chen achieved ten GCSEs including grade 9s in Art, Chinese, Geography, Maths and two grade 9s in Combined Science. She will study Maths, Chemistry and Economics A Levels at Exeter College.

George Beal achieved nine GCSEs at grade 7+, with six grade 8s and three grade 9s - including both English Language and English Literature. He will study French, Geography and Biology A Levels at Exeter College.

Emily Harper, Headteacher at St James School said: "We are so delighted for our students and their well-earned results, which are a credit to our school community. The culmination of many years of hard work, GCSE results day is a moment to celebrate our students’ dedication to learning, but it’s also a chance to reflect on the wider learning experience whether that’s workshops with artist Jedidah Chick on powerful artwork inspired by Black history to fundraising for the Disasters Emergency Committee. Our students have embraced every opportunity to help them grow personally and academically, and we’re so proud of the well-rounded, thoughtful young people they have become. We wish all our students the best of luck with their next steps as they embark on the next chapter of their journey.”

St Luke’s C of E School

At St Luke's School their values sit at the very core of everything they do and staff work hard to ensure students achieve their best, show respect and take responsibility.

This year students and staff are celebrating a great set of results, with the percentage of students achieving 5+ in English and Maths increasing; the best result in the school's recent history. The school outperformed similar schools nationally for the number of their students achieving 4+ and 5+ in English and Maths.

There are so many student success stories to celebrate:

Jake Reddin is heading to Exeter College to study Maths, Computer Science and Music having achieved an outstanding set of results with grade 9s in English and Maths, grade 8s in History and Computer Science, a Distinction* in Music and a grade 8 and 9 in Combined Science.
After only joining St Luke’s this academic year after moving to the UK from New Zealand, Rosie de Vetter achieved a full set of GCSEs including two grade 7s and a Distinction*. She is going on to study a T-level in Education and Childcare.
Alfie Mead is moving on to Exeter College to study Music Performance after securing a full set of GCSEs including a grade 9, three grade 7s and two Merits.
Bana Daoud achieved a strong set of results with a grade 9, three grade 8s and five grade 7s and is heading to Exeter College to study Biology, Chemistry and Business.

Harrison Littler, Headteacher at St Luke's Church of England School said: "We are incredibly proud of our GCSE students and their results today, reflecting their hard work and commitment, and the support from their families and our dedicated staff. This year group has not only achieved academically but also made a real impact in our school and wider community. Our students have been key to our ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of our whole community, including through our recent Rainbow Flag Award recognising our inclusive approach to LGBT+ visibility, and the Bronze Mental Health Charter Mark. These achievements reflect the kind of environment we strive for at St Luke’s: one where every student feels supported, inspired, and able to thrive. We know our students leave us well-prepared for the next steps in their educational journey and we wish them the best of luck.”

Isca Academy

Isca Academy place their students at the heart of everything they do and are unwavering in the pursuit of excellence for every individual. They aim to inspire every student, celebrate their successes, care for their community and have ambition for every single child so they can achieve beyond their wildest imagination. The school delivers an ambitious, inclusive education that develops not only academic excellence but also the confidence, creativity and resilience needed to thrive in the modern world.

Students and staff at Isca Academy are celebrating another year of brilliant GCSE results with an increase in those being awarded 5+ in both English and Maths. Overall 72% of students achieved a 4+ in English and 74% in Maths. Across 8 GCSE’s students averaged a grade 5+, giving them a strong foundation to pursue the next steps in their education journey.

Several students achieved exceptional results:

Sol Turl secured five grade 9s and three grade 7s across his subjects; he is heading to Exeter College to study Maths, Further Maths and Economics.
Clara Oxer achieved two grade 9s in Biology and Geography, plus two grade 8s, three grade 7s and a Level 2 distinction. Clara is now moving onto Exeter College to study Performing and Production Arts.
Alex Winterbottom earned seven grade 9s including Science, Maths, Geography and Art & Design and is going to Exeter Maths School to study Double Mathematics and Physics.
Aidan Corbett achieved a grade 7 or above in seven GCSEs and will be pursuing A-Levels in Environmental Science, Biology, Geography and Microbiology at Exeter College.
Emily Wray achieved four grade 7s and 5 grade 8s across her subjects including French, Science, History and Maths and is excited to be joining The Maynard School.

Vicki Joyce, Headteacher at Isca Academy, said: "I’m absolutely delighted with the results our students have achieved this year. Their determination, resilience and ambition reflect everything we stand for at Isca Academy. These outcomes are not only a celebration of academic success, but reflect the values and character our young people have developed throughout their time with us. It has been a joy to share this moment with our students and their families, who have worked in partnership with our dedicated staff to support each child’s journey. We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished and excited to see them take their next steps with confidence, creativity and purpose. The future is full of opportunity and I know our students are ready to embrace it."

West Exe School

West Exe School provides a learning environment in which all students feel safe, valued and known and where they can develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become successful learners, confident young people and responsible global citizens.

Students and staff were elated today as Year 11 students achieved a set of results to be proud of. Three quarters successfully passed both English and Maths, a notable increase when compared to last year, and placing the school considerably above the national average yet again. For those students experiencing disadvantage, there was a sharp increase in the percentage of students achieving 5+ in Maths compared to previous years, giving students the best possible opportunity to pursue their first choice next steps.

This year saw so many success stories including:

Tom who achieved eight grade 9s.
Shingi who achieved an incredible 6 GCSEs after just over a year in the UK.
Natan who got an amazing ten GCSEs with nine of those at grade 8 or above.
Ella-Grace who achieved ten GCSEs with 9 of them at grade 8 or above.

Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said: "GCSE results day is a proud moment for our students and it’s been such a joy to celebrate their achievements with them and their families this morning. At West Exe, we are committed to educating our students so they live great lives and make the world a better place. This year, our students have embraced a range of opportunities beyond the classroom; they were a key part of our school becoming the first in Devon to be awarded the prestigious Gold award quality mark for our work on anti-bullying, and they took on the Ten Tors challenge, where they showed incredible resilience and teamwork. Our students have become confident, compassionate young people ready to thrive in whatever path they choose next, and we couldn’t be prouder of them. We wish them all the very best in their next chapter and can’t wait to hear how they get on in the future."

The schools are all part of the Ted Wragg Trust, an ambitious and inclusive family of schools strengthening communities through excellent education. Their mission is to transform lives and strengthen communities to make the world a better place through their values of ambition, collaboration and selflessness.

Moria Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: “Congratulations to all the students across Exeter receiving their GCSE results today. These achievements are a reflection of their determination, perseverance, and ambition, qualities that will serve them well in the future. I’m also incredibly grateful to our dedicated staff and supportive families whose commitment and encouragement have played a vital role in helping students reach their full potential. We look forward to seeing our students take their next steps with confidence and pride."