South Devon High School GCSE students are celebrating today as they collect their exam results, with outstanding success in vocational subjects.  

This year sees 92% of students achieve success across 12 vocational subjects including Games Design, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, Adventure Sports, Sports Coaching, Automotive, Mechanical Engineering, Animal Care, Performing Arts, Health and Social Care, Childcare and Public Services. 

Seven subjects including Travel and Tourism, Sports Coaching, Childcare, Automotive, Public Services, Mechanical Engineering and Animal Care – achieved a 100% pass rate, while students also secured 9 distinctions in Hospitality and 12 distinctions in Sports Coaching, proving that South Devon High School’s blend of academic and technical education is already delivering positive outcomes for its students.  

Alongside this, students achieved strong outcomes in their core GCSEs  

Sophie Blee, 16, from Paignton, achieved grade 5 in Maths and grade 7 in English. She is staying on to do the Maritime Level 2 course at South Devon College. 

She said: “I’d like to go on to do the more hands-on maritime, on boats – water, harbour, patrol. I really enjoyed my time at the college. It’s more of an immersive experience. You’re more involved in things, like with my course, you’re down in the marina, working on the boats. Especially at the college, you’re put into more of a real-world experience.” 

Sophie would be joined on the Maritime course by fellow student Bonnie Bell-Chapman, 16, from Brixham, who achieved grade 8 in Photography, grade 5 in Maths, a Distinction Star in Sports, a Merit in Travel and Tourism, a Merit in Food, grades 5/5 in Science, grade 6 in English Language and grade 8 in English Literature. Bonnie has her sights set on becoming a captain, and already spends much of her time on the water as a keen swimmer and lifeguard. 

She said: “I really enjoyed the teaching, and the environment is so nice.” Her advice for future students: “Work hard and always try your best.” 

Sam Mariott, 16, from Totnes, achieved grade 5 in Photography, grade 4 in Maths, a Pass in Adventure Sport, a Merit in Catering and grade 6 in English Language. He is going on to study catering at South Devon College. 

He said: “Someday I’d like to own a café or my own catering business would be great.” Reflecting on his advice for other students, he added: “Confidence is very important, even if you don’t believe in yourself, it’s always going to turn out better than you think. If you believe in yourself and go into the exams with a good mindset then things will work out for you.” 

Lottie Marlow, 16, from Brixham, achieved grade 8 in English Language, grade 5 in Maths, grade 6 in History, a Pass in Childcare and grades 5/4 in Combined Science. 

She said: “It was nice because we are treated like adults, they use our first name and so it’s more like a college atmosphere.”  

Lottie’s dad, Glen, said the family are proud of her progress: “We are so proud of Lottie today, we knew she’d do well because she always puts 100% in and we often have to tell her to slow down. We are incredibly proud of her and she has flourished here.” 

Will Brounger, 16, from Brixham, achieved grade 6 in Photography, a Pass in Automotive, grade 5 in Maths, a Pass in Engineering, a Distinction* in Sports Science, grade 6 in English Language, grade 5 in Science and grade 6 in English Literature. He is going on to study Sport and Exercise Science at South Devon College. 

He said: “Meeting people has been the best thing about studying here.” 

Joey Hancox, 16, from Brixham, achieved grade 4 in Photography, grade 6 in Maths, a Pass in Childcare, a Distinction* in Sport Coaching, a Merit in Food and Cookery, grades 5/4 in Combined Science, grade 5 in English Language and grade 5 in English Literature. He is going on to study sports coaching on a post-16 course with Plymouth Argyle, with the ambition of going into football coaching. 

He said: “I’ve met a lot of really lovely people in my time here, and we will probably be friends for a lifetime now.” 

Matt Burrows, Head of South Devon High School, said: “I am delighted with the achievements of our pupils, and particularly proud of the outstanding success we’re seeing across our vocational subjects, where students have excelled. This reflects the strength of combining academic rigour with high-quality technical education, and it is a testament to the hard work of our pupils and the outstanding support and guidance provided by their teachers. 

“Pupils can now look forward to their exciting next steps, with many progressing to A Levels or technical and professional courses at South Devon College. Congratulations to all our GCSE students – we’re very proud of you all and look forward to seeing you progress further in your education.” 

South Devon High School is committed to giving young people the best chance to succeed by combining academic and technical qualifications and providing a nationally recognised careers programme and exceptional personal development. In June 2024 the School was recognised by Ofsted as ‘Outstanding’. 

High School students now have excellent progression opportunities into further and higher education, with around 70% of GCSE pupils this year expected to progress on to study either A-Levels or specific technical qualifications at Level 3. 

For more information about South Devon High School, visit our Information Evening on Tuesday 20th October. Alternatively email [email protected].