With GCSE results published today, following Tuesday's A-level grades, Honiton Community College's principal has praised his pupils' 'excellent' achievements after a 'difficult and disruptive' two years.

Glenn Smith described both the GCSE and A-level results as 'outstanding'.

He said: "This has been a very different and difficult two years for year 11 and year 13 students.

"Consequently, it would be invidious to pick out individual students for praise when they all deserve congratulating for their perseverance and resilience.

"However, an outstanding example is the two GCSE students who were unable to attend college in person since the first lockdown. They continued with their studies from home, with support from staff and their parents, and now have the grades to continue on their next steps in life."

How GCSE grades were assessed this year

He explained that this year, following the cancellation of exams, GCSE and A-level grades were awarded through a process of teacher-assessed grades, against a national standard, and approved and awarded by the exam boards. The government is not publishing performance data for any schools or colleges this year due to the varying impact of the pandemic.

He added: "Nevertheless, their excellent outcomes are a direct result of the hard work and commitment of both students and staff in unprecedented circumstances.

"We are immensely proud of all the work and achievements of our students, especially after such a difficult and disrupted two years.

"Our teachers and support staff have worked tirelessly to ensure students are all able to progress onto further education and study, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.

"Everyone has gone above and beyond throughout the pandemic and this year's grades are a true reflection of the ability and tenacity of all concerned."