GCSE pride as Paignton Academy students collect results

Students at Paignton Academy are celebrating their GCSE results today, with strong performances recorded across a range of subjects.

The Academy, part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust and based on Waterleat Road and Borough Road, reported particular success in art, where 95% of students gained a grade 4 or higher and 31% achieved grade 7 or above. In ICT, 81% of students achieved a grade 4 or higher.

There were also improvements in sport, business studies, child development, drama, English literature, French, geography and Spanish.

Among the top performers were:

• Melissa Bonnett, who secured all grades at 7 and above, including grade 9s in ethics, science and geography.

• Julia Olefir, who achieved grades 7 and 8 in all subjects, with grade 8s in English literature, maths, Spanish and business.

• Alfie Hutton, who gained grade 8s in English literature, sport and business.

Collecting her results, Melissa Bonnett said: “I am so pleased with these results. I worked really hard and revised thoroughly but also the way that my teachers prepared me for the exams meant that I knew how to answer the questions and what to expect as well. This made a real difference to me.”

Principal Derwyn Williams also commented on the special day, “Results days are always emotional and today we are feeling proud, grateful and excited. Our students have worked so hard for this moment, and they have done themselves proud.

“Our students have shown ambition, pride, and a real love of learning, supported by strong relationships and a shared sense of community. At Paignton Academy, our Thinking Toolkit empowers students to become lifelong learners; reflective, resilient, and ready for the future.”

Regional Director Jay Davenport added: “Students at Paignton Academy have shown real determination in their learning. Today’s outcomes demonstrate encouraging progress, and we are excited to build on this as we continue to raise aspirations and achievement.

“We are thankful to the staff, parents and carers, and the local community for their ongoing support.”