HEARTFELT embraces and many happy smiles followed the opening of GCSE results at the two secondary schools in St Austell.

Penrice Academy and Poltair School welcomed back pupils from the classes of 2024 so they could receive their results in person.

At Penrice, more than 80 per cent of students secured grade 4 (standard pass) or above in English. This figure was also mirrored in the maths scores. In science, 87 per cent of pupils secured at least one grade 4, with physics being a particular highlight – in this subject, 54 per cent of students achieved grade 7 or higher.

There were further success stories in a whole range of subjects including 90 per cent of students scoring grade 4 or higher in art and also in PE.

Drama, health and social care, and music BTECs all had level 2 pass rates of 90 per cent.

A Penrice spokesperson said: “Congratulations to Isabella who achieved the highest progress score over five years in the entire year group. She next heads to Truro College to study A-Levels.

“Congratulations also to Yuqian who scored a double-9 in maths. He next heads to Exeter Maths School to study A-Levels.

“Head student Owen achieved a range of grades 6 and 7s across the board, with an 8 in PE. In doing so, he has secured the grades to go to Callywith College to study a BTEC in protective services.”

Poltair School achieved the best results in the school's history, for the third consecutive year.

A Poltair spokesperson said: “Among the many success stories this year, a special mention goes to Caleb, our top-achieving student, who secured an impressive five grade 9s and four grade 8s. Caleb is set to continue his academic journey at Callywith College, where he will study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry.”