The dining room at Truro’s Penair School was transformed into a busy hub of results collection, with emotions running high among students, teachers and parents.

Head boy James Duke, 16, was “really happy” with his results, which included 8s in maths and physics, which he plans to study with 3D design at Truro College.

Head girl Florence Graham, 16, was “thrilled” with a set of results that exceeded her expectations. “I’ve got what I need for college and more,” she said. She also plans to attend Truro College, studying English literature, modern history and drama.

Her father Paul said: “She has achieved fabulous results, and she deserves every single one. Penair has done well by both my children - I would send them there again.”

Hala Elabd and Margarita Kosmani, both 16, will continue their studies at Camborne School of Maths and Science (CSMS). Margarita, who achieved all 7s to 9s, said: “It’s been hard waiting all summer for this day.” Hala, who had an impressive score sheet of 9s and 8s, added: “It feels like a dream.” She planned to celebrate with a Colin the Caterpillar cake.

Twins Lucie and Lottie Penrose were both pleasantly surprised with their results, which they collected in the company of mum Robin. She praised teachers, saying: “The school was amazing, and gave so much support to children and parents.”

Tyler Best received a satisfying set of results three days before his 16th birthday, and will study a Level 3 diploma in art at Truro College. “I’m a little bit sad to leave Penair, but also quite excited,” he said.

Head teacher James Davidson said he was “really pleased” with the results, from a year group whose first year in secondary school coincided with the pandemic. “The students adapted well, and the teachers worked hard to make sure any gaps were filled,” he said.

“As a school, we are pretty much up on where we were last year, and as the national picture looks like results are slightly down, we’re really pleased. It’s a credit to the students for working really hard, and to the staff for supporting them.”

For head of year 11 James Greenwood, this was the first cohort he had seen through KS4. “It’s so rewarding to go on this journey with the students,” he said. “Looking around here today and seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces makes me very happy and extremely proud. It’s what it’s all about from a teacher’s point of view.”  

In contrast, the event marked the last GCSE results day of deputy head Rob Sharpe, who retires on August 31 after 21 years at Penair School. As students queued up to say their good byes and thank yous, he admitted to feeling “big-time” emotional.

“I’m pleased to see so many smiling faces, and to know the results the children have got will allow them to do what they want to do,” he said. “And although it’s my last official function at Penair, I know I will see and speak to the students out and about in Truro, as I always do.”