STUDIOUS teenagers across Mid Devon were rewarded for their hard work and dedication with some "outstanding" GCSE results last Tuesday.

Months of uncertainty and tension made way for exam ecstasy when the brown envelopes were torn open just after 9am.

Teachers at Tiverton High School have hailed another successful year as 93 per cent of all pupils leave this summer with qualifications.

But Jon Sowden, who teaches science and drama, said results day marked the end of an era.

He said: "We've been saying our goodbyes to the pupils for several months now, but they just keep coming back for more.

"It's an emotional day and it is good to see the students go on to the next stage of their careers.

"It is a highlight of the year. It's a brilliant feeling to see all of these smiling faces, and I wouldn't miss it for the world."

A total of 60 per cent of pupils gained five or more GCSE grades A* to C and 45 per cent of those included maths and English.

Among the high fliers were head boy Jack Wakefield, 16, who achieved nine A* and three A grades and a B at AS-level, and Beth Powell, 16, who got one A* and eight A grades.

The percentage of grades gained at A* and A-level at Blundell's School was down on last year, but headmaster Ian Davenport said he was nonetheless pleased with the set of results, which he described as the second best ever recorded at the Tiverton school.

He said: "I am very pleased indeed with these results. One in four of the grades was A*, which is another record for us. The pupils can feel very proud indeed of their efforts across the board; from a year group of 93 pupils 20 achieved straight A or A* grades in all subjects sat, a total of 23 pupils achieved 10 A or A* grades or better, and half of the candidates achieved six A* and A or better."

Last year, 58 per cent of grades achieved were A* or A; this year the figure was 56 per cent,

Among the standout individual performers at the school were Cathy Bremner, who gained 11 A* and one A grade, and Martha Seymour, who achieved 11 A* grades.

Results at Cullompton Community College rose by 11 per cent on last year as 54 per cent of pupils achieved a GCSE pass rate of five A* to C grades, described by acting headteacher Amanda Farmer as a testament to the hard work and commitment of staff and pupils.

Students did particularly well in English this year, with 72 per cent gaining a C or above in language and 87 per cent performing similarly in their literature exams.

Molly Chilton was among the school's high achievers, and with aspirations to read medicine her eight A* and three A grades should stand her in good stead.

Jasmin Hayward also attained six A* grades, head boy Simon Webb eight A grades and Peter Wright two A* grades.

Molly, 16, from Willand, said she would study A levels in maths, biology, chemistry, geography and history at Richard Huish College, Taunton, next year.

She said: "They persuade you to take five A-levels and to drop one in the second year but these grades are very important as it can be so competitive for places at university."

Marta Zdunczyk arrived at the school speaking no English two years ago, but left this summer with a B grade in the subject.

Connie Yeoman, 16, from Cullompton, also studied a course in construction which provided a number of domestic skills.

Connie, who will embark on a catering course at Petroc, formerly East Devon College, Tiverton, next year, said: "We did some building and electrical work and it is all coursework-based, but when I get a house I can do some of the electrics myself, so I won't have to pay somebody else."

There were some tears among the disappointed pupils but Carrie-Anne Duzy, 16, was over the moon with her B grades in English literature and language, physics and English and religious studies.

She said: "I actually slept fine as I didn't think about it. but when I got up this morning I thought 'oh my God, what have I got? Is it going to be good enough to get into college?'"

A few miles north, Uffculme School's head teacher, Lorraine Heath, praised the hard work of both staff and pupils who rushed to the school at 9.30am.

Mrs Heath said: "The pupils did brilliantly, and the results are pretty much the same as last year — 77.5 per cent got five or more GCSE grades with English and maths and 88 per cent got five GCSE grades C or above, so that is outstanding.

"I think these grades are more important than ever, as there is so much pressure for college and university places. so what they take out of this room is the passport to their futures, so I am really proud."

Alex Goff, 16, who lives in Uffculme, achieved nine A grades and four A* grades, and he hopes to pursue a career as a detective. "I only woke up half-an-hour ago, but this is great."

His friend Sam Jones, who is also 16 and lives in Willand, got two A grades in English and maths and will work hard over the coming years to train to become an optician.

His mother Tracey said she moved to the area from Exeter for the purpose of being in the school's catchment area.

She said: "It is a wonderful school — not just for its academic record but for its extracurricular activities and the attitudes of the pupils."

Liam Mclear, 16, who lives in Uffculme, achieved three A* grades and will study business studies, sociology, English language and biology.

"It might seem a bit of a random mix, but it will give me more choice when I leave," he said.

In Crediton, more than 250 outgoing Year 11 pupils from Queen Elizabeth's Community College received their results, with 64 per cent achieving five or more A* to C grades.

A total of 53 per cent went away with five grades from A* to C, including maths and English.

Susanna Stephenson achieved five A and four A* grades and Beth Skinner seven A and four A* grades.

Head teacher Richard Newton Chance said: "We are very proud of the achievements of our young people, who have worked very hard to achieve these results."

Mike Johnson, principal of Chulmleigh Community College, said 98 per cent of all pupils received five GCSE grades.

A total of 79 per cent walked away with five grades between A* and C, and a total of 68 per cent received grades which included maths and English.

Mr Johnson said: "These results are a triumph — to be honest, the college has exceeded its targets. Our young people and their parents should feel very proud of themselves.

"They have worked hard for this and teachers and support staff have worked their socks off. I feel really proud to be working alongside them."