Students at The Taunton Academy are celebrating another very strong set of GCSE results. Once again there were some outstanding individual success stories. Shannon Bradner achieved nine grade 9s, Ella Gould gained seven grade 9s and two grade 8s and Olivia Snow was awarded four grade 9s and four grade 8s.

Head Teacher John Eddy said: “The last 18 months for these students has been incredibly challenging. There has been the uncertainty of lockdown in Year 10, the restrictions imposed on everyday life, forced periods of self-isolation, remote learning and then the cancellation of the final exams. It is difficult to overestimate just how hard this has been for the students to process and to adjust to and yet they have done it with remarkable grace and good humour. There are so many success stories at every level.

“The spread of success across all subject areas is testament to their skill. The process to reach these teacher assessed grades has been rigorous and there should be no doubt that the grades awarded are a true reflection of student attainment. I am delighted that these grades will allow them to progress to the next stage of their education and wish them every success for the future.”

“‘This was a fantastic year group who have worked hard over their five years at the academy and richly deserve their success. I am grateful to all the teaching staff for their hard work in supporting the students and navigating this turbulent period with professionalism and kindness.”