CALLINGTON Community College is celebrating an exceptional set of Key Stage 5 results, with students praised for their determination, academic achievements and commitment to the wider school community.

The 2026 cohort was relatively small, but staff said the students had made a significant contribution to college life while working towards their next steps.

Among the standout performers was Darcy Gerlach Shorten, who achieved A* grades in all four of her A levels – Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Geography. She will now move to Germany to study Mechanical Engineering.

George Law also achieved an outstanding set of results, gaining A* and A grades across Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. He will take up a place studying Natural Sciences at Downing College, Cambridge, fulfilling a lifelong ambition.

George was also praised for his contribution to college life, including running the Chess Club during break times.

Students Jack and Sally Martin are all smiles after picking up their A Level results from Callington Community College
Students Jack and Sally Martin are all smiles after picking up their A Level results from Callington Community College (Callington Community College)

Another inspirational student was Matthew Holland, who combined his studies with international ice swimming, winning major awards while also working as a lifeguard and helping train young people about sea safety.

Matthew achieved A* grades in Chemistry and Biology and an A in Psychology. He will study Medicine at the University of Exeter, with a sponsorship payment recognising his achievements.

Principal Wendy Ainsworth said: “These students aren’t the only ones off to study science and maths related subjects. It has been another incredible year for these subjects and we are particularly proud also of our geography department.”

More than a third of Geography students achieved grades of B or above, with no grades below C, while 80 per cent of Criminology students achieved B grades or above, again with no grades below C.

Across all A levels, 79.2 per cent of students achieved grades of B or above.

Callington student Connor Smith is all smiles following his results, he is now off to Southampton University to take up Aeronautics and Astronautics
Callington student Connor Smith is all smiles following his results, he is now off to Southampton University to take up Aeronautics and Astronautics (Callington Community College)

Other students heading to university include Poppy Harrison Shearer, who will study Medicine in Plymouth; Connor Smith, who is taking Aeronautics and Astronautics at Southampton; and Kaci Simpson French, who will study Criminology in Plymouth.

Tiago Mendez will study Neuroscience at Keele, Olivia Grundy will study Banking and Finance in Bristol, Wendy Macdonald will study Business Management at Cardiff, and Sally Martin will study Psychology and Criminal Justice at Liverpool John Moores.

Head of Sixth Form Tammy Rice added: “These are just a small snapshot of what our young people have achieved. They have all exceeded expectations and are now off to pursue their dreams, with the vast majority going to their first choice universities.

“Class of 2026, we are so very proud of you and everything you have achieved. Well done to every single one of you!”