THERE were some amazing GCSE results for hundreds of students across South East Cornwall yesterday, despite changes to the exam system during the last year. Nationally the effects of the changes have been seen in a record fall in English Language results and the number of A* grades down by one per cent. But A grades remained the same as last year, with an increase in grade Cs, and maths results up to a record level. Commenting on the mixed bag of results across the country, the outgoing headteacher at Liskeard School and Community College Donna Bryant said: 'It is wonderful to see so many of our students succeed despite changes to the exam system that have taken place within this academic year. 'We do, however, have a number of concerns which appear to be part of a national picture of turbulence, which we will be following up with the exam boards.' However, students at the local area's five colleges have coped well with the changes, and have done 'outstandingly well' with buckets full of A*s and A grades, and increased percentages in A* to C grades. One of the most inspiring results came from Ellie Spencer who attends saltash.net community school. Despite being diagnosed with cancer in Year 9 and receiving treatment throughout her GCSE study years, she gained the school's top result with 9 A*s and 2 As. Other amazing results came at Liskeard Community College where Laura Jenkins gained 15 A*s and As, with Sam Hooper and Laura Casley gaining 14 A*s/As each and Emma Wilton and Chelsea n From page 1 Randall with 13 A*s/As each. At Callington Community College Jenna Buxton achieved 11 A*s and two As, making her South East Cornwall's highest achiever overall. Fellow Callington students Tess Masselink and Yve Taylor both gained 10 A*s and 2 As, Jess Hawkin 8 A*s, Pippa Luckhurst 7 A*s/3 As, and Rebecca Mayo and Charlotte Watts both had 6 A* and 3 A grades. Headteacher Sean Morris reported that 77 per cent of students achieved A*-C grades in maths, more than 70 per cent gained five or more A*-C grades and 99 per cent had one or more A*-C grades, with 56 per cent achieving five A*-C grades, including maths and English. He said: 'I am delighted by the achievements of all our young people. The progress is the result of the dedication of staff, the positive attitudes and determination of students, and the high level of support of parents.' Torpoint Community College said their 'inspired' students have achieved the highest results in their history. More than 97 per cent of students gained at least one A*-C grade, and with several results still to come in, due to exam changes, the 62 per cent figure of five or more grades A*-C, including English and maths, is expected to increase further. Headteacher Andrea Hazeldine said: 'It is clear the Class of 2014 was a special group who rose to every challenge and change as dictated by the Department for Education. The staff and governors are extremely proud of our students.' Highest achiever was Lucy Haggerty with 10 A*s , while other top results were from Alice Varley 4 A*s/4 As, and Chloe Roberts 4 A*s/5 As. Hannah Byre, Megan Roberts and Aimee Hannaford gained 5 A*s and 18 A grades between them. At Saltash the English GCSE results went against the national trend, with 83 per cent of the 224 students achieving A*-C grades in the subject. At the top end the Year 11 students excelled themselves by smashing their target of 12 per cent achieving at least 3A* or A grades, with the outcome being 19 per cent. Among the highest achievers were Lauren Armstrong with 8 A*s/3 As, Ellen Hambly 8 A*s/2 As, James Duff 8 A*s/1 A, Georgina Curtis 7 A*s/ 3 As, Chloe Soltysik 6 A*s/4 As and Molly Stubbs 6 A*s/4 As. At the Trematon Area Resource Base, which is based at the college, Joe Russon achieved a significant success by notching up an E grade in English language. Headteacher Isobel Bryce commented: 'It was a year of many challenges for a large number of our young people sitting their exams this summer, due to being faced with a change of Government policy part way through the GCSE courses. We are very proud of all our students .' At Looe Community Academy there were some notable successes, with 10 or more A*/A grades awarded to Daniela Dominguez, Eleanor Frew, who also had a double A* award in further mathematics, Daniel Godo-Dempsey, Gilly Walsh, Hannah Barclay and Georgina Price. Headteacher Heather Jenkins said: 'Staff and governors congratulate the Class of 2014 who have clearly worked extremely hard to secure the school's best results ever.'