Pupils in Devon and Cornwall open GCSE results

Jacob is one student from Devon who received his results on Thursday

Students across Devon and Cornwall have been receiving their GCSE results.

Results are set to drop for a second year running, falling to 2019 pre-pandemic levels in England.

Student Jacob, 16, from Winkleigh, is one of the pupils in Devon who opened his results after he missed months of school following a brain tumour diagnosis.

He said he had "done quite well" and was "happy" with what he received.

Jacob was diagnosed when he was 12

"I passed everything," he said.

In 2018, when he was 12, Jacob was diagnosed with a brain tumour and endured two operations and 18 months of chemotherapy.

His mother Elaine said: "We were really grateful of the normality of going in and hospital school being available too.

"The teachers would come to the bedside and offer him a lesson in Maths or Physics and really supported us at a time when we needed it."

• Listen: Radio Devon - Jacob talks about his GCSE results

At Hayle Academy there were "nerves and... a lot of excitement" when students were receiving their results.

Head teacher Melissa Lock said: "I think they feel a bit hard done by, given the challenges they faced over the past five years and the impact of the pandemic.

"They want to achieve their full potential and don't want anything to hold that back.

"I'm really proud of our students and our community."

Headteacher of Bodmin College Joanne Guest said she "could not be prouder" of her students.

"What they have achieved for their all-important GCSEs is a true testament to their conscientious attitude, dedication and diligence," she said.

Mr Andy Johnson, headteacher at Truro School, said: "Today is an opportunity to celebrate the academic successes that are vital to our pupils being able to continue those journeys on the courses of their own choice."