From national public speaking finals to standout stage performances and top music exam marks, pupils at Shebbear College are celebrating a series of achievements across the performing arts.
The North Devon independent school has praised pupils for success in music, drama and public speaking, with several students recognised at national level and others achieving top examination results at a young age.
Dolly Brookes, in Form 5, and Cherrie Tong, in Form 3, both achieved distinctions in their Grade 8 music examinations — the highest possible award. Dolly achieved the result in flute, while Cherrie secured the accolade in piano at the age of 13.
Cherrie, a boarder from Hong Kong, said: “I was really happy when I got the result, I worked really hard and I’m proud of myself.
“I was aiming for a distinction, but I was not sure if I would get it. I’m going to do my Diploma next, which is the level after Grade 8.”
Dolly said: “It did not really hit me that my exam was coming up, so in the two weeks before, I played every single night, hoping I would pass.
“When I came out of the exam, I thought it had gone fairly well, but when I found out it was a distinction, I was very happy.”
Rebecca Sadler-Smith, head of creative and performing arts at Shebbear College, said: “Grade 8 is typically the highest qualification our pupils study for.
“It reflects the many hours they have dedicated to their instruments. To achieve a Grade 8 distinction, especially when these girls are not yet in Sixth Form, is incredible. We are very proud of them.”
Lower Sixth pupil Yvie Tilley also represented the college at the ISA Young Musician Competition 2026 at St Hilda’s College, University of Oxford, after being selected as a national finalist.
Meanwhile, Eleanor Foster reached the national finals of the ISA Public Speaking Competition with her original speech, The Power of a Question.
The school’s recent production of Sister Act also highlighted the depth of performing arts talent at the college, with Year 11 pupil Evie Highet praised for her lead role as Deloris Van Cartier.
Shebbear College said the achievements reflected the strength of its performing arts department and the support available for pupils developing skills in music, drama and public speaking.
