THERE was a palpable air of tension as anxious GCSE students and parents from Truro’s Penair School waited for the doors to open at 10am. Dads placed supportive hands on the backs of trepidatious teens and teachers made beelines for the students they have nurtured over the past five years, before the crowds were permitted to enter and claim the all-important envelope containing their results.

Headteacher James Davidson said the school was up on every single measure from last year, with 71 per cent of students gaining grade 4 or above in maths and English, and 68 per cent of students gaining grade 4 and above in five or more GCSE subjects.

“It’s a really good set of results,” he said. “Our students have done really well - and two thirds of this year group are boys, with the national picture suggesting they don’t do as well as girls, so we are bucking the trend. I say well done to all our students, boys and girls.”

Jasper Blenkin, 16, from Carnon Downs, was relieved to have got the grades to embark upon a business diploma at Truro College. “I got better than I thought I would, which is a big relief,” he said. His dad, Jonny, added: “I’m delighted for him. He’s passed everything and can move on now.”

Amelia Awdry was celebrating passing her maths GCSE, while Rowan Vergnault was pleased with “a cheeky 9” in French. Lucy Jadav, meanwhile, admitted: “My heart was pumping this morning, and I’m relieved with my results, which mean I can go to Truro College to study biology, geography and environmental science A levels to go into conservation.”

Mali Jones highlighted an 8 in further maths, and cringed when mum Sally pointed out a string of 9s and 8s, adding: “I’m super-proud – she got the grades she deserved.” Mali will study A levels in English, history and film.

Jacek Paxton scored a 9 in art, and was set to study it with maths and geography at Truro College, while Jack McNair was thrilled to exceed his expectations in English literature and be able to follow his chosen career path.

Not everyone ripped open their envelope on the spot. Callum Parson exercised some restraint: “There are so many people here, and I don’t like opening them in a crowd where everyone can see my face. I’ll wait until I get home and open them with my mum.”