Shebbear College is celebrating a string of outstanding achievements across its Performing Arts department, with pupils excelling in music, public speaking and on the national stage.
Among the successes, Dolly Brookes (Form 5) and Cherrie Tong (Form 3) have both achieved Distinction – the highest possible award – in their Grade 8 music examinations. Dolly (flute) and Cherrie (piano) reached this prestigious level at a notably young age, with Cherrie just 13 when she sat her exam.
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 wasn’t sure if I would get it. I’m going to do my Diploma next, which is the level after Grade 8.”
Dolly, who is currently balancing her GCSE studies alongside further musical preparation, reflected: “It didn’t really hit me that my exam was coming up, so in the two weeks before, I played every single night, hoping I’d 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!”
Head of Creative and Performing Arts at Shebbear College, Rebecca SadlerSmith, said, “Grade 8 is typically the highest qualification our pupils study for. It reflects the many hours they’ve dedicated to their instruments. To achieve a Grade 8 distinction, especially when these girls aren’t yet in Sixth Form, is incredible. We are very proud of them.”
Adding to this musical success, Yvie Tilley (Lower Sixth) recently represented the College at the ISA Young Musician Competition 2026, held at St Hilda’s College, University of Oxford. Having been selected as a national finalist, she performed with confidence, musical maturity and artistry on a highly competitive stage.
Excellence in performance extends beyond music. Eleanor (Lower Sixth) secured a place in the national finals of the ISA Public Speaking Competition with her original speech, “The Power of a Question.” Her eloquence, confidence and ability to engage an audience earned her a place among the top young speakers in the country.
The school’s recent Senior School production of Sister Act further showcased the breadth of talent within the performing arts. The feelgood production was celebrated for its energy, humour and strong sense of teamwork, with standout performances from the cast, in particular Evie Highet in Year 11, starring as Deloris Van Cartier, who carried much of the production with outstanding confidence and skill.
These achievements collectively highlight the strength and vibrancy of the Performing Arts at Shebbear College. From instrumental excellence to drama and public speaking on a national stage, pupils are supported to develop their talents with confidence, creativity and ambition.
The school community is immensely proud of these individual pupil achievements, whose achievements reflect the thriving creative life of the College.
