Gorsedh Kernow has warmly welcomed news of the results from this year’s Cornish language examinations.  

KESVA - The Cornish Language Board - set up in 1967 by Gorsedh Kernow and the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, has announced another year of impressive results from the 68 candidates who took their exams in June.

’This is more than 20% up again on last year’s number of candidates who are learning and taking exams in our precious Cornish language, Kernewek and more than a 40% rise in the number of students taking their First Grade exams,’ said Grand Bard of Cornwall Merv Davey, Telynyor an Weryn, ’and I would like to say “Keslowena dhywgh hwi oll” which means ‘Congratulations to you all’ in Cornish, you have all worked so hard.’

The results are spread across the four grades of examinations currently offered by the Cornish Language Board with the largest group of candidates based in Cornwall.

The Grand Bard expressed his gratitude to all the teachers and examiners, many of whom are bards of Gorsedh Kernow, who give a lot of their own time to help their students learn Cornish in a variety of ways including classes, self teach books and online courses.

’The Council of Europe have recognised the Cornish people and the importance of our cultural assets, such as Kernewek, under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities,’ said Merv Davey, ’and once again we call on HM Government to reconsider their cuts to Cornish language funding.’

The successful candidates for 2017 are:

First Grade: Pass with Distinction

Kirsty Lauder, Saltash

Kevin Steede, Gunnislake

First Grade: Pass

Tanya Brittain, Looe

David Knott, Liskeard

Victoria Reece-Romain, Liskeard

Hannah Sharp, Saltash

Sarah Wheldon, Callington

Second Grade: Pass with Distinction

Lisa Crosswood, Liskeard

Owain Holland, Fowey

Thomas Kadleck, Liskeard

Second Grade: Pass

Sam Constance, Liskeard

Emma Julian, Liskeard

Shaun Rennie-Plume, Callington

James Williams, Calstock

Third Grade: Pass

Phil Hurley, Calstock

Sue Lumley, Callington

Rebecca Sharp, Saltash