Students across the borough receive their A-Level results

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Students across Caerphilly County Borough are receiving their A-level results today (Thursday, August 13).

Many of those collecting their results today began comprehensive school in 2019/20 – a year curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The overall pass rate across Wales, which includes grades A* to E, is at 97.7% this year – a rise from last year’s 97.5%.

The proportion of A-level grades marked between A*-A has risen across the board in the UK, with Wales’ figures going slightly up from 29.5% to 29.6%.

Nearly 350 more students sat A-level exams this summer, too, with 13,930 students receiving grades this year.

AS-level, Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate, and vocational qualification learners have also been receiving their results this morning.

St Martin’s School, in Caerphilly, reported strong performances for their 150 A-Level students, with the headline figures:

• A*–A: 20%*

• A–C: 64%*

• A–E: 94%*

Also, St Martins announced that 96% of learners achieved the Level 3 threshold of two A-Level passes.

Headteacher Lee Jarvis congratulated students on their achievements: “Our Sixth Form students have once again demonstrated exceptional commitment and maturity. Their results reflect not only their hard work but also the personalised support and high‑quality teaching provided by our dedicated staff.

“We wish all our learners the very best as they begin the next exciting chapter in their lives, fully prepared for life beyond St Martins.”

Pupils at Coleg Gwent have also been collecting their results today.

In total, 98.3% of students at the college achieved A*-E grades, while 1,114 of BTEC students achieved a pass grade or higher across 11 different vocational subject areas.

Cole Gwent’s campus in Crosskeys achieved an 88.91% pass rate for students. Among those is Chase Campbell, a student at the college and a member of the Welsh Youth Parliament.

Chase is celebrating his achievement of A*, A, B, in his A-levels, securing his place to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics with a foundation year at Oxford. 

Chase said: “The support I’ve received from everyone at Coleg Gwent has been incredible. My tutors have always encouraged me to challenge myself and aim higher and I genuinely don’t think I’d be where I am today without them. I’m really excited to begin my next chapter at Oxford University.”

Coleg y Cymoedd, which covers both Caerphilly County Borough and Rhondda Cynon Taf, has boasted another successful year of results, reaching yet another 99% pass rate.

Caerphilly-based pair Matthew Goodwin and Iwan Matthews both gained AAA grades, and will study Medicine at Bangor University.

A set of twins from Caerphilly are also celebrating. James and Sam Jones, both 18, achieved Triple D* in their BTEC Construction and Built Environment course, and will now complete their education journey together at Cardiff University, where they will study Architecture.

Another learner celebrating is Wales’ leading table tennis star, Toby Harwood, from Caerphilly, who will study Physiotherapy at Sheffield Hallam University.

Toby gained AABB grades, which is even more impressive given that, during his time at Coleg y Cymoedd, Toby enjoyed remarkable success on the table tennis circuit.

Coleg y Cymoedd principal Jonathan Morgan, said: “We are immensely proud of our learners and their achievements this year.

“These results reflect not only their hard work and resilience but also the unwavering support of our dedicated tutors and support teams.”

‘Plenty of exciting opportunities lie ahead’

Cefin Campbell, the Welsh Government’s deputy minister for skills and tertiary education, congratulated pupils across Wales and said: “You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. Whether you’re heading to university, an apprenticeship, employment or exploring your next steps, plenty of exciting opportunities lie ahead. 

“I also want to recognise the unwavering support from teachers and education staff whose efforts have played a vital role in these learners’ achievements.”

Mr Campbell continued: “If your results aren’t quite what you hoped for, remember they don’t define your future and it’s not the end of the road. There are lots of options open to you and support is available through Working Wales – part of Careers Wales – or your school or college, to help you find the path that’s right for you.”

Sam Rowlands, the Welsh Conservative education spokesperson, echoed this and said: “For so many young people, today is the deserved reward for their hard work, determination and resilience.

“I wish every young person success for the future, whether their next stage is going on to university, an apprenticeship or starting work.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to parents, teachers and school staff for the support they’ve given students throughout their studies.”

‘Underfunding’

Daniel Marney, of the National Education Union Cymru, also congratulated students but highlighted flaws in the current education system.

He said: “Too many students are trying to succeed despite all the challenges they currently face due to the underfunding of the education system in Wales and an inability to access the additional learning needs support they require.

“Whilst this year’s results are broadly stable from last year and better than the UK average, it is really unhelpful to compare results from one year to the next.

“End of course exams are far from the best and fairest way to assess students’ skills. Some qualifications awarded today use a mixture of assessment methods but are no less robust.”