The overall pass rate for A-levels in Caerphilly County Borough has fallen in 2012.
The percentage of students getting grades A* to E fell from last year’s record 98% to 95.3%.
There was also a fall in the numbers getting grades C or above with 65.2% in 2012 compared to 2011’s 71.3%.
Caerphilly County Borough Council said there had been a slight rise in the number of entries this year from 1,410 to 1,418, after significant increases over the previous three years. This year has also seen more learners enhancing their learning experiences through the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Cllr Rhianon Passmore, cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, was keen to recognise the achievement of the students and their teachers.
She said: “Our young people and their teachers deserve to be congratulated on their performance. The results are due to the hard work of our students and the commitment of the teachers of Caerphilly county borough”.
“From September, Caerphilly will be working closely with the new Education Achievement Service (EAS) for South East Wales, which was formed by Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Newport, Monmouthshire and Torfaen local authorities to provide increased levels of challenge and support to schools. The EAS will work with governors, school leaders and staff to improve the learning experiences of children and young people and, through this, enhance their success in national examinations and opportunities for employment.”
Advice to university and college applicants ahead of A level results day
National News: A-level results 2012: A grades fall
It was good news at Coleg Gwent’s Crosskeys campus – the main site for A-Levels – where students achieved a pass rate of 99.3%. The overall pass rate at A* to C at the campus was 77.5%, a slight improvement on last year’s figure.
Coleg Gwent Principal Jim Bennett said: “Both staff and students should be extremely proud of themselves. These results, along with our excellent vocational results, are a superb testimony to the hard work and commitment of everyone at the college. News of the results follows the good outcomes from the recent Estyn Inspection, which rated the college as amongst the best in Wales.
“The pass rate of 99.3% at Crosskeys Campus is exceptional. As Coleg Gwent’s main campus for A-level provision, and the model for A-levels that will be offered at the Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone in Ebbw Vale from September, this is a significant benchmark of the very high quality of education that Coleg Gwent offers.
“The calibre of teachers who will be delivering A-levels at the Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone is outstanding and we expect the same success when we receive our first set of results at the new campus next summer.
“All these students have a fantastic future ahead of them and we wish them all the very best of luck as they take up their next challenge.”
Across Wales, the overall pass rate was 97.6% with 75% passing at grade C or above. The passrate for AS-levels was 86.4%.
More students also achieved the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma with 8,259 students getting the qualification – an increase of 1,311 (18.8%) compared to last year.
Welsh Education Minister Leighton Andrews praised the efforts of students.
He said: “They’ve worked hard and deserve credit for what they have achieved. Parents and teachers should also be applauded for the support they’ve offered our young people along the way.
“It is also encouraging to see our flagship Welsh Baccalaureate continuing to grow in popularity as more and more young people recognise the added value it offers them when applying for University or entering the work place by developing the skills and attitudes that universities and employers demand.
“It is positive to see further improvements being made in the A level pass rates this year and an increasing proportion of grades being awarded at grade C or above.
“The A level remains a highly respected qualifications across the UK which requires substantial hard work and dedication. Many congratulations to students celebrating their hard earned success, I wish them well for their future whether that’s seeking employment or going on to Higher Education.”