GCSE pupils across borough wake up to discover their exam results

GCSE pupils at Islwyn High School celebrating their results

Pupils across Caerphilly County Borough opened their GCSE results this morning (Thursday August 21).

Across Wales, the number of pupils receiving grades between A* and C is marginally up – rising from 62.2% last year to 62.5% this year. However, this is still lower than in 2023 (64.9%) and 2022 (68.6%).

The percentage of pupils receiving the top grades – A* and A – is also up to 19.5% this year, a small increase on last year’s 19.2%. Again however, this is lower than the 21.7% recorded in 2023, and the 25.1% figure from 2022.

Overall, 96.9% of grades were marked G or above this year, up from 96.6% last year. This year’s percentage is the same as in 2023, but lower than 2022’s 97.3%.

Students across Caerphilly County Borough receive their A-level results

‘End of an era‘

This year’s results day marks the end of an era at Lewis Girls’ School in Ystrad Mynach, with its phased merger with Lewis School Pengam beginning in September.

In a joint statement, headteachers Chris Parry and Lynette Denton described pupils’ achievements as “most pleasing” and said: “We are very proud of them all.

“Their performance has aligned with the ambitious targets we set, with notable success among our more able and most vulnerable students, who have exceeded expected outcomes.”

While the schools are still processing this year’s overall GCSE results, the headteachers said it bodes well ahead of the merger.

“We are confident moving forward that the amalgamation… will serve to strengthen student outcomes and school performance data in the coming years.”

Mrs Denton added: “It has been a lovely atmosphere and one of smiles and celebrations here at Lewis Girls’ School this morning as we mark the end of an era as Lewis Girls’ school.”

Meanwhile, at Islwyn High School, more than 70% of pupils achieving at least five grades at A* to C. Meanwhile, 16% of pupils achieved grades A* to A, with 97% of pupils achieving at least five passes.

Headteacher Jason Hicks said the results are “a credit to all the hard work of staff and students alike”.

He continued: “These GCSE results are a strong foundation for our students as they take the next steps in their journeys and we are immensely proud of what they have achieved.

“This could not have been achieved without genuine partnerships between school and the families in the community we serve.”

‘We are moving in the right direction’

Wales’ education secretary, Lynne Neagle, congratulated everyone receiving their GCSE results today and said: “I hope you got the grades you wanted and whether you decide to carry on with education, choose vocational training or employment there are many options available.

“For those seeking guidance on their next steps, support remains available through your school or college and the Young Person’s Guarantee, which provides a range of options.

“I wish you Pob lwc, and best wishes for the future.”

Discussing this year’s results, Ms Neagle said: “We have seen some strong results at our top grades and across a range of subjects including Maths and English. A positive indication that we are moving in the right direction with attainment in our schools.

“I also want to pay tribute to our teachers and education workforce whose support and hard work has helped our learners thrive.”

South Wales East MS Natasha Asghar, who is the Conservatives’ shadow education secretary, also congratulated pupils and school staff, but highlighted the fact that both the pass rate and top grades were lower in Wales than in England.

Ms Asghar said: “The fact that you have worked so hard and achieved so much is in spite of all of the issues facing education after 26 years of Labour failure, with both the pass rate and top grades remaining significantly lower in Wales than in England.

“The Welsh Conservatives would restore academic rigour and discipline to our schools, teach pupils vital life skills and ban mobile phones from classrooms.”