GCSE Results Day: Pupils across borough receive their results

Pupils across Caerphilly County Borough opened their GCSE results this morning (Thursday August 20).

Across Wales, the number of pupils achieving grades A* and A has risen slightly to 19.6% – up from 19.5% last year.

Meanwhile, 62.3% of results were grades A* to C – down from 2025’s figure of 62.5%.

In total, 96.9% of grades were were A* to G – the same percentage as last year.

‘These results open doors to exciting futures‘

St Martins School in Caerphilly has marked “one of the strongest academic performances in the school’s history”, according to headteacher Lee Jarvis.

Nearly a quarter (24%) of pupils there achieved five straight A* grades – while nearly 70% achieved a C or above in English, Maths, and Science.

Mr Jarvis said the year group “beat the tough target set for them by the school”, with the “majority” of subjects recording their “best outcomes to date”.

He praised pupils, staff and parents and added: “These results open doors to exciting futures, with the majority now able to pursue A-Levels in our sixth form whilst some have chosen to undertake apprenticeships, or further training.”

Elsewhere, Islwyn High School saw 20% of its pupils achieve five grades at A* or A, with many of those pupils achieving more than ten A* or A grades.

Headteacher Jason Hicks said the results are ” acredit 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.”

Mr Hicks also praised the success of pupils eligible for free school meals, who he said “have once again excelled and made significant progress in closing the attainment gap”.

‘There are many opportunities available’

Wales’ education minister, Anna Brychan, congratulated pupils on their results and said: “This marks an important point in a young person’s life, but your results do not define your future.

“Whatever your results there are many opportunities available for you, whether you are heading into further education, apprenticeships or employment.

“This is an exciting time to think about your next steps, with support available through your school, Working Wales and Careers Wales.”

Helen Jenner, Reform’s deputy leader in Wales, and shadow education minister, also congratulated pupils but said: “These results provide an opportunity to look at the wider picture facing young people in Wales.

“Plaid Cymru has a responsibility to ensure that the hard work and achievements celebrated this week and last translate into future opportunities and jobs.”

Meanwhile, Conservative education spokesperson Sam Rowlands described results day as “the culmination of years of hard work and dedicated study” and added: “Many congratulations to all those collecting their results today and we wish them well on their next adventure, whether it be further study, work or an apprenticeship.

“Today’s results are also a tribute to their teachers, other school staff and parents who supported young people through their studies.”

Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates offered reassurance and said: “It’s a big day and I know that there’s going to be a lot of nerves, but whatever is written on that piece of paper, remember it’s only one part of your story and there are lots of different paths you can take from here.

“Be proud of the work and effort you’ve put in. Enjoy celebrating with your friends and family, and look forward to what’s next.”