The overall GCSE pass rate for Wales in 2013 has remained at 98.7% – equalling the results of the previous two years.
- Passes at grades A* to C was 65.7% – up slightly from 66.4% in 2012.
- Proportion of A* and A grades was 19.2% – the same as 2012.
- Proportion of A* grades was 6.1% – again down from 6.5% in 2012.
Education Minister Huw Lewis said: “Despite rigorous tests our students’ performance in GCSEs shows that the overall pass rate remains stable at a high 98.7 per cent, with passes at A*-C at 65.7 per cent which is encouraging.
“Our work to build on the rigour of qualifications remains a key element of our agenda to raise standards in Welsh education. Through the Review of Qualifications we’ve listened to employers and higher education about the skills they want learners to acquire. We have listened to their views and made a commitment to keeping and strengthening GCSEs in Wales.”
The Welsh Baccalaureate, Intermediate and Foundation Diplomas have been available to students aged between 14 and 19 since 2006.
At Intermediate level:
- Almost 13,500 (13,491) learners completed the Welsh Baccalaureate programme;
- 11,677 achieved the Core certificate; and
- 10,692 achieved both the Core certificate and the Options requirements and have been awarded the full Welsh Baccalaureate Intermediate Diploma.
And at Foundation level:
- Over 2,800 (2,831) learners completed the Welsh Baccalaureate programme;
- 2,349 achieved the Core certificate; and
- 2,180 achieved both the Core certificate and the Options requirement and have been awarded the full Welsh Baccalaureate Foundation Diploma.