Students across the Caerphilly County Borough have collected their A-Level results today, August 16, as top results in Wales gain parity with the UK average for the first time in ten years.
The overall provisional pass rate for students in schools in the county for WJEC A-Levels was 96.1 per cent.
The provisional result for grades C or above were 67.7 per cent, up slightly on last year’s results.
St Martin’s School in Caerphilly saw an increase in all key performance measures, including students achieving three A* to C grades increasing by 21%.
Matthew Lewis, Head of faculty at the school, said: ““These significant increases in attainment are fundamentally due to the exceptional leadership within the Sixth Form that ensures well targeted care support and guidance is provided alongside a broad range of subjects that are delivered by exceptionally gifted teachers.
“We are very proud of all our learners and confident that they will excel in their chosen careers and shape our future world for the better.”
As well as comprehensive schools, the county college’s are also celebrating their success.
This year, Coleg y Cymoedd, based in its campuses in Nantgarw and Ystrad Mynach, achieved a 98 per cent pass rate, with the number of learners achieving A*-C grades increasing by 13 per cent on last year.
Thomas Wade, 21, from Blackwood achieved an A in maths at Coleg y Cymoedd, meaning he has secured a place to study Maths at the University of South Wales.
Thomas, who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, says he hopes to go into teaching after completing his degree to help other pupils with his condition aspire to go to university.
Speaking after receiving his results, Thomas said, “Getting my results today has been a huge achievement for me and a long journey to get here.
“I have received invaluable support from my tutors and want to give the same back to others in my position, which is why I am interested in going into teaching.
“I have recently been working as a teaching assistant at my former school, which I really enjoyed. I want to give someone else the chance to enjoy maths the way I do.”
In Coleg Gwent, which has a campus in Cross Keys, the pass rate exceeded both Welsh and UK comparisons for the third year running.
Cllr Philippa Marsden, Cabinet Member for Education and Achievement, said: “Congratulations to all students receiving results today, each individual success is the culmination of years of hard work and commitment.
“Thank you to the staff whose dedication and passion has yet again resulted in young people across Caerphilly reaching their full potential.
“I wish all students the very best in whatever they choose to do next, whether they’re entering the world of work, taking up an apprenticeship or heading to university. I’m sure they’ll find they are well equipped to make their next step in life a successful and enjoyable one.”