Pupils across Caerphilly County Borough are receiving their GCSE results today (Thursday, August 22).
Across Wales, the number of pupils achieving A* to C grades increased, having dipped in 2018.
At St Martin’s Comprehensive School in Caerphilly, 174 GCSE students (85.6%) received five grades at C or above.
This figure is up from last year, when it was 72.7%.
Meanwhile, 27% of St Martin’s pupils achieved A* and A grades, up from 17% last year.
In a statement, the school said: “These talented individuals will no doubt be our future engineers, scientists and mathematical theorists. Well done to all.
“Congratulations to the students and staff at our school who have worked tirelessly to attain such impressive results and thank you to the parents who have worked in such a close partnership with us throughout the years.
“Looking forward to welcoming the majority of Year 11 into the Sixth Form from September.”
Congratulations to all students that received GCSE results today. Best wishes from the staff at St. Martin’s School. We are proud of each and every one of you. #gcseresults2019 pic.twitter.com/8TF8v2cgLn
— St. Martin’s School (@StMartinsInfo) August 22, 2019
Meanwhile, Heolddu Comprehensive School’s official Twitter account posted: “What an outstanding set of GCSE results for the class of 2019. They have far exceeded any expectations and targets. We are so proud of you all.”
GCSE highlights part 1…. pic.twitter.com/RR7KLCxWdg
— Bedwas High School (@bedwashighsch) August 22, 2019
Risca Community Comprehensive School headteacher, John Kendall, said: “Well done to all our Year 11 pupils on their examination results this year.
“There were some outstanding performances from individuals.
“Special mentions must go to Harriet McSweeney, Cerys Clarke, Lowri Thomas, Elen Parry, Emily Beasley, Mia Board, Kloe Briars-Meek, Morgane Ash, Olivia Perrett, Toby Church, Taryn Hastings, Sam King and Eric Nicholls, all of whom achieved a number of top A* and A grades.
“However, all our pupils deserve a huge amount of credit for their achievements right across the board.
“All of us at the school are proud of your success, and I would like to thank the staff who have played their part yet again in ensuring these results have been realised.”
Islwyn AM Rhianon Passmore said: “My congratulations to everyone who has received their results. I remember from personal experience just how stressful a time this can be.
“I would also like to pay tribute to parents, teachers and governors, who work really hard to ensure that students reach their full potential.”
Islwyn MP Chris Evans said: “I am so pleased to see that students from schools all across Islwyn have done so well in their GSCEs today. Getting your GSCE results is a big day for young people and that can come with a lot of pressure. To those who did not quite get the grades they were hoping for, just remember it is not the end of the world.”
Hefin David, AM for Caerphilly, said: “I would like to congratulate all the pupils who have worked hard to achieve their results today. A lot of dedication is shown by school children across the constituency. Well done all.”
Cllr Philippa Marsden, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “I would like to add my congratulations to everybody on yet another impressive set of results. We all have a shared ambition to improve outcomes and today there are thousands of individual success stories at all levels that deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated.
“I wish everybody the very best of luck in whatever they decide to do next.”