GCSE results in Pembrokeshire's secondary schools have maintained the pleasing improvements of recent years with an A* - C pass rate of over 60 per cent for the second consecutive year. When comparing the WJEC results for GCSEs overall, Pembrokeshire schools have an A* - C pass rate of 62.7 per cent which is another increase on last year and above the Welsh average of 61.3 per cent. Pembrokeshire's overall pass rate (A* - G) is 98.3 per cent, which is above the Welsh average of 97.7 per cent. The percentage of candidates achieving A* and A grades in Pembrokeshire rose again to 19.5 per cent, compared with a Welsh average of 17.8 per cent. "These are an excellent set of results", said Gareth Mills, Pembrokeshire County Council's change manager. "Pembrokeshire WJEC results for GCSEs continue to be above the Welsh average in the core subjects of English, maths and science. "These pass rates maintain the significant increases made in recent years." Clr. Islwyn Howells, cabinet member for children, young people and Welsh language, said: "I would like to congratulate this year's students who have worked extremely hard over the last two years to achieve these results. "Their success is due to the commitment of both students and staff. I would like to thank them all and wish these youngsters every success in the future. "Education is - and always has - been one of the county council's top priorities and the results show that commitment is paying dividends," he added. As students picked up their results from Tenby's Greenhill School yesterday (Thursday) morning, headteacher, Mr. Chris Noble, was pleased to report a 'good set of results'. A total of 93 per cent passed five or more GCSEs A* - G, while 58 per cent gained A* - C grades. Out of all the entries, 96 per cent achieved A* - G results, while 58 per cent obtained A* - C grades. "We are very pleased with the set of results and it means that lots of people will be able to do the courses they want to do post 16 in the Sixth Form," commented Mr. Noble. "The students' hard work, together with the work of their teachers and the support they received from their parents has certainly paid off," he added. It was also good news at Netherwood School, Saundersfoot, where students did 'exceptionally well', and the school came very close to being one of the joint highest achievers in England and Wales. The school achieved a 92 per cent pass rate for students gaining five GCSEs and over. Said principal, Mr. Huw Morris: "Our star pupil was Matthew James who passed 11-and-a-half subjects with four A*s and seven As, while other impressive pupils were Alice Bendall, Govan Berridge, Ellice McDonah-Williams and David Warren." The school also achieved 100 per cent subject passes in business studies, chemistry, history, ICT, music and religious studies. Added Mr. Morris: "Our staff have had probably their most difficult year, but the set of results that have been achieved have been among the very best." Ysgol Dyffryn Taf School, Whitland, achieved record-breaking results, with 68 per cent of pupils gaining five A* - C grades. Said headteacher, Mr. Robert Newsome: "We feel that the partnership between pupils, parents and teachers has contributed to this success and the dedicated effort by pupils has been justifiably rewarded with these results." Whilst the vast majority have achieved their potential, the following results show the depth of talent at Dyffryn Taf School: Daniel Higginson - seven A* and three As; Alice James and Rhodri James - seven A*, two As and one B; Dafydd Morgan - six A* and five As. "The school wishes to congratulate all students on their individual performances," continued Mr. Newsome. "We hope that they will build on these successes when they return to school, go on to college or start employment in September." He added: "Students returning to school are reminded that induction day is on Tuesday, September 6."