Advanced and AS-Level results in Pembrokeshire's secondary schools have remained stable at the high levels of last year and remain above the national average.

An increasing number of young people are staying in Pembrokeshire schools to study A-Levels.

The overall Pembrokeshire pass rate at A-Level increased slightly to 98.9 per cent compared with the Wales national average of 97.2 per cent.

The percentage of pupils gaining A* and A grades in Pembrokeshire was 20 per cent compared to a Welsh average of 23.9 per cent. The overall Pembrokeshire pass rate at AS-Level this year also increased to 88.8 per cent compared to a national average of 86.8 per cent.

Pembrokeshire County Council's head of school effectiveness, Martin Lloyd, said: "Our students can be proud of the fact that their results are amongst the best across Wales and in line with the previous high standards.

"The range of courses available through partnership working between post-16 institutions has increased the relevance of the curriculum and resulted in greater motivation on behalf of the students. It is pleasing that a significant number of our young people have been successful at such a demanding level.

"Students and their teachers are better prepared for these examinations than ever before and their performance has increased as a result."

County Councillor Huw George, cabinet member for children, young people, learning and Welsh language, said: "We are very pleased with the overall results and I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the students and teachers on their successes.

"The continued excellent results reflect the joint commitment of all education institutions and local authority staff in ensuring that young people are afforded every opportunity to achieve their full potential.

"I would like to acknowledge the support received from the families and for the hard work of the students throughout the year in preparing so thoroughly for the examinations.

"We are delighted that so many of our talented young people have performed so well and wish these youngsters e

Greenhill School

Locally, at Tenby's Greenhill School, the head, Mrs. Janet Kingston, and staff would like to congratulate all sixth form students on achieving excellent results at both A2 and AS-Level this year.

She said: "Once again our percentage of higher grades has improved and overall results were significantly up from last year. At A2-Level, we had 24 per cent of Year 13 getting either an A* or A grade and 98 per cent getting a pass between A* and E grade.

"Some outstanding results were achieved by a large number of students, notably Sam Turton who gained four A* grades and a Very Good in his Cambridge maths entrance exam, Nick Burnley Hall, Anna Lewis and Elizabeth Longster each achieved two A* grades and an A grade, Dylan Roberts achieved two A* grades, whilst George Wright , Grace Davis and Daniel Scott gained one A* and two A grades, Rachel Rees achieved two A* grades and a B grade and finally, Head Boy, Oliver Worley, achieved three A grades.

"Also out of a cohort of 81 students, 79 passed the Welsh Baccalaureate at Advanced Level which gave all of these students an additional A grade. We are delighted that the majority of students have secured places at their chosen university or course. We wish them every success for the future.

"At AS-Level, Constance Lesnianski, Alice Simon and Angharad Thomas achieved four A grades, whilst Lucinda Perrett, Rosie Brace and George Griffiths achieved at least three A grades.

"Overall, results were better than last year with 84 per cent of Year 12 getting a pass," concluded Mrs. Kingston.