Advanced and AS Level results in Pembrokeshire's secondary schools have maintained the high levels of last year and remain significantly above the national average. An increasing number of young people are staying in Pembrokeshire schools to study A Levels and this year's entry was the highest ever in the county. The overall Pembrokeshire pass rate at A Level is 98.7 per cent compared with the Welsh national average of 97.1 per cent. The percentage of pupils gaining an A grade in Pembrokeshire was 25 per cent compared to a Welsh average of 24 per cent. The overall Pembrokeshire pass rate at AS Level this year was 92.4 per cent which compares very favourably with the national average of 87.9 per cent. The percentage of students gaining A grades was 21.2 per cent, also above the Welsh average of 18.1 per cent. Pembrokeshire County Councillor Islwyn Howells, cabinet member for lifelong learning, children, young people and the Welsh language, said: "We are very pleased with the overall results including the exceptional performance of some pupils. "I would like to congratulate this year's students who have worked extremely hard over the last two years to achieve these excellent results. "This success is due to their commitment, the efforts of staff in the schools and the support of their parents. I would like to thank them all and wish these youngsters every success in the future. "We are delighted that so many of our talented young people have performed so well and that their education has given them a secure foundation for future success. "Education is - and always has been one - of the county council's top priorities. The continuous improvement in results over recent years is certainly evidence that this commitment is paying dividends." The county council's head of school improvement and inclusion, Graham Longster, added: "Pembrokeshire's students can be proud of the fact that their results are amongst the best across Wales. Most students have secured their first choice places in university or college. "It gives a clear indication of our continuing high standards at both A and AS levels in the eight Pembrokeshire secondary schools." GREENHILL SCHOOL

At Tenby's Greenhill School, deputy head Roger Scholfield said: "We are delighted with our A Level and AS Level results this year. Out of the 255 A Level exam entries, 74 per cent gained grades A to C. At AS Level, of the 325 entries, 70 per cent gained grades A to C. "There were some outstanding individual performances, with four students getting straight A's in all their subjects at A Level and two getting straight A's at AS Level. Overall, the number of students getting A's has improved on last year to 18 per cent at A Level and 22 per cent at AS Level. "There was a fantastic atmosphere in school this morning when students got to know their results, since it means they can go on to the next step of their education, either to university for upper sixth formers or to A2 Level for those in the lower sixth. "Once again we have had yet another highly successful year and it is a fitting reward for all the hard work the students and their teachers have put in over the past academic year." Head of sixth form at the school, Mr. Julian Dessent, was delighted with the results. "The results for our Year 12 AS Level students are excellent this year, much higher than the previous year," he said. "Our A2 results were also good, with 95 per cent of students getting to their first choice of university." Pupils performimg well included Andrew Stretton (four A grades), Richard James (two A's and two B's), Iona Hartshorn (three A's), while head girl Charlotte Ratcliffe and Louis Pearson Owen both achieved three A's and will be going on to study at medical school.

Ysgol Dyffryn Taf

Ysgol Dyffryn Taf School in Whitland wanted to wish all their A Level students every success in the future after congratulating them on the success they achieved during the current academic year. "These students have shown both dedication and perseverance in their studies throughout their time at Dyffryn Taf and deserve the accolade associated with such success. The performance reflects the efforts and effective partnership that exists between individual students, their parents and the teachers at Dyffryn Taf," commented headteacher, Mr. Robert Newsome. The percentage of students gaining A to E grades was 95.2 per cent, while 68.9 per cent of pupils gained A to C grades. "The school endeavours to produce well-rounded individuals who have a diversity of skills to meet the various demands of higher education and employment. It is hoped that the school's community programme, the post 16 work experience, and cultural and competitive opportunities will further enhance the potential of these students and complement the excellent results achieved," continued Mr. Newsome. "On behalf of the students and governors of the school, I wish to thank all the staff for their dedication and for providing the quality and diversity of educational experiences for all at the school," he added. The school also noted with some pride the individual achievements of some pupils - Daniel Higginson, who achieved four A grades, and Rebecca Caswell, Rhodri James, Dafydd Morgan, David Owen and Will Roberts, who all achieved three A grades each.

COMMUNITY LEARNING

Excellent results have also been achieved by students attending A Level English classes at Tenby Community Learning Centre. Special mention must be made of Franziska Kunze who achieved a grade A having passed every module with an A*. Ever thought of studying for an A Level in English? Then why not sign up for next year's course at Tenby Community Learning Centre. Now that the examinations are in modules, it is much easier to study at your own pace. If you would like more information, ring (01834) 843297.