This year's test results for 14-year-old pupils at key stage 3 were published recently by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The Minister for Education, Jane Davidson, expressed some disappointment that the national test results showed only marginal improvement, and actually fell by one per cent in English.
In Pembrokeshire, however, there was a considerable improvement across the county.
The percentage of 14-year-olds achieving the target level five in all the core subjects increased from 50 per cent to 54 per cent. This improvement was most significant for boys, which was also contrary to the national trend.
Overall these results placed Pembrokeshire sixth out of the 22 local authorities in Wales, compared to ninth last year.
In individual subjects the percentage gaining level five or above and local authority positions (with last year's result in brackets) was as follows:
English 66 per cent, fourth (62 per cent); Welsh first language 76 per cent, first (84 per cent); Mathematics 65 per cent, fifth (63 per cent); Science 72 per cent, fourth (66 per cent).
The small numbers of children taking Welsh first language produce annual variations which can be statistically misleading.
Said Clr. John Davies, Pembrokeshire County Council's cabinet member with responsibility for children, young people and the Welsh language: "The overall improvement in key stage 3 results in Pembrokeshire, compared to the national standstill, is pleasing as this has been a priority area for schools.
"The 'family of schools' system in Pembrokeshire, and the emphasis on effective transition from primary to secondary schools, may be starting to produce better pupil achievement for 14-year-olds."
Clr. Davies congratulated children and teachers on the results and added that he hoped that secondary schools would continue this work in further developing children after they moved up from their primary schools.