A Labour Pembrokeshire County Councillor has found himself in the unlikely company of TV star Jeremy Clarkson by offering commiserations for those who didn’t achieve the A-level results they wanted.

Today, August 13, saw A-level results day across the county, and country, with celebrations and commiserations for pupils.

For those who didn’t get the results they hoped for, Pembroke Dock Central county councillor, Deputy Leader of the council’s Labour Group, and former Cabinet member for finance, Cllr Joshua Beynon shared a personal message.

“I hope everyone picking up their A-level, AS and vocational qualifications today got the grades that they wanted.

Jeremy Clarkson, founder of Hawkstone Brewery
Jeremy Clarkson (Hawkstone)

“If you didn’t, try not to worry too much about your future. I didn’t get the grades I wanted at A-level, told everyone I was moving to Australia, lasted three weeks as I spent all my money (I was 18) and then worked for a year as a carer in the community.

“After working as a carer, I Googled how I could change the fact I wasn’t being paid travelling from house A to house B. I saw the council was in charge of this and decided to put myself forward for election and here I am today. A path I never would have taken if I had got the grades I wanted.

“During this time, I had time to think, I re-applied to university and then ended up completing a Bachelors of Science in Economics and a Masters of Science in Environmental management.”

Shared pictures of his time post-A-level results, Cllr Beynon said: “The future is full of unknowns and looking back, I’m so glad it happened the way it did. Here’s a couple of pictures over that period (where I met some awesome people) and I would say I look pretty happy for someone where the plan didn’t work out the way I wanted.”

Cllr Beynon’s commiserations make him an unlikely bedfellow with love-him-or-loathe-him TV star Jeremy Clarkson, famous for Top Gear, The Grand Tour, and most recently Clarkson’s Farm.

Ysgol Bro Preseli in Pembrokeshire commends students on exceptional A Level and AS Level achievements, with over 40% receiving A*-A grades.
Ysgol Bro Preseli in Pembrokeshire students receiving their results (Ysgol Bro Preseli)

Mr Clarkson has in recent years established somewhat of a tradition to encourage students who maybe didn’t get the grades they wanted.

This year he posted on X: “If your A level results are disappointing, don’t worry. I got a C and two Us and here I am today, installing lights for a helicopter landing pad in my garden.”

Following A-level results day, Pembrokeshire County Council Chief Executive Will Bramble said: “Today is first and foremost about celebrating the achievements of our young people. Their results reflect a great deal of hard work, determination and resilience, supported by families, teachers and school staff across Pembrokeshire.”