GCSE results in Pembrokeshire's secondary schools have maintained the pleasing improvements shown in recent years.

When comparing the WJEC results overall, Pembrokeshire schools have an A* - C pass rate of 59.3 per cent, which is in line with the Welsh average of 59.7 per cent.

Pembrokeshire's overall pass rate (A*-G) is 97.7 per cent is slightly above the Welsh average of 97.6 per cent, and an improvement on last year.

The percentage of candidates achieving A* and A grades in Pembrokeshire is 15.8 per cent compared with a Welsh average of 17.1 per cent.

Pembrokeshire County Council's head of school improvement and inclusion, Graham Longster, said: "This is another pleasing result overall.

"Pembrokeshire WJEC results match the Welsh average overall, but continue to be above the Welsh average in the core subjects of English, Maths and Science.

"Particularly notable is the fact that A*- C pass rates in these subjects is on average 2 to 3 per cent above the national average".

The council's cabinet member for children, young people and Welsh language, Clr. John Davies, commented, "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 especially wish these youngsters every success in the future.

"Pembrokeshire County Council is spending £100 million this year on services directly for children and young people. Education is - and always has been - one of the county council's top priorities and the results show that commitment is paying dividends."

GREENHILL

At Tenby's Greenhill School, headmaster, Mr. Chris Noble was pleased to report some 'very good and very solid' results.

"We have not beaten our previous record, but we are very pleased with our results," he told the Observer after the results were announced yesterday (Thursday).

"In this year's group, we had more boys than girls, which is unusual, and whilst the boys have made a good contribution to the results, the girls have once again put in an outstanding performance," he continued.

The school achieved pass rates of 56 per cent for grades A* - C and 96 per cent for grades A* - G.

"We have a long queue of students wanting to stay on in school to further their education and expect that around 130 of them will be joining the sixth form in September," Mr. Noble added.

WHITLAND

Pupils and staff at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf in Whitland were 'more than pleased' with their results.

Headmaster, Mr. Robert Newsome revealed that 63 per cent of students gained five A* to C grades.

"We're very pleased with the achievements again this year," he commented.

"It is a great acknowledgment to the partnership formed between pupils, teachers and parents in gaining these results."

There were also some outstanding individual performances of note at the North Road school, including Daniel Phillip, who gained eight A* and three grade As; Tom Powell, who picked up nine A*; Rose Mozdeak, who achieved four A* and six As; Charlotte Milward, who got three A* and six As; and Sophie Treacy, who gained three A* and six As.

"The school wishes to congratulate all students on the dedication they have shown throughout the year and praise the support given by the parents," Mr. Newsome added.

NETHERWOOD

In Saundersfoot, principal of Netherwood School, Mr. Huw Morris, was delighted with their 'exceptionally good results.'

The school achieved their best year ever in the average number of GCSEs passed per student, with the school's overall pass rate 100 per cent for grades A to E. No grades were lower than an E.

"It has been an excellent year overall, having these results posted on to the success of the A Level students last week," said Mr. Morris.

"The consistency has been amazing, so many students have done so well, benefiting from all the hard work they have put in throughout the year," he added.

A string of students achieved very impressive grades, including Rachael Hannah Bush, who passed 11 in one sitting.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

There were tears of joy at Pembroke Dock Community Learning Centre yesterday (Thursday), when students received their GCSE results.

Congratulations are extended to Hayley Beyer-Jones, Jonathan Davies, Julie Davies, Henry Gowland; Neil Griffiths, Angela John, Diane Morgan and Kate Newberry for their success in English language.

Also, Jonathan Davies, Julie Davies, Neil Griffiths, Kate Newberry, Lucy Clarke, Samantha Drury, Erica Jones, Claire Poynter, Lias Marie Sheehan, Katie Sherwood and Danielle Stephens for mathematics.

Anyone wishing to emulate their success may want to join one of the GCSE classes being offered at either the Pembroke Dock or Tenby Community Centres.

Brochures advertising all the courses are now available from the centres, libraries, local Post Offices, doctors surgeries and supermarkets.

If you need advice or guidance on any of the courses please ring (01834) 843297 or (01646) 682668.