The percentage of pupils that have passed Advance and AS-Level examinations in Pembrokeshire's secondary schools overall has remained stable and above the national average.

The overall Pembrokeshire pass rate at A-Level was 98.0 per cent compared with the Wales national average of 97.6 per cent. The overall Pembrokeshire pass rate at AS-Level this year was 89.1 per cent compared to a national average of 86.2 per cent.

Pembrokeshire County Council's head of education, Kate Evan-Hughes said: "Our students can be very proud of their results. The range of courses available through the federation and 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 and the majority of these students will now be able to progress to their higher education and degree courses."

Clr. Ken Rowlands, the authority's cabinet member for education, said: "We are pleased with the overall results and I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the students on their successes and thank them for their hard work in preparing so thoroughly for the examinations.

"I'd also like to acknowledge the dedication of the teachers in a time of increased expectations. The 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 also acknowledge the support received from the student's families. This is an important day for the young people who received their results and I wish all of them well for the future."

Greenhill School

Tenby's Greenhill School headteacher Jan Kingston said she was 'delighted' to see that the promise shown by lower sixth last year has been borne out with an outstanding set of A-Level results.

She commented: "Almost half of the exams taken by our upper sixth students were graded at A or A* and more than 90 per cent achieved at least a C grade.

"The Welsh Baccalaureate continues to prove to be a success with a pass rate in excess of 95 per cent and very positive feedback from our students with regard to the experiences they gained whilst completing the course.

"Amongst many fantastic individual performances, special mentions must go to Kezia Tooby, Emily Hartless, Jack O'Shea, Morgan Thomas, Sam Hunter-Baxter and Francesca Webster who each gained A or A* grades in all of their subjects and to Paul Rees with two A* and an A.

"Year 12 continued to build on last years best ever GCSE results by producing a stronger set of AS results than we had last year, so things are already looking promising for 2014! Here, special mentions can go to Ellie Wainwright, Harriet Attewell, Lewis Brickle, Lewis Evans and Emily Carling who all graded A in at least three AS subjects. Also a huge well done to Harriet Sleight in Year 10 who gained an A grade in A-Level photography."

Pembroke School

At Pembroke School, headteacher Frank Ciccotti commented that the upper sixth was a strong academic group. They had improved the number of top grades by 11 percentage points over the previous yeargroup and had themselves improved by nine per centat A/A* and 14 per cent at A*-C since taking their AS exams. There were some outstanding individual results, including two candidates with straight A* grades, which requires over 90 per cent in all upper sixth exams. Most students attained grades for their first choice of university place and nearly all were able to take first or second choice places. The Year 12 cohort had also done well, with results similar to last year's statistics and in line with national figures.

Ysgol Y Preseli

Of the 85 students who sat A-Level examinations at Ysgol Y Preseli, 40 per cent of all grades were awarded at A*-A, 80 per cent at A*-C and 98 per cent A*-E.

The school would like to congratulate all the pupils on gaining excellent results once again.

Headteacher Michael Davies wishes to thank the pupils and teachers for their hard work and dedication in what has been a very busy academic year which included the hosting of the Urdd National Eisteddfod.

Mr. Davies also wished to thank the parents, governors and the wider school community for their continued excellent support

DYYFRYN TAF

Dyffryn Taf School in Whitland said the A- Level results sustained the high standards achieved by the School.

"The School wishes to congratulate students on the success achieved at A-Level during the current academic year," said a spokesperson for the school.

"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.

"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.

"This has been enhanced with the introduction of the Welsh Baccalaureate and a blend of vocational subjects.

"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.

"We wish all the A-level students every success in the future," they added.

94 per cent of students at the shool gained A* – E grades (PASS), while 78 per cent of pupils gained at least 2A* – C grades.

The School also notes with some pride the exceptional individual achievements of some pupils, who achieved the following grades: Emma Morgan - A* A* A A; Elliot Bowen - A A B (A* Extended Project); Edward Noblett - A* A A B; Iwan Bowen-Rees - A A A B; Josh Helps - A A A B; Nansi Jones - A A A B; Bethan Thomas - A A A B; Adam Stephens - A* A A; Marie Le Roy - A A A; Christina Owen - A A A; Harry Payne - A A A.

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