Following the release of A Level results across the country yesterday (Thursday), local students were celebrating some of the best ever grades.

At Tenby's Greenhill School, the pass rate for A and AS Levels was 98 per cent, with pupils gaining an average 19 points.

"These are the best results we have had," commented a delighted headteacher, Chris Noble.

"We have got a number of students who have gained all straight As, but we also have had many people who have done very well by their own standards and they all must be congratulated," he continued.

"We have also had more entries this year for the advanced level GNVQ and the students who took those exams have also done very well.

"The vast majority of students will be taking up their first choice university place and I am confident that those who did not achieve their required grades will find a place very rapidly if they have not already done so," he added.

The average pass rate in the county's schools this year (grade A-E) is 93.6 per cent, a slight fall on last year's results, but in line with the Welsh average.

The percentage of pupils achieving grade A-B was 41.8, while 64.2 per cent scored grades A-C.

The chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council's education committee, Clr. John Thomas praised the effort displayed by pupils.

"Once again Pembrokeshire pupils have produced some excellent results, ensuring good access to Higher Education which is essential to the future well-being of our county," commented Clr. Thomas.

"I congratulate pupils and teachers for these successes and acknowledge the very valuable support played by parents. I wish all these young people every success in the future," he added.

The county council's head of education resource and development, Mrs. Anne Wakefield paid tribute to the efforts of students and staff alike.

She said: "I recognise the enormous amount of hard work and effort that has gone into producing these results and congratulate the schools. These results reflect the strong partnership which exists across the Education Service as a whole."

In Whitland, meanwhile, pupils also achieved some outstanding results.

Headteacher at Ysgol Gyfun Dyffryn Taf, Dr. Keith Davies was "very pleased" with the pass rate of 92.7 per cent achieved this year. The percentage of pupils gaining A-C grades was 55.

"All the pupils have done very well," he commented.

Dr. Davies made special mention to Tom Griffiths, of Narberth who achieved four straight As and will be taking up a place at Jesus College, Cambridge and Matthew Inwood, also of Narberth who gained three As and will be furthering his studies at Robinson College, Cambridge, while a third student, Rowan Stace also picked up three As.

"All the students achieved the results we expected from them and we are all delighted," added Dr. Davies.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION SUCCESS

It's been a 100 per cent success rate for students attending A level courses at Tenby's Greenhill Centre.

Congratulations are extended to the following students:

A level English - James Phillips.

AS English - Sarah Brain, Vanessa Brown, Victoria Caine, Kelly John, Linda Rogers and Joni Whitfield.

A level mathematics - Emma Rowell.

Special mention must be made of Linda Rogers who attained an A grade. Studying at night is not easy and to obtain an A grade with just 60 hours tuition is to be admired.

Thanks are expressed ti tutors Lindsay Radion and Newman Vincent for their expert tuition and the support which they gave students throughout the year.

Next year's brochure of courses will be available soon. In the meantime anyone seeking information on A level or GCSE courses should ring Tenby 843297.