Advanced and AS-Level results in Pembrokeshire's secondary schools have remained stable at the high levels of last year and remain above the national average. An increasing number of young people are staying in Pembrokeshire schools to study A-Levels.

The overall Pembrokeshire pass rate at A-Level was 98.4 per cent compared with the Wales national average of 97.1 per cent.

The percentage of pupils gaining A* and A grades in Pembrokeshire dropped slightly to 23.1 per cent compared to a Welsh average of 24.4 per cent.

The overall Pembrokeshire pass rate at AS-Level this year was 87.9 per cent compared to a national average of 86.9 per cent.

Pembrokeshire County Council's recently appointed director of education and children's services, Graham Longster, said: "Our students can be proud of the fact that their results are among the best across Wales.

"This year has seen the introduction of the new A* grade at A-Level. In many respects this has created an added pressure for students and schools and it is pleasing that a significant number of our young people have been successful at such a demanding level.

"I understand from our headteachers that the overwhelming majority of students have secured their places in higher education despite the fact that this year has been particularly competitive with demand for places far exceeding supply.

"It gives a clear indication of our continuing high standards at A-Level in the eight Pembrokeshire secondary schools. Students and their teachers are better prepared for these examinations than ever before and their performance has increased as a result."

Pembrokeshire County Councillor Huw George, cabinet member for children, young people, learning and Welsh language, said: "We are very pleased with the overall results and I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the students and staff on their successes.

"The continued excellent results reflect the commitment of the authority and its schools in ensuring our young people are afforded every opportunity to achieve their full potential.

"We are delighted that so many of our talented young people have performed so well and wish these youngsters every success in the future.

"I would like to acknowledge the support received from their families and thank the teachers for their hard work throughout the year in preparing the students so thoroughly for the examinations."

Greenhill

Headteacher at Tenby's Greenhill School, Mrs. Janet Kingston, was pleased to report a 75 per cent A-Level A*-C pass rate and delighted at some outstanding results at A2 and AS-Level.

"Once again our results reflect the standards achieved nationally in Wales and England," Mrs. Kingston told the Observer yesterday (Thursday).

"The majority of pupils have gained places at university and we are delighted that once again we have Cambridge in our entries."

Mrs. Kingston added: "The results reflect the hard work put in by staff and students and we congratulate them all."

Dyffryn Taf

Meanwhile, the results achieved by students at Whitland's Ysgol Dyffryn Taf sustain 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. 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.

"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," said headteacher, Mr. Robert Newsome.

"We wish all the A-Level students every success in the future."

Ninety-six per cent of students gained A-E grades, with 64 per cent achieving A-C grades.

The school also notes with some pride the individual achievements of some pupils:

Sioned Morgan - A*, A*, A, B; Owain Bryant - A*, A*, A; Emily Hutton - A*, A, A; Thomas White - A*, A, A; Meinir Twose - A*, A*, B.

Mr. Newsome added: "Our congratulations also go to Owain Bryant who has gained a place to read Natural Sciences at Queens' College, Cambridge."