Advanced and AS-Level results in Pembrokeshire's secondary schools have maintained the high levels of last year and remain significantly above the national average. The overall Pembrokeshire pass rate at A-Level has increased to an outstanding 99.5 per cent, compared with the Welsh national average of 96.9 per cent. This figure puts Pembrokeshire students amongst the highest achievers in Wales. The percentage of pupils gaining an A grade in Pembrokeshire was 29.4 per cent compared to a Welsh average of 23.9 per cent. This is a significant improvement from last year's 27 per cent, compared to a standstill result at the national level. The overall Pembrokeshire pass rate at AS-Level this year was 94 per cent, which compares very favourably with the national average of 87.5 per cent. The percentage of students gaining A grades was 20 per cent, also above the Welsh average of 18 per cent. At Tenby's Greenhill School, headteacher, Mr. Chris Noble was "very pleased" with the results. "Our Year 13 students did very well," he said. "We had a large entry and on average, students achieved 21-22 points. We had very few pupils disappointed in terms of the university course they wish to follow, almost everyone is off to where they want to go to follow the course they want to do. "As far as our Year 12 AS Level students are concerned, we had a big entry, and although the results are slightly poorer than those achieved by Year 13, we will be taking a good batch of students through into Year 13." Pembrokeshire County Council's head of school improvement and inclusion, Graham Longster, said: "Pembrokeshire's students can be proud of the fact that their results are amongst the best across Wales. "It gives a clear indication of our continuing high standards at both A and AS levels in the eight Pembrokeshire secondary schools." Clr. Islwyn Howells, cabinet member for children, young people and Welsh language, said: "I would like to congratulate this year's students who have worked extremely hard over the last two years to achieve these excellent results. "This success is due to the commitment, the efforts of staff in the schools and the support of their parents. I would like to thank them all and especially wish these youngsters every success in the future. "We are delighted that so many of our talented young people have performed so well and that their education has given them a secure foundation for future success. "Education is - and always has been - one of the county council's top priorities. The continuous improvement in results over recent years is certainly evidence that this commitment is paying dividends," he added.

Tears of joy

There were tears of joy and squeals of exhilaration at Tenby Community Learning Centre yesterday (Thursday) when students who had been attending A-Level English Literature classes at the centre received their results. Congratulations are extended to Cait Apps, Sharon Crockford, Linda Glover, Rebecca McClough, Daniel Roberts and Jessica Roberts. There was a 100 per cent pass rate and these results have opened up a whole future for the students. Some are hoping to continue with their studies locally, while others are off to university. Thanks are extended to tutor, Lindsay Radion, for all her hard-work and support. Anyone wishing to emulate their success may want to join next year's course starting in September. For further details, contact the centre on (01834) 843297 or pick up a Learning Pembrokeshire brochure which is available locally at Post Offices, supermarkets, doctors surgeries, libraries or learning centres.