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 (Grades A - E) has been maintained at an admirable 99 per cent, compared with the Wales national average of 96.8 per cent. This figure puts Pembrokeshire students amongst the highest achievers in Wales.

The percentage of pupils gaining an A grade in Pembrokeshire when the results were announced yesterday (Thursday) was 27 per cent, compared to a Welsh average of 23.7 per cent.

The overall Pembrokeshire pass rate (Grades A - E) at AS-Level this year was 95 per cent compared to the national average of 87.6 per cent.

The percentage of students gaining A grades was 22 per cent, well above the Welsh average of 18.3 per cent.

Gareth Mills, Pembrokeshire County Council's change manager for education and lifelong learning, welcomed the results and added:

"Pembrokeshire's students can be proud of the fact that their results are among the best across Wales. "It gives a clear indication of our continuing high standards at both A and AS-Levels in the county." Pembrokeshire county councillor Islwyn Howells, cabinet member for children, young people and Welsh language, commented: "I would like to congratulate this year's students who have worked extremely hard over the last two years to achieve these excellent results.

"Their success is due to the commitment of both students and staff and 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 they have a firm educational foundation for successful lives.

"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.

At Tenby's Greenhill School, students were celebrating another good crop of results. Out of a total A-Level entry of 75, 98 per cent of students gained A - E grades, while 82 per cent achieved A - C grades. Students gained an average of 21 points each, with 10 getting straight As in all their subjects.

"That is a superb achievement," said headteacher, Mr. Chris Noble.

"We also had 19 students gaining 30 points or more which is the equivalent to three grade As, and is also pretty impressive.

"We are really pleased with this year's results which are extremely good and as good as any we have ever had. There will not be many students who will not get their first choice of university.

"The students must be congratulated for all their hard-work, which would not have been possible without the support of their teachers and parents. It really is a joint effort."

Year 12 AS-Level students also did well and their results were 'broadly comparable' with last year's. Principal of Netherwood School, Saundersfoot, was delighted that A-Level students had retained the school's 100 per cent pass rate.

"Fifty per cent of passes were A grade," Mr. Morris told the Observer.

"We had one outstanding student, Ayumi Hamaguchi, who had two As, a B and a D, which is particularly pleasing as she took the examinations through her second language," he continued.

"We also had some very pleasing AS-Level results, and again, another one of our Japanese students, Asako, did extremely well. Asako came over here for a year's course to study art and has achieved two grade As in art and Japanese through translation, which is absolutely brilliant."

At Dyffryn Taf School, North Road, Whitland, the A- Level results 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," said headteacher, Mr. Robert Newsome.

"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," he continued.

"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 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," he added.

At Dyffryn Taf, 96 per cent of students gained A - E grades, while 56 per cent attained A - C grades. The school also notes with some pride the individual achievements of Matt Pickup, who gained four A grades, Tom Powell and Rose Mozdiak, who both achieved three A grades and an A AS-Level, and Lloyd Wells, who picked up two A grades and two B grades.

Year 12 AS results were also very pleasing, with two outstanding performances, one from Victoria Merriman, who gained five A grades, and Poppy Lewis, who had four A grades and one C grade.

COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE

Staff at Tenby Community Learning Centre extend heartiest congratulations to the following students on their success in the recent A1 and A2 English Literature examinations: A1 Sharon Crockford; Jemma Taylor; Leah Taylor A2 Toyah Fecci; Hannah Morgan. Special mention must be made of Hannah Morgan who only dropped six marks over six papers. She managed 100 per cent in four of the modules, an incredible achievement. She is hoping to continue with her studies at York University. Anyone wishing to emulate their success should contact Tenby Community Learning Centre for details of next year's courses or pick up one of the Learning Pembrokeshire brochures which are now available. Thanks are extended to tutor Lindsay Radion for her expert tution, patience and support.