GCSE results in Pembrokeshire have maintained the high levels of recent years.

The WJEC A* - C percentage is 62.4 per cent, but this figure does not include all the awarding bodies' results or reflect the move towards a more vocationally orientated curriculum.

The Wales average for A* - C from all awarding bodies is 66.4 per cent and when all results in Pembrokeshire are collated it is expected this will continue to be above this national average.

The A* - G percentage pass rate in Pembrokeshire (WJEC results only) is 98.5 per cent, compared with the Welsh pass rate of 98.7 per cent (all awarding body results).

Pembrokeshire County Council's recently appointed director of education, Graham Longster, said: "The results are more complicated than in previous years due to a significant shift towards more vocationally orientated courses that are not yet fully reflected in these statistics.

"When the full picture is established, we would expect our results to be above the national average, as in previous years."

Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet member for children, young people, learning and Welsh language, Clr. Huw George, commented: "I would like to congratulate the students on their success. These achievements are as a result of years of hard work by the students, with the support of their teachers, families and the wider community. I am delighted their efforts have paid off and wish all of them well in the future."

Greenhill

At Tenby's Greenhill School, over 75 per cent of pupils gained five good GCSE or equivalent passes, with 68 per cent achieving grade C or above at GCSE. Ninety-four per cent gained five or more GCSEs or equivalent.

Headteacher, Mrs. Jan Kingston, said the school's overall points score had increased and she was pleased that some pupils had stunning results.

They included Alice Simon and Constance Lesnianski, who both gained 12 A* and A grades each, and Abigail Merritt, Amelia Belli, Molly Staples and Georgia Williams, who had 11 A* and A grades each.

"We are delighted with all the results and that so many pupils have chosen to continue their education at the sixth form here at Greenhill," said Mrs. Kingston. "Well done to all."

Dyffryn Taf

Whitland's Dyffyn Taf also achieved positive results in this year's GCSE examinations.

Sixty-five per cent of pupils gained five A*-C grades, with 97 per cent achieving five A*-G grades.

Said headteacher, Mr. Robert Newsome: "We feel that the partnership between pupils, parents and teachers has contributed to this success and that the dedicated effort by pupils has been justifiably rewarded.

"Whilst the vast majority of pupils have achieved their potential, the following results show the depth of talent at Dyffryn Taf School - Holly Bevan, Florence Bowen Rees, Lucy John, Emily Latham and Stuart White - all nine A*s and 1 A."

Ysgol Y Preseli

On behalf of staff and governors at Ysgol Y Preseli, headteacher Mr. Michael Davies would like to congratulate all Year 11 pupils on their excellent GCSE results.

Over 26 per cent of all grades awarded were at A*-A, 84 per cent of the year group of 152 pupils achieved the Welsh Assembly Government benchmark of qualifications equivalent to 5A*-C, and for the third year in succession, the number of pupils achieving the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification Diploma at either Intermediate or Foundation level increased to 87 per cent.

Mr. Davies commented: "These are once again excellent results which reflect the hard work of both teachers and pupils. I would also like to thank all the parents for their continued cooperation and support."

Amongst the top performers this year were: Nia Bevan (eight A*s, four 4As, one A* short course); Luned Medi Nicholas (seven A*s, four As, one A* short course); Sioned Toft (five A*s, six As, 1A* short course); Hannah Watkins (five A*s, five As, one B, one A short course); Gwion Dafydd (four A*s, six As, one B, one A short course); Jack Stacey ( four A*s, four As, three Bs, one A short course); Sion Bennet (four A*s, three As, three Bs, one C); Sara Edwards (three A*s, eight As, one A* short course); Angharad Evans (three A*s, seven As, two Cs, one A short course); Rhys Dow (three A*s, five As, two Bs, one C, one A short course); Ellie Robinson (four A*s, three As, four Bs, one A* short course); Sian Thomas (three A*s, three As, five Bs, one C).

LEARNING PEMBROKESHIRE

Excellent results have been achieved by students who have been studying for GCSE examinations with Learning Pembrokeshire. Once again the number of learners gaining grades A - C is well above the national average.

Special congratulations are extended to our A* students Peter Lloyd (French); Necia Lewis and Jessica Moraity (English); A grade students Wesley Josey, Ahmed Al-Zaidy, Ana Winstone (English) and Danielle Stephens (Science).

Many of the learners exceeded their expectations and these results are opening a whole new world of opportunities for them. For some it means they can go on and pursue their dream of becoming a teacher or a nurse; for others it has improved career opportunities and some will carry on studying with Learning Pembrokeshire.

Lifelong Learning co-ordinator Rosemary Tippett Maudsley said: "It is not easy fitting in time to study when you are juggling with work and home commitments and all these students are to be congratulated on their achievements. We wish them all the very best of luck as they continue their learning journey.

"Special thanks are extended to tutors Emma Banner, Auriol Brace, Chantel Court, Scott Hammett, Lindsay Oeppen (nee Radion) and Newman Vincent for the dedication, patience and support they have given to their students."

Anyone wishing to find out how they can emulate their success can find out more about the GCE and GCSE's on offer locally by logging on to the web site at http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/learningpembrokeshire">www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/learningpembrokeshire, or by picking up a brochure from your local community learning centre; library, post office, supermarket or doctors surgery.