GCSE pupils across the region spent this morning celebrating the long-awaited arrival of their exam results.

In Ceredigion, 98.8 per cent of all WJEC entries were graded A* to G, with 24.9 per cent achieving A* and A grades - 72.5 per cent achieved A* to C.

In Carmarthenshire, almost 71 per cent achieved a grade C or higher, with 21.3 per cent earning A*- A grades - both higher than the averages for Wales.

At Ysgol Bro Teifi in Llandysul, 81 per cent of pupils achieved the level 2 threshold and 100 per cent were successful in achieving the Level 1 indicator.

Headteacher Robert Jenkins said: “Many of our pupils have achieved an excellent set of results; I am delighted that we have been able to open doors for our pupils in order to pursue further study or enter the world of work.

“I congratulate them and thank their parents and staff at the school for all their hard work.”

At Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn there was also celebrations with the school again witnessing an increase in the number of pupils achieving their target grades.

There were many notable individual successes including: Raven Deane, Andreas

Ellis-Hedd, Trystan Lockton, Morgan Mason, Matthew Parsons, Tom Pickering, Epiphany Railton, Kieran Rollins and Eliza Wolfe.

“It is with great pride and joy that I congratulate all our pupils on their achievements,” said headteacher Hugh Thomas.

“This success is a tribute to their hard work and determination.

“I would also like to thank the parents, governors and the community for their support and the staff at Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn for their hard work and commitment.

“Congratulations to all our pupils.”

At Ysgol Y Preseli, headteacher Michael Davies thanked parents and guardians for the outstanding support their had offered pupils during the year.

One hundred per cent of pupils at the school achieved qualifications equivalent to 5A*-G; 91% 5A*-C and 37 per cent achieved at least 5A*-A grades.

Across the core subjects, 86 per cent of pupils achieved A*-C in Welsh; 91 per cent in English 91; 82 per cent in math and 84 per cent in science. The average capped 9 score was 411 according to the new performance measure.

Mr Davies said: “We are very proud of all the young people who have worked tirelessly to achieve these results.

“I would also like to thank the staff for their willingness to go the extra mile in order to ensure that all pupils fulfil their potential at Ysgol y Preseli.”

The school’s top performers included Cerys Chadwick (14 A*), Seren Allen (13 A*, 1 A) and Alexander Larsen (10 A* and 4 A)

At Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Fishguard, headteacher Paul Edwards praised what he described as “commendable results which would stand in comparison with other schools in Wales of a similar nature to ours”.

“I’m pleased with the outcomes in many of our subject areas, and delighted that the vast majority of our pupils have achieved success across a broad range of qualifications,” he said.

“It is with immense pride that I congratulate all students and staff on these admirable results for the school, and wish all pupils the very best on their move on to the next chapter in their lives.

“I thank everyone for their continued support of Ysgol Bro Gwaun’s development and success’.

Ceredigion County Council cabinet member responsible for Learning Services, Catrin Miles, said: “We are delighted with Ceredigion pupils’ achievements in a wide range of subjects.

“They have proven once again that hard work and commitment leads to success.

“I would like to sincerely thank staff and governors for their leadership and their continued support for our pupils.

“We wish the young people of Ceredigion the very best as they confidently progress on their chosen path.”

Compared with the Welsh average, an additional six per centof Ceredigion entries achieved A*-A grades and, in the case of A*-C grades, Ceredigion’s entries achieved almost 10 per cent more than the Welsh average.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member for Education and Children’s Services, Glynog Davies, said: “Once again our Carmarthenshire pupils continue to achieve great success in their examinations at Key Stage 4 due to their considerable efforts, and the perseverance of their schools.

“The progress achieved provides our pupils with a firm foundation as they move on to their future learning and career opportunities. I would like to sincerely thank all parents and staff for their support in securing such pleasing achievements.”

Gareth Morgans, director for Education and Children’s Services, added: “I offer my warmest congratulations and thanks to all pupils, their families and school staff for their ongoing commitment and support towards securing today’s successes.

“Our examination results highlight how effectively our school staff are embracing change during this period of educational reform and how dedicated and skilled they are in ensuring that each pupils’ individual needs are successfully met.

“Our results represent the positive impact of working together in effective partnership across Carmarthenshire, the ERW region and nationally, to ensure the highest levels of achievement and progress for all.

“We will continue to ensure that teachers are well supported as they inspire our young people to develop their skills and knowledge through engaging and challenging learning experiences.”