Celebrations across Wales as pupils collect their GCSE results

IN Carmarthenshire, 62.4% of all GCSE entries were awarded an A*-C grade with 17.3% of entries achieving an A*-A grade.

- ABBIE WIGHTWICK Education editor

Cllr Glynog Davies, Carmarthenshire Council's cabinet member for education and Welsh language said: “It is a celebration of the brilliant achievements of our young people in Carmarthenshire that are receiving their GCSE results.

“Thank you all for your hard work and dedication in preparing for your GCSEs. These results are also a reflection of the support and commitment of our teachers and support staff, and the families and friends of our young people. Congratulations to you all”

There was a celebratory atmosphere at Llanelli’s Ysgol Gyfun y Strade.

Assistant head teacher Daniel Hughes, said: “There's a feeling of euphoria here today. It’s an accumulation of hard work, determination and perseverance and it’s all come to a head today - that’s the sense of joy you feel here. We pride ourselves as a school on the fact that each individual is important.

“They started school here during the Covid pandemic, so they had a broken start. They were in bubbles back then and had to isolate.

“They had a disjointed start and we had to focus on wellbeing and guidance whilst also being mindful of the academic process. But that start allowed us as staff to build a great relationship with the pupils - we knew them better because of that support and I think that was vital.”

‘Among those getting their results were twins Annabelle Blake and Izabelle Blake, 16, who were happy with their results and coming back to the school next month to do A-levels.

‘They said it was a big help to be able to help each other revise. Their mum said it was a “big relief” that the wait is over and that her daughters had both worked really hard.

‘Across town, Ysgol Coedcae was also celebrating successful GCSE results.