The challenges faced by Ceredigion pupils over the last few years have made this year’s GCSE results all the more special, a local councillor has said.

The GCSE examination results published today, August 24, by the WJEC indicate that high standards are being achieved in Ceredigion schools.

97.2 per cent of entries for WJEC examinations were graded A*-G; 68.6 per cent achieved A*-C grades and 24.8 per cent of the entries achieved A*-A grades. 

Councillor Wyn Thomas, Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Schools’ Service, said: “Pupils in Ceredigion can be proud of their results once again. Schools faced, and continue to face, various challenges so maintaining standards is becoming increasingly difficult.

“Governors, school leaders, teachers and assistants need to be congratulated for their hard work, endurance and expertise. I would like to wish everyone the best of luck with their future choices, whichever path you take.”

Clive Williams, Corporate Lead officer for Schools added: “I would like to congratulate all our pupils on their efforts once again this year. It is reassuring to see such positive results which is a reflection of the effective collaboration between everyone who is part of each individual's educational journey.

“The tireless work of the staff across Ceredigion, the support of the parents/guardians and the perseverance of our young people is to be recognised and celebrated.”

Aberaeron councillor Elizabeth Evans praised the work of staff and pupils at Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron.

“The last years have been so difficult for parents, pupils and teachers, which makes these results all the more special because there have been real challenges.

“As a governor of Aberaeron Comprehensive School I am particularly proud of what our school is achieving under the leadership of Headteacher Owain Jones, as has been borne out in our recent Estyn inspection.

“I would like to congratulate every GCSE student on their success today and the decisions they are able to make about their future as a result. This is just the start of their journey.”

In Wales as a whole, GCSE grades are down on last year, moving closer to pre-Covid levels; 21.7 per cent achieved A* and A grades, compared with 25.1 per cent in 2022, while 64.9 per cent achieved A* to C, down from 68.6 per cent in 2022, when grades were decided by teachers.