PUPILS from across Ceredigion were celebrating yesterday after picking up their GCSE results.

Across the county, pupils obtained a 98.8 per cent pass rate (A*-G) with a quarter of all entries gaining A* or A. 75 per cent of exam entries achieved an A*-C grade.

Cllr Catrin Miles, Cabinet member with responsibility for learning dervices said: “Ceredigion pupils have done themselves proud once again in achieving these excellent results.

“Schools face many different challenges, so maintaining such high standards is increasingly difficult.

“Governors, school leaders, teachers and support staff must all be congratulated and thanked for their hard work, resilience and expertise.”

The 25 per cent of pupils gaining an A* or A grade in Ceredigion is around seven per cent higher than the Welsh average of 17.9 per cent, with A*-C grades (74.9 per cent) being over 12 per cent above the national average of 62.8 per cent.

Barry Rees, strategic director for learning and partnerships, added, “These results show Ceredigion to be amongst the strongest performers in Wales once again.

“Fundamental changes to qualifications in Wales have brought about lower outcomes nationally, particularly in some core subjects.

“Therefore, the achievement of schools in maintaining high standards is particularly pleasing.

“I would like to congratulate our pupils on their well-deserved successes and wish them well in their future learning.”

See more pictures and find out how your school got on in next week’s paper, on sale on Wednesday