Pupils across West Wales have been praised for their results.

A-level and AS students received their final grades today, with GCSE results due on Thursday.

In what has been an extremely challenging year for our young people, Ceredigion County Council said it was proud of their maturity and endurance whilst coping with these challenges and thanked school staff and leaders for their professionalism.

Dr Rhodri Thomas, headteacher of Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig in Aberystwyth said: “It’s great to congratulate our pupils on their success after such a challenging time.

"I would like to thank everyone – pupils, staff and parents – for their dedication and efforts over the past 18 months as we worked together to achieve the best for everyone.

"By working together and developing new skills in the face of unprecedented challenges, all have succeeded in securing worthy grades for the pupils.

"This week’s results will enable our pupils to take the next step in their lives and we look forward to seeing the achievements of these individuals in the future.

"We look forward to welcoming many GCSE pupils back to the sixth form in September."

Mair Hughes, headteacher at Ysgol Penglais in Aberystwyth said: “It is a pleasure to congratulate our Year 13 students on their remarkable achievements.

"They have worked incredibly hard throughout a very difficult year and are thoroughly deserving of their grades.

"Thanks to all parents and staff who have supported the students and enabled them to achieve their very best. We wish the students every enjoyment and success in their future.

"We are delighted to celebrate the successes of our Year 11 students.

"The students approached their studies this year with diligence, showing real resilience and ambition throughout the year.

"Many congratulations to all the students. We look forward to seeing many returning to the sixth form and wish every success to others who will continue their studies elsewhere.”

Dafydd Jones, headteacher at Ysgol Bro Hyddgen in Machynlleth, praised the hard work and resilience of the students, saying: “Year 12 and 13 candidates have studied for their courses during very disrupted times, and they have persevered very well with meaningful support from their parents and outstanding provision from the teaching staff at the school.

"Seeing how pupils and staff have adapted so well reflects excellent initiative and resilience, and I’m proud of what has been achieved by all, and am exceptionally grateful to all for their continued efforts during these very challenging circumstances.

"I wish all our students well to the future, and look forward to hearing about their future successes.”

Jane Wyn, headteacher at Ysgol Bro Pedr in Lampeter said: "We are very proud of the pupils’ achievements and I would like to take this opportunity to wish the pupils every success in the future.

"As a school, we believe these results are proof of the pupils’ hard work, the school’s high standards of teaching and the support of parents during a very challenging academic year.”

Nicola James, headteacher at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi in Cardigan said: "All of our students receiving their GCSE and A/AS level results this week should be proud of their success, and I congratulate them on their achievements.

"These exceptional results are the culmination of hard work and considerable effort, and they have been achieved against a backdrop of unprecedented disruption and uncertainty.

"I thank all the students and staff for their dedication, and I am delighted that despite the challenging circumstances this year, the vast majority of our students have accepted places at their chosen universities, or apprenticeships and employment, and I wish them every success in the future, I would also like to thank all parents and guardians and the governing body for their continued support and co-operation during a difficult and challenging time for everyone.”

Owain Jones, headteacher at Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron said: “We are extremely proud of the work and efforts of our students and I would like to congratulate them on their excellent results.

"Although the past two years have been very unusual, their hard work together with the support of teachers and school staff, parents and carers is reflected in well-deserved results.

"We wish all our A-level pupils all the best whether studying a degree at University, pursuing an apprenticeship or moving into the world of work, and we are excited to welcome a high percentage of our GCSE pupils back to the sixth form."

Robert Jenkins, headteacher at Ysgol Bro Teifi in Llandysul said: "I would like to congratulate our pupils on this year’s results.

"They have continued to succeed over this period, benefiting from the excellent support and advice of school staff.

"We wish all those pupils who are moving on to university, college, apprenticeships or the world of work every success, and we look forward to welcoming the majority of Year 11 back to the sixth form in September."

Dorian Pugh, headteacher at Ysgol Henry Richard in Tregaron said: “It is a pleasure to congratulate our pupils on this year’s fantastic GCSE results.

"The pupils have had to deal with a number of additional challenges as they learned remotely for periods of time during their GCSE courses.

"I would like to sincerely thank the pupils, staff and parents for the excellent co-operation in ensuring that the pupils reach their full potential.

"We wish the Year 11 pupils of 2021 the very best of luck as they move on to the next chapter, whether it be further education or the world of work.”

Cllr Catrin Miles, Ceredigion County Council’s cabinet member for schools, lifelong learning and skills, support and intervention, said: "Warmest congratulations once again this year to Ceredigion pupils on their success in their GCSE qualifications.

"Despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic, our pupils have worked hard and the results are proof of their diligent efforts.

"This year’s GCSE results will carry the same value and status, and we wish them all well in the future. ”