SCHOOLS and pupils across Blaenau Gwent had cause to celebrate today as the area reported a six per cent improvement on last year’s GCSE results.

Of the four comprehensive schools, 40 per cent of pupils attained five or more A*- C grades (including English/Welsh and Maths). A seven per cent rise was also noted in pupils achieving five or more passes at A*- G grades, which this year reached 91 per cent.

Bethan Guilfoyle, education commissioner at Blaenau Gwent Council said: “I’m pleased to see the improved results in the Level 2 including English/Welsh and Maths. We are working with schools, families, and partners to achieve further improvements in educational standards.”

Among those celebrating was Tredegar Comprehensive School, who had the school’s best set of exam results ever, with more than 70 per cent of pupils achieving 5 A*- C grades. The school has seen a significant increase in all main results this summer and are delighted with their pupils, including Rowan Lewis who received 9 A* and 3 A grades.

At Ebbw Fawr Learning Community – previously Ebbw Vale Comprehensive and Glyncoed schools - Year 11 students achieved a 44 per cent pass rate of five A*- C GCSE grades including English and Maths. Last year's combined scores for the two secondary schools that closed was 39 per cent.

Graeme Harkness, director at the school said: “We started on four sites last September with two building projects on-going and throughout the year we have remained focused on increasing our academic performance. With the transfer to the new secondary phase buildings in the next couple of weeks we have laid a firm foundation for future success."

Ebbw Fawr students in Year 10 and even Year 9 have also celebrated success including five students who gained a A*-C grade in Astronomy two years early.

Councillor Hedley McCarthy, Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, said: “Well done to our pupils on their achievements. I would like to wish them the very best with their futures. I’d also like to thank all our school staff and governors for their continued dedication to the education of our young people here in Blaenau Gwent.”