Nervous students opened their GCSE result envelopes across Torfaen.

The headteacher of Fairwater High School in Cwmbran, Helen Coulson, said that the school had enjoyed a transformational year making it one of the most improved school in the borough.

There was a 21% increase in pupils at the school achieving at five A*- C grades including English and Maths, with 53% of pupils reaching this.

Pupil Thea Marshall was shocked after she achieved two A*, five As and four B grades.

Thea missed two years of secondary school to undergo operations on her legs.

She will now stay study A levels in RE, health and social care, English and biology, and hopes to be a nurse.

The school’s highest achiever was Josh Hurn, who achieved nine A*, three Bs and two C grades.

The Cwmbran play scheme volunteer will go on to study A levels in chemistry, biology, maths and physics and hopes to work in the medical field.

Twins, Hannah and Dylan Zennadi, said that they supported each other to revise.

Both are going on to study A levels, with Dylan hoping for a career on the rugby pitch and Hannah hopes to work with children.

Choosing an alternative route is Tannith Elkins who will use her c grades in maths and English to apply to the RAF.

In Abersychan School 62% of pupils achieved five GCSEs of A*- C grades, in comparison to 63% last year

Achieving five A*s are Celine Power, Ben Smith, Georgia Seargant, Josh Lilly.

Headteacher, Michael Conway,said he was "pleased" with the results.

St Albans maintained similar results to last year with 69.9% achieving five grades between A*-C.

Croesyceiliog School enjoyed a 9% increase with 76% of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A*- C.

West Monmouth School headteacher Clive Jackson said that the school are proud as 80% of pupils achieved five grades between A*- C.

Year 10 pupil, Sophia Liu, achieved three A grades in English, RE and Welsh.

The top performing Year 11 pupils were Kayleigh Poulsom, Thomas Holvey and Keaton James.

The revision paid off for pupils at Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw with 80% achieving five grades between A*- C grade.

The Smith triplets achieved good grades.

Libby gained 10A*s and three A’s, Will gained two A’s, ten B’s and one C, and Josh achieved three A's, six B’s and three C’s.

Headteacher Ellis Griffiths said the results were “outstanding".