STUDENTS from across Caerphilly County Borough are celebrating some excellent GCSE results.

Provisional examination results for Caerphilly county borough learners shows that the overall GCSE for Level 1 Threshold pass rate (grades A*-G) has remained at 92 per cent. Early indications show that the percentage of learners achieving the Level 2 Threshold (5 GCSE passes at A*-C or vocational equivalent) has increased to 68 per cent, up from 64 per cent in 2012.

The percentage of learners achieving the Level 2 threshold, including a GCSE in either Welsh or English and Mathematics has increased to 45.2 per cent, from 43.7 per cent in 2012.

Head teacher John Kendall at Risca Comprehensive School described the last academic year at the school as "outstanding" and said this year's Year 11 have achieved the best GCSE results ever recorded there - for the second year in a row.

Lee Morgans, head of Year 11 at Cwmcarn High School said: “They’ve all done fantastically. Both our GCSE and A Level students have done brilliantly considering the year they have had. They have been so resilient and it shows their determination to succeed when you see what they have achieved.”

Cwmcarn pupil James Matthews, 15, took three GCSEs a year early, and achieved two A grades in history and religious studies and a C grade in English. He said: “I’m really pleased, I didn’t expect to do so well.”

Cwmcarn pupil Alistair Davies gained 11 A* grades and a B in short course Welsh. He said: “I’m very, very pleased. I was hoping to do well, but I didn’t expect to do this well. In September I’ll study maths, physics, biology and either further maths or computer science. After that, I want to either go into the RAF or study computer forensics.”

At Oakdale Comprehensive school the number of pupils achieving A*-C grades was 86 per cent, up six per cent on last year. Pupils Sandy Berriman acheived 7 A*s 4 As and 1b, while Gareth Morgan gained 8 A*s, 2As, 1B and 1C, Shanon Morgan earned 2A*s, 7As, 2Bs and 1C and Kimberly Thomas 7A*s, 3As, 1B and 1C. Headteacher Mr David said: “I'm extremely pleased. The five A*-C figures have risen again and I'm very proud of the pupil and the parents for reaching their potential and surpassing it.”

At Lewis Girls’ school 72 per cent of students achieved 5 A*-C grades which is an 8 per cent rise on last year. Those collecting their results included triplets Caitlin, Grace and Charlotte Berry. Caitlin gained 10A* and 1A grade, Grace scheived 4 A*s, 3Bs and 2 C grades and Charlotte gained 10 A* and 1 A grade.

Headteacher Heather Duncan said: “I am immensely proud of these results. They show the significant progress the school has made this year and reflect the students’ commitment to their achievement and the school’s relentless focus on teaching and learning. Staff have worked extremely hard, monitoring the progress of each student and implementing strategies where necessary and this has paid dividends. With continued support from parents we will go from strength to strength.”

At Pengam School , headteacher Chris Parry said: “I am ecstatic about the achievement of our pupils. As a result of the huge amount of effort made by pupils and staff it’s been another record breaking year. 80 per cent of pupils have achieved the level 2 threshold (5 GCSE’s or equivalent A-C and 48 per cent of pupils achieved the Level 2 including English and maths.”.

At Pontllanfraith Comprehensive the number of pupils gaining at least 5 A*-C is 54 per cent. Headteacher Tim Williams said: “The school saw in increase yet again in the number of pupils achieving the top grades. These tremendous results are a testimony to the pupils and teachers’ commitment and hard work.”

At Newbridge comprehensive school 77 per cent of pupis achieved at least 5 A*-C, and 95 per cent gained A*- G grades, the school’s best ever performance. Head boy Jake Murphy and and Alex Catley both gained 12 A*s and As, while headgirl Freya Hamer-Davis and Caroline jones both acheived 11 A*s and As. Pupils Bradley Long and Shanice Molyneux both got 10 A*s and As.

Pupils from Ysgol Gyfun Cwn Rhymni achieved an 87 per cent threshold level 2 and 61 per cent achieved threshold level 2 with English, welsh and maths. In maths 69 per cent of students achieved A*-C, grades which is a 4 per cent increase on last year, while in English 74 per cent of students achieved A*-C.

At St Cenydd School 60 per cent of pupils gained at least 5 A*-C GCSE’s. 40 per cent achieved 5GCSE’s A*-C including English and Maths. Jordan Thomas achieved 8A*’s and 4A grades, Daniel Tolley achieved 6A*’s and 5 A grades, Eleanor Rees achieved 5A*’s and 7A grades, while Pippa James achieved 6A*’s and an A grade.

Cllr Rhianon Passmore, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning is keen to recognise the achievements of the students and their teachers. She said, “Huge congratulations must go to our students and teachers on their excellent performance. These commendable results are testimony to their hard work, dedication and ability. Well done to you all”.