STUDENTS across Gwent are celebrating today, with more of them passing A-levels than ever before.

The total A-level entry for 2004 in Wales was up by nearly 500 at 35,206, and there was a 0.1 per cent rise in the pass rate, grades A to E.

Welsh pupils did slightly better than the pass rate (grades A to E) for the rest of the UK - with a pass rate of 96.5 per cent compared with the overall UK pass rate of 96 per cent.

The proportion of grade A awards in Wales also showed an increase of 0.5 per cent, taking it to 23.5 per cent overall - 1 per cent higher than the rest of the UK and, encouragingly, the same for boys and girls.

But the girls are still ahead in general, with 52 per cent of subject entries for girls gaining grade B or higher, compared to 44 per cent for boys.

The number of Newport pupils achieving grade A at A-level was 25.2 per cent, 1.7 per cent above the Welsh average.

Pass rates for Newport pupils achieving grades A to E were 97.4 per cent. Furthermore, 93.1 per cent of pupils taking AS-levels also gained grades between A and E.

The number of pupils in Torfaen passing A-levels has exceeded the Welsh average figure, with 98.2 per cent taking WJEC A-levels achieving A to E grades.

At AS-levels 92.8 per cent achieved A to E grades. Councillor John Turner, executive member for education, said: "These results are fantastic news, with an increased pass rate at both A- and AS-level."

Jane Davidson, minister for education and lifelong learning, today congratulated students and teachers across Wales.

She said: "This is an absolutely tremendous set of results. I am delighted that once again students in Wales have made 2004 another successful A-level year. These results are a tribute to the hard work and application of our young people, coupled with the dedication and professionalism of our teachers.

"Today is a day for celebration and congratulation. I am very pleased that Wales is continuing to build on its previous success."

The number of students from Blaenau Gwent gaining grade A to E passes increased by 15.4 per cent to 96.3 per cent compared to last year's 80 per cent.

Councillor Brian Scully, executive member for education and lifelong learning, said: "It is good to see the number of passes consistently rising year on year.

"This year's results are a testimony to the hard work of our young people and to the carefully targeted teaching they receive."

Monmouthshire and Caerphilly were set to release results later in the day.