'Resilience, commitment and determination' for Pembrokeshire's GCSE students

'Resilience, commitment and determination' is how headteachers have described Pembrokeshire's GCSEsuccess rate.

The number of students who secured A* grades remains strong while a high percentage are opting to return to their academic studies to pursue their A level studies. 

The students' successes are even more notable given that their first year in secondary education was dominated by the Covid lockdowns.

"I'm very proud of their commitment, work ethic and of the positive results which they have achieved, given the many disruptions they faced at the start of their secondary education," commented the headteacher of Ysgol Greenhill in Tenby, David Haynes.

"I would like to pay tribute to the resilience and fortitude which our pupils have shown and I would also like to congratulate the outstanding teaching and support staff who have worked tirelessly so that every learner has achieved their best."

Notable achievements at Ysgol Greenhil include: Ella Bromby (12 A* and 1 A); Evie Swales (10 A* and 2 As); Sukie Blackwell (8 A* and 3 A’s); Louie Treadaway-Williams achieved (7 A*, 4 As and one B); Poppy Evans (6 A*, 5 As and 1 B) and Bella Evans (5A* and 7 A’s)

Also celebrating is Ysgol Harri Tudur's headteacher, Mrs Kite.

''The resilience, commitment and determination shown by nearly all of our Year 11 learners has been rightly reflected in our GCSE and BTEC results," she said. "We have seen some outstanding personal successes today, with many pupils achieving some good and in some cases, outstanding results."

Ysgol Caer Elen headteacher, Mr Dafydd Hughes, said his students have also 'fulfilled their potential'.

"I would like to congratulate all of our pupils for achieving such excellent GCSE results this year and as headteacher I'm proud of the achievements and the fact they have fulfilled their potential," he said.  "This particular group has made a significant contribution towards the school in so many areas and they are a truly inspiring group of young people and I wish them well as they move on to post-16 education."

Also delighted with his school's results is Ysgol Bro Gwaun Headteacher, Paul Edwards.

"I would like to pay tribute to the determination and perseverance shown by our pupils and also to thank the teaching and support staff for their dedication in ensuring all learners achieve their best," he said. "As a school we are particularly proud of the fact that all learners received recognised qualifications that will enable them to follow their chosen career paths, be that in a sixth form, the college or work-based training.”

Meanwhile Year 11 student Amy Hall, (who achieved 9A* and 2A) ,paid tribute to her school for the support both she and her year group has received.

“We've faced quite a few challenges to get to this point and we would not have been able to achieve so well if it wasn’t for the support we were given by the school in the lead up to the exams," she said. 

Meanwhile Mrs Jane Harries, headteacher of Haverfordwest High VC School, is looking forward to watching her students progress in the sixth form.

"We are looking forward to welcoming many pupils continuing their education at HHVCS 6th Form and we wish those
pursuing further education elsewhere great success," she said.

"Some of our students have the results that will equip them with pursuing other avenues including apprenticeships and the world of work and we also wish them good luck and a prosperous future.
"The school has an unprecedented number of applications for Sixth Form from students from other schools and we
certainly look forward to welcoming them into our school community. We have no doubt they will settle well as
have many previous students.

Meanwhile in St Davids, the Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi community has expressed its delight with the progress made by its year 11 students.

"These students started their secondary learning journey during the pandemic but they've demonstrated fortitude and tenacity in overcoming the hurdles which they faced," commented the head.

"We wish to congratulate them on their exceptional progress and achievements and in being the very best that they can be.

"A large number have achieved higher grade passes with almost a fifth achieving at least 5 A* to A grades. The success of our learners is a great cause for celebration with 98% of them securing at least 5 passes. "

Notable achievements include Anabelle Wilson 10A*’s, 3A’s, 1 distinction - Add Maths; Sam Kelly 7A*'s, 6A’s; Rebeca Michael 7A*’s, 5A’s,1B; Kodey Holt 4A*'s, 4A’s, 4B’; Niamh Devonald 7A*'s 5A’s, 1; Noah Scott 1A*, 6A’s, 4B’; Eliza Peach 7A*'s, 5A’s, 1B; Will Rowe 9A’s, 4B’; Hallie Colston 1A*, 7A’s, 5B’s and James Clark 1A*, 5A’s, 8B’s.

Our picture shows some of Ysgol Greenhill's students after receiving their results on Thursday morning.