ADVANCED and AS-Level results in Pembrokeshire's secondary schools have maintained the high levels of last year and remain significantly above the national average.

The overall Pembrokeshire pass rate at A-Level (Grades A - E) has been maintained at an admirable 99 per cent compared with the Wales national average of 96.8 per cent. This figure puts Pembrokeshire students amongst the highest achievers in Wales.

The percentage of pupils gaining an A grade in Pembrokeshire was 27 per cent compared to a Welsh average of 23.7 per cent.

The overall Pembrokeshire pass rate (Grades A - E) at AS-Level this year was 95 per cent compared to the national average of 87.6 per cent.

The percentage of students gaining A grades was 22 per cent, well above the Welsh average of 18.3 per cent.

Gareth Mills, Pembrokeshire County Council's change manager for education and lifelong learning, welcomed the results and added: "Pembrokeshire's students can be proud of the fact that their results are among the best across Wales.

"It gives a clear indication of our continuing high standards at both A and AS levels in the county."

Islwyn Howells, cabinet member for children, young people and welsh language commented: "I would like to congratulate this year's students who have worked extremely hard over the last two years to achieve these excellent results.

"Their success is due to the commitment of both students and staff and I would like to thank them all and especially wish these youngsters every success in the future.

"We are delighted that so many of our talented young people have performed so well and that they have a firm educational foundation for successful lives.

"Education is - and always has been - one of the county council's top priorities. The continuous improvement in results over recent years is certainly evidence that this commitment is paying dividends" he added.