Their individual achievements, within an ongoing evolving examination environment, are most warmly praised and congratulated.

Nationally, nearly three quarters of all entries were for reformed GCSE exams with an overall decrease in entries in comparison with 2017 (changes to the ‘early entry’ policy have been a clear contributory factor).

The 2018 results both nationally and locally reflect the impact of ongoing levels of change and firmly reinforce the need to avoid comparisons with previous years.

Current provisional data demonstrates achievement at A* – G grades for Carmarthenshire at 95.9% compared with the Wales average of 96.4%.

An impressive 72.1% of entries were graded A* to C in Carmarthenshire, remaining well above the Wales average of 61.6%.

Performance at the highest end of awarded grades has witnessed an encouraging 18.1% of our pupils achieving grades A* to A compared to 18.5% across Wales.

Further success has also been gained by our pupils within the National Welsh Baccalaureate with 62.9% of pupils achieving this award, compared with 57.6% achieving nationally.

Gareth Morgans, Director for Education and Children’s Services said: “Our GCSE results highlight how dedicated our school staff are in ensuring that all of our pupils access a stimulating and rewarding range of educational experiences. During this time of ongoing national educational reform our results represent the positive impact of working together in effective partnership  across Carmarthenshire, the ERW region and nationally, to ensure the highest levels of achievement and progress for all.  I offer my warmest congratulations and thanks to all pupils, their families and school staff for their ongoing commitment and support towards securing today’s success.”

Cllr Glynog Davies, Executive Board member for Education and Children’s Services, added his congratulations to the pupils.

“Once again our Carmarthenshire pupils continue to achieve great success in their GCSE examinations,” he said. “I am wholly aware that this follows as a result of their considerable individual efforts. Most encouragingly, this now provides them a firm foundation as they move on to their future learning and career opportunities. I would like to sincerely thank all parents and staff for their support in securing such pleasing achievements.”