PUPILS in Carmarthenshire are top of the class at GCSEs compared to the Welsh average.

Results showed that 68.1% of pupils achieved grades A* to C, an increase of 2% on last year, and higher than the Welsh average of 65.7%.

Some 6.3% of pupils gained A* compared to 6.1% nationally, and 20.7% of pupils were awarded A* and A, compared to the Welsh average of 19.2%.

Grades A* - G were achieved by 99.1% of Carmarthenshire pupils, a 0.2 % increase on last year.

At Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, headmaster Steve Perks was delighted with the efforts of his pupils and praised “some outstanding achievements”.

Star of the show was Victoria Moulson who attained an incredible ten A*s and one grade A while Elin Hopkins and Jack Vaughan both achieved six A*s and four As.

“I would again pay tribute to the efforts of pupils and teachers together with the consistent support that we receive from parents,” said Mr Perks.

At Ysgol Tregib in Llandeilo Georgina Brown claimed seven A*s, five As and a B.

At Llandovery College, Innez Dale-Jones topped the leaderboard with seven A*s, and four As, closely followed by Jenna Medhi, from Llangadog, with seven A*s, and three As.

Headmaster Guy Ayling said: “Our pupils have once again shown what hard work and dedication can achieve at GCSE level.”

Carmarthenshire county council’s education executive board member Councillor Keith Davies said: “We wish to congratulate the large number of of pupils in Carmarthenshire who have achieved excellent results in their WJEC "GCSE" examinations.

“As in the WJEC “A” and ‘’AS’’ level results, the percentages for grades A*-C, and overall passes demonstrate a positive picture and have maintained the considerable achievements of previous years.

“Whilst paying tribute to their efforts and success, the council also wishes to acknowledge the dedication and support given to them by their schools, teaching, support staff and, naturally, the parents for whom today will be a proud day.

“The continued high standards achieved reflects the commitment of this authority and its schools and colleges in ensuring our young people are afforded every opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

Director for Education and Children’s services Rob Sully added: “These figures represent considerable effort and achievement by individual students, all of whom deserve our warmest congratulations.

“These positive results following the very good WJEC “A” and ‘’AS’’ level results provides further evidence that learners within Carmarthenshire reach their full potential in a supportive environment.”