Cardiff students were celebrating today as pass rates for A-level results topped the Wales average.
This year the new A* grade was introduced into the marking system, and was also an unprecedented year for the number of students taking the qualification. A-level pass rates across the country are at a record high.
The overall pass rate for grades A*-E was 97.6%, with the Wales average at 97.1%. The number of students achieving the new A* grade or grade A was 28.8% of all grades, which again was 4.4 % above the Wales average. Nearly four out of five grades awarded to Cardiff's students were grades A, B or C. Last year's pass rate was slightly higher at 98.6%.
In the AS examinations, 89.4% of Cardiff's students achieved a pass grade (A-E) with a higher proportion than in 2009 achieving grades A-C. These figures are again ahead of the all Wales outcomes. Over one in five (21.3%) of the grades awarded were grade A.
Executive member for education and lifelong learning, Freda Salway, said:
"On behalf of the Council, I congratulate Cardiff's students after another very successful year. They can be truly proud of the high standards they have achieved. The success of these students has been realised through sustained hard work, the support of parents and the dedication and skills of teachers."
Chris Jones, Chief Schools and lifelong learning officer, said:
"I am delighted to once again congratulate Cardiff's sixth form students and on their success which is the outcome of much dedication and hard work over the course of their studies. I am sure that families and teachers across the city will be as pleased as I am with their considerable achievements. I wish them all the very best for their future careers."
Universities across the country were managing their clearing procedure for students who didn't make the grades - with more places available than predicted. Follow the latest on A-level results on the Guardian's live blog here.
Jenny Randerson AM for Cardiff Central said:
"The overall A-level pass rate in Wales is down slightly from last year to 97.1%. This shows Cardiff's results of 97.6% A*-E as a truly magnificent achievement. I always suspected my constituents were extra bright and hardworking, now I know for certain!"
Did you get your results today or are the parent of an A-level student? Leave your comments below or email cardiff.local@guardian.co.uk.
