GCSE pupils across Monmouthshire ended weeks of nerves when they found out their results this morning (Thursday 22nd August).

The results include a mixture of letter and number gradings with a 9 considered to be a high A*, an 8 a low A*, a 7 the equivalent of an A grade and 4 the equivalent of a C grade pass.

Monmouthshire Comprehensive School pupils who sat their GCSEs this summer achieved excellent results across the curriculum. Over 50 students achieved the very highest grades in five or more examinations, with many exceptional outcomes such as one student, Alice Barrell, who had 14 A*s grades!

In religious studies, 86 per cent of all grades were at A* or A, In music 70 per cent at A* or A, computer science 60 per cent at A* or A and 95 per cent of the whole year group achieved the Skills Challenge Certificate.

Vaughan Davies, headteacher, praised staff and students for all their hard work. “I am so proud of our students and staff," he said. "Their commitment and dedication to achieve the best is humbling. I look forward to welcoming students back into the Sixth Form to embark on the next stage of leading their lives.”

At Monmouth School for Girls, 27.2 per cent of all grades on the 9-1 grading system were the coveted 9, while 64.7 per cent of grades were 9-7 and 97.1 per cent were 9-4.

In the traditional letter grading system, 31.9 per cent of all grades were A*, while 66.9 per cent were A* to A, 86.1 per cent were A* to B, and 97.2 per cent were A* to C.

An impressive total of 14 pupils achieved nine or more A*/9-8 grades.

Three pupils at Monmouth School for Girls recorded the highest grade across all their subjects.

Talented musician, Anna Vines, achieved seven 9s, three A*s and a Distinction in Additional Maths.

A talented cellist, Anna, from Monmouth, played with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYAW) this summer.

“I worked hard for my exams and I am really thrilled with the outcome,” said Anna, a former Cross Ash Primary School pupil who hopes to study at Oxbridge. Anna will be taking A-levels in Maths and German, and choosing between French and Economics.

Sophie Cooper and Sheida Malaki also swept the board in their exams. Sophie scored 9s and three A*s, while Sheida recorded seven 9s and two A*s and both achieved a Distinction in Additional Maths.

Budding film maker and lacrosse player Maya Woodward also excelled with 11 A*-A/9-7 grades and a Distinction in Additional Maths.

Welsh athlete, Alaw Evans, achieved five 9s, four A*s, a 8 and a Distinction in Additional Maths.

Fourteen-year-old Xiaoli Biggs, from Mitchel Troy, who registered an A* in A-level Maths, was outstanding once again, achieving 13 A*-A or 9-7 grades in her GCSEs.

She will now be taking Physics, Chemistry, Further Maths and Computer Science at A-level.

Headmistress, Mrs Jessica Miles, said: “Given that many of our girls are actively involved in our extra-curricular programmes, it is pleasing to see our combined A*-A and 9-7 rating at 65.8 per cent.

“Three pupils swept the board with the highest possible grades in their subjects and, as a cohort, almost 40 per cent achieved nine or more A*-A/9-7 grades.

“In Additional Maths, A-level in between GCSE and A-level Maths, an impressive 96 per cent of all grades were achieved with Distinction.

“This year’s results are excellent and highlight the value of hard work and dedication from our pupils and teaching staff.”

At Monmouth School for Boys, 19.2 per cent of all grades on the 9-1 grading system were the coveted 9, with 55.2 per cent at 9-7 and 95.2 per cent at 9-4.

In the traditional letter grading system, 32.8 per cent of all grades were A*, while 62.3 per cent were A* to A, 85.2 per cent were A* to B, and 96.7 per cent were A* to C.

Four pupils at Monmouth School for Boys achieved 9-8 or A*s in all their subjects with two securing the highest possible grades.

Jonah Harrison, who lives near Raglan, achieved nine 9s and an A* and will be taking A-levels in Maths, Physics and French.

“I am very relieved and delighted with my results because I thought the English and Biology exams were very tough,” said Jonah, a former Raglan Primary School pupil.

Monmouth’s Edward Baker, a keen rower and musician who plays the cello and clarinet, achieved eight 9s, an 8 and an A.

“I didn’t check my results online and I came in to collect them in the traditional way. It was nice to get the envelope in my hands,” said Edward, who will be studying French, German, Maths and Further Maths at A-level.

“My results are what I had hoped for, so I am delighted.”

Sean Hunter who secured seven 9s, an A* and two 8s and Tom Lewis with six 9s, an 8 and an A*, also excelled.

Tom Lewis, from Itton near Chepstow,  said: “I am especially happy with my 9 in Maths because it was a very tough exam.

“I am pleased overall because I am interested in a career in finance and I will be taking A-levels in Maths, History and Chemistry.”

Headmaster, Dr Andrew Daniel, said: “This is the second year that the boys have taken the new and more demanding GSCEs and the hard work among pupils and staff has paid off.

“Two boys achieved a full set of grade 9s or A*s and another seven achieved a complete set of 9–7 grades or A*- A grades.

“The vast majority of our boys are heavily involved in all aspects of school life and some of the cohort have had to overcome significant challenges this year. Staff and pupils should be pleased with this excellent set of results.”

Monmouthshire County Councillor Richard John, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “I am delighted for the all of our students who have received their results today. Results days are always a mixture of excitement and trepidation but we can see today that the hard work and dedication of all of our students, their families and our schools’ staff has paid off. I want to congratulate everybody for what they have achieved.”

Will McLean, Chief Officer for Children and Young People added: “Everyone should be very proud with the results they have achieved today. It is important we remember that these achievements are the result of lots of hard work and commitment on the part of the students but also those that support them at home and in school.”