SCHOOLS in Monmouthshire are celebrating another successful set of GCSE results today.

At Chepstow School, 10 per cent of students achieved eight or more a* and a grades and 17 per cent achieved five or more A* or A grades.

71 per cent of students achieved GCSE english at C grade or above, 73 per cent of students achieved GCSE maths at C grade or above and 92 per cent of students achieved GCSE or equivalent science at C grade or above.

All students leave the school with a qualification.

The performance of students at the highest grades was impressive, with 20 per cent of GCSE grades at A* or A and 89 per cent at A* to C.

Notable GCSE results were achieved by Debbie Serpell who achieved nine A*, two A plus distinction in additional maths, Catrin Williams who achieved eight A*, three A plus distinction in additional maths, Rebecca Ham who achieved five A* and five A, Robbie Scudamore who achieved six A*, four A, one B plus distinction in additional maths, Joe Summers who achieved two A*, seven A, one B, one C plus distinction in additional maths, Charlie Cole who achieved three A*, seven A, one B plus merit in additional maths, Lisa Griffith four A*, six A, three B plus distinction in additional maths, Georgia Jones who achieved four A*, six A, three B plus distinction in additional maths, Rosie Hathaway who achieved one A*, 10 A plus distinction in additional maths, Harry Lewis who achieved two A*, six A, two B plus distinction in additional maths, Jessica Sanders who achieved six A*, four A, one B plus distinction in additional maths and Isobel Birkett who achieved three A*, five A, three B plus distinction in additional maths.

Three students from Hwb Dysgu, Naomi Dunlop, Alex Phillips and Jack Scott, also finished Year 11 with GCSEs and equivalent qualifications.

Claire Price, headteacher, said: “I am delighted to be celebrating excellent results with our students. They have worked exceptionally hard to achieve these results. Staff commitment to ensuring that every student achieved their best, together with outstanding parental support, makes Chepstow School a special place.

Craig Bridgeman, chair of governors, added: “The governing body wish to congratulate all our young learners on their successful results and thank the dedicated staff at the school and the parents who collectively provide the support, belief and guidance to improve our young people’s future lives. I wish all students good luck in the next stage of development ad academic achievement for all our students.”

There were plenty of celebrations this morning from students, staff and parents alike as the 2016 class achieved Wyedean School’s best ever GCSE performance.

Under the DfE measurement of five A* to C including English and Maths the school achieved 65 per cent of all students obtaining these grades.

English and Maths GCSE results were 91 per cent and 72 per cent respectively, and are some of the highest the school has seen in its history.

Students in key groups like more able and talented, SEN and pupil premium have also performed noticeably above what was predicted.

A number of notable individual achievements from students included Megan Burgess (seven A* and three A), Sophie Supple (six A* and three A), Tom Rees (seven A* and two A) George McCarron (four A* and five A).

Megan Burgess was surprised by her impressive results. She said: “It feels amazing, I didn’t think I had done that well and so it was a bit of a shock.”

Sophie Supple was another student who was thrilled with her result, she said: “I’m really happy with my result. It is a big relief and takes some stress of your shoulders. Now I’ve got time to make the most of a few weeks off.”

Head of Year 11, Anna Jones, praised the positive relationships that epitomises the school community at Wyedean School: “Throughout the year staff and parents have been working hard continually supporting the students and the students themselves have shown real tenacity in how hard and dedicated they have worked to achieve these results”.

Rob Ford, headteacher said: “I am really proud of what Year 11 have achieved as a year group and individually. I couldn’t have asked for any more from the staff, students and community in supporting Wyedean School this year.”

Results at Caldicot School have continued their upward trend in recent years. A number of subjects including English, and GCSE science are celebrating their best results on record.

Mr Simon Rees, Deputy Headteacher said: “We are delighted that that 71.5 per cent of mainstream pupils achieved the Level Two Inclusive Threshold (five good GCSEs including maths and English) which is the measure the Welsh Government use in its School Categorisation system. This is the highest result the school has ever achieved.’

Records were broken in a number of areas, with 11 departments achieving excellent A*-C grades. Welsh achieved 88 per cent, physics 97 per cent, media 93 per cent, ICT 85 per cent, French 91 per cent, engineering 95 per cent, drama 100 per cent, textiles 91 per cent, chemistry 98 per cent, biology 97 per cent, art and design 84 per cent.

Mr Rees added: “We are very pleased with how well our young people have performed. 93.5 per cent of mainstream pupils have achieved the equivalent of five A* to C grades. These results are due to a three way commitment between staff, pupils and parents. We have a range of bespoke measures to meet the needs of every individual child.’

Chair of governors Mr Nurcombe said: “These are a fantastic set of results which demonstrate year on year improvements at Caldicot School. 411 A* and A grades were achieved by pupils this year, and is a reward for all the effort they have invested into their studies.”