Monmouthshire students were celebrating last Thursday (15th August) with another year of excellent A-level results.

A number of students are going to Oxford, and a set of Chepstow twins are celebrating achieving three top A*s each.

Almost all of the county's students have higher education, vocational training or employment destinations arranged.

There was an increase of 2.63 per cent in 'A' Level entries this year and 96.75 per cent of all students taking the WJEC examination passed with grades A*-E.

Within this figure, 24.5 per cent of students achieved the top grades of 'A*' and 'A', which is 1.6 per cent above the Welsh average and 76 per cent achieved 'A* - C', which is again above the Welsh average.

County Councillor Liz Hacket Pain, cabinet member with responsibility for education, said: "This has been a wonderful year for our hard working students.

"The hard work and commitment that young people put into passing their examinations is all too often overlooked.

"The 'A' and 'AS' levels are major achievements for students and a huge source of pride for both them and their parents and carers.

"So I would like to congratulate them and wish them the very best for the future."

Sarah McGuinness, Monmouthshire County Council's chief officer for children and young people added: "There is rightly intense scrutiny both in Monmouthshire and throughout Wales on educational standards.

"And that will quite properly continue. But today is about the young people and their incredible achievements.

"I want to add my congratulations to them and my very best wishes for a future that is full of possibility, potential and wonder."

Students looking for advice, no matter what their results, are encouraged to visit the Careers Wales website on http://www.careerswales.com">www.careerswales.com