Swansea's GCSE results have outperformed the all-Wales average for another year, with 23% of city pupils achieving A* and A grades compared to 19.6% across Wales.
Figures released by the local education authority show that more than 65% of students achieved the higher grades of A* to C in 28 of the 40 different subjects. A total of 97.7% of GCSE subject entries in Swansea were passed (grades A* to G), compared with the Welsh pass rate of 96.8%.
School Success Stories
Morriston Comprehensive School reported that its photography GCSE students achieved a 100% pass rate at A*-C, while for biology 92.6% of grades were A*-C, for physics 90.6% and art and design 89.5%. Nearly half of all art and design grades were A*-A, photography was 42.3% A*-A and geography 42.1% A*-A.
Subjects achieving 100% GCSE pass rates include art, photography, biology, geography, PE, Spanish, product design, digital technology, fashion & textiles, health and social care & childcare, and computer science. The school also had "impressive outcomes" in its vocational qualifications, particularly in creative media production, with almost a third of pupils achieving Distinction grades.
Head teacher Karen Williams said: "We are incredibly proud of our pupils and the determination, resilience and commitment they have shown throughout their studies. These results reflect the hard work of our young people, the dedication of our staff and the support of parents and carers."
Pupil Achievements
Among other success stories in Swansea was Bishop Vaughan pupil Brooke Walters, who collected her results before an eight-hour shift in a fast food restaurant where she works. The 16-year-old said she was overjoyed with her results. “I just didn’t expect it,” she said. “I actually feel I am able to do hard things. It was such a stressful period, but it’s all paid off. Great feelings all round.” She said she was particularly pleased with her A in chemistry. “It’s a really difficult subject. I’m so shocked!”
Aiden Sebastian from Bishop Vaughan said he was “all good” with his GCSE results, including a better-than-expected result in English. He paid tribute to his English teacher. “He was fun, but when we had to get work done, we got the work done,” said Aiden, 16, of Morriston. Aiden is going to study engineering, maths, physics and biology at A Level. Asked what he’d be interested in doing as a career, he said: “Something in the engineering sector.”
Council Praise
Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Learning, Robert Smith, said: "Many congratulations to all the pupils who have done so well and whose hard work has been rewarded today. These achievements also reflect the dedication and commitment of our teachers, school staff and families, who have supported young people throughout their studies."
He added: "I would congratulate all students, including those completing vocational and alternative qualifications which provide important routes into further education, training and employment."
