Going against the national trend, Bridgend has seen a slight dip in the number of top A*-A grades awarded in the 2017 A-Levels (22.4%), falling by 1.4% compared to 2016. This is also lower than the Welsh average by 2.6%.
However, the overall performance of the county’s students is strong in the all-important A*-C grades (76.7%), where Bridgend exceeds the Welsh national average by 1.4%.
The overall A*-E pass rate remains unchanged from 2016 at 98.3%.
Hailing the results, Cabinet Member for Education & Regeneration, Cllr. Charles Smith (Lab, Llangewydd & Brynhyfryd), said:
“This year’s A Level results have demonstrated further strong performance across all levels. I would like to congratulate pupils and students on their hard-earned success, and thank teachers, governors and parents for their unwavering dedication and support.”
Amidst the stories of individual success, many schools achieved results of note.
Cynffig Comprehensive managed a 100% A*-E pass rate for the first time in its history, just ahead of Porthcawl Comprehensive’s 99% rate – though Porthcawl students also managed 28% A*-A grades.
45% of A-Level students at Ysgol Gyfun Llangynwyd achieved grades A*-B, while at Maesteg Comprehensive the number of students achieving 3 A*-A grades is the highest in the school’s history.
Bryntirion Comprehensive exceeded both the county and national performance with 82% of students achieving A*-C grades, while Archbishop McGrath went one better with 89% of students achieving A*-C and 36% achieving A*-A grades.
With falls in the number of people applying for university, the chances of people getting into their preferred university course are better than ever, but there are always other options. Bridgend College will be holding open days on the 24th and 25th August from 9am-4pm at its Bridgend Campus.
