VALE schools have seen an increase in the number of pupils achieving the highest grades in this year's A-level results.

26.9 per cent of entries gained A or A* grades in this year's results, which were released on Thursday, August 14, compared with 25.7 per cent last year.

79 per cent of entries also gained a grade of C or above compared with 77.5 per cent last year.

And 98.2 per cent of entries were awarded a grade of E or above compared with 97.8 per cent last year.

The success rate for students receiving their AS level examination results fell slightly with 14.3 per cent of WJEC entries gaining an A grade compared with 18.6 per cent last year. 57.7 per cent of results were at grade C or above.

Information released by the WJEC based on the performance of students in Wales entered for examinations with all examination boards reported a stable picture with a small increase in the number of students gaining A* and A grades at A level to 23.3 per cent. The proportion of AS level entries gaining A grades was 15.9 per cent.

Cllr Chris Elmore, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "I would like to congratulate students this morning on their many successes. It is clear that hard work pays off.

"I would also want to wish our students the very best for the future as they take the next steps which for many will be a place at university. Their many successes also reflect the hard work of teachers in our schools and the support of families and I would want to thank these key individuals on behalf of our students."

Advice is available for students who have not been as successful as they hoped.