BARRY Comprehensive School pupils put in some outstanding performances to enable the school to gain a set of excellent GCSE results.

Seventy per cent of pupils achieved at least 5 A* to C grades and 50 per cent achieved the same measure in both English and maths.

Twins Matthew and Craig Watkins, 16, collected 30 GCSEs between them.

Matthew said: “Studying was difficult, but it was worth it in the end. We weren’t really competing with each other. We’re good at different things.”

Kyle Booth, 16, a member of the Cardiff City swimming squad, juggled intensive training with exam study.

He said: “It was difficult especially with my commitments. I train nine times a week. Over all I’m very happy.”

Joe Allwood, 16, added: “I found it quite stressful because there were so many exams. I had two exams in one day which was quite hard, but I’m pleased with most of them.”

Barry Comprehensive head teacher, Gerard McNamara said: “The results this year were very pleasing, and a real reflection of the hard work from all in our school community – students, staff and governors. The school has made big improvements over the last few years, and this year’s results have been achieved during a time of some of the biggest changes to affect the exam system in many years. A big factor in our success continues to be the constant support of parents, who always insist on high standards for our boys and regular homework being completed to a high standard.

“With this fantastic news we look forward to the year ahead and further improvements to celebrate. The vast majority of our students have now secured the grades they need to progress to our sixth form or other choices, which ensures we can all mover forward together as a school community. My heartfelt congratulations go to all students and families.”

Top achievers included Simon Williams who gained 13 GCSEs at A* or A, including A* in English language, literature, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, history, geology, and French.

Matthew Watkins, with 12 A*s and two A grades, including A* in English language, literature, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, French and Welsh.

Evan Wells achieved 12 A* or A grades including A* in English language, literature, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geography, and religious studies.

Liam Chainey got 12 A* or A grades including English language, literature, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, music, and French.

Sion Spence, with 10 A* or A grades including A* in English language, literature, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, physical education and geography.

Tristan Figueres, with 10 A* or A grades including English language, literature, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, photography, and French.