TEENAGERS across Barry saw their summer of waiting come to end this week, when they picked up their GCSE results on Tuesday (August 24).

Ysgol Bro Morgannwg saw 90 per cent of pupils achieving A* to C grades in five or more subjects.

At Barry Comprehensive, 70 per cent achieved five or more A*-C grade GCSE or equivalent.

At St Richard Gwyn RC School, 62 per cent of students achieved A*-C in five or more subjects.

And at Bryn Hafren, more than 60 per cent of the pupils achieved at least five grades between A* and C – an increase of 7 per cent on last year's results.

*YSGOL BRO MORGANNWG

YSGOL Bro Morgannwg student Lia Thomas achieved two A*s, seven As and three Bs. She is planning on studying English Language or Literature, History and Art for her A-levels at sixth form.

Lia said: "I'm really happy with my results. I was nervous before and had music playing to calm me down – it helped a lot!"

Friend Bronwen Swain achieved two A*s, four As and four Bs.

"I'm really happy," she said. "I thought I had failed maths!"

Bronwen is set to study History, PE and Maths at A-level.

Friends Ethan Allison, Oliver Harrison and Rhys George also did well, collecting 12 A*s , 20 As and three Bs between them.

Bro Morgannwg headteacher Dylan Jones said: "It’s amazing. It’s a proud achievement to mark the start of our 10th anniversary. Well done to all staff and pupils."

*BARRY COMPREHENSIVE

AT Barry Comprehensive, the top ten pupils amassed 121 A* and A grades between them.

Ben Callow achieved nine A*s and three As. He said: "I’m over the moon. It’s more than I could have expected and shows that I worked hard and it paid off."

Ben will study Maths, Geology, Geography and Sports Science at A-level.

George Scott bagged 10 A*s and three As. He is set to study French, Politics, Maths and History at A-level and hopes to pursue a career in law.

He said: "I’m very happy. I was quite nervous before, especially about English." George was one of 38 per cent of students to achieve ten or more grades at A*-C.

Meanwhile Darren Bonney, 16, achieved five Cs and four NVQs in Construction, with Distinctions in each NVQ. He now plans to study bricklaying at Barry College.

"In the future I want to run my own company. I’ve already done construction in college and really liked it," he said.

Headteacher David Swallow said: "Everyone at the school is proud of this year's results, particularly with the high number of top grades.

"Through their own hard work and the support provided by the school, students are well placed to make the best of future opportunities."

*BRYN HAFREN

BRYN Hafren saw their best GCSE results ever, and a sixth consecutive year of improvement.

Rosie James led the way with 10 A*s and an A. She is set to study Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Geography at A-level and said: "I can’t describe how it feels. I’m over the moon."

Best friend Hannah Parker netted three A*s, seven As and two Bs. She said: "It’s amazing! I’m really happy with my results."

Some students were unsure where to go next with their studies. Natasha Kerslake had seven Cs and three Ds and was considering a few options.

"I don’t know if I’m going to sixth form or college," she said.

"I have been accepted into two college courses. I might do chemistry in the evening course in college or IT and business studies in college."

Headteacher Phil Whitcombe said: "The results have been excellent. It’s the sixth year on the trot that we have improved.

"I am thrilled by the level of achievement of all the pupils. The have now gained the keys to open the doors for a very successful future."

*ST RICHARD GWYN

ST Richard Gwyn RC school also did well, where the 120 pupils gained a total of 239 A* or A grades between them.

Heather Ward achieved a B, five Cs and a D – just eight months after giving birth.

"I’m really pleased," she said.

"I didn’t think I’d get that to be honest, especially after having baby Theo Dell in between."

Heather is set to go to Barry College to study Hair and Beauty after already getting a distinction at NVQ level.

Sian Brooks scored two Bs, three Cs and five Ds and said: "I’m going to St David’s College to study Art and Design. I have loved art since I was small and I always wanted to do it."