ST Richard Gwyn RC pupils exceeded their highest expectations to put in some notable GCSE performances worth celebrating, this year.

Notable achievements at the Barry-based school saw Gem Pipps gained 13 A*’s and 1 A; Emily Dobson 4 A*’s, 2 A’s, 2 B’s and 3 C’s, Rosy Ellis 4 A*’s, 6 A’s and 1 B; Ellie Dunstan 3 A*’s, 5 A’s and 2 B’s; Cerian Reynish 3 A*’s, 7 A’s and 1 B; Caitlin Overton 4 A*s, 3 A’s, 2 B’s and 1 C; Joseph Buckley 2 A*’s, 8 A’s and 1 B; Thomas Dunstan 1 A*, 6 A’s and 3 B’s; Ceiran Elliott 1 A*, 5 A’s, 1B and 4 C’s; Samuel Dumbleton 1 A*, 4 A’s and 5 B’s; and Anna Chapple 6 A’s, 5 B’s and 1 C .

Creative Arts Curriculum Leader, Ms Carmichael said she was especially proud of 16-year-old pupil Aleksandra Kamionka who achieved an A* at art A-level while also doing her GCSEs.

She said: “She worked extremely hard and all in the term she was doing her GCSEs. It’s an amazing achievement for her.”

Newly appointed head teacher, Steven Grech said: “We are very proud of all our students; not just those who achieved the highest grades, but also those who exceeded their target grades.

Pupils included were Isla Summerville 1 A*, 1 B and 5 C’s; Akash Benny 5 A’s, 3 B’s, and 1 C; Laura Tobin 3 B’s and 6 C’s; Denroe Caagbay 2A’s, 4 Bs and 6 C’s; Ronan Williams 1 B and 7 C’s; Joshua Omar 5 C’s and 1 Merit; Jayden Moller 6 C’s and 1 Merit; Jack Milsom 5 C’s; and Leah Dutton 2 B’s and 4 C’s.

Holly Morrison, 16, said she had done better than she expected.

She said: “I am so happy. I can’t believe I passed maths. I knew thought that would happen in a million years.”

Mr Grech added: “We have maintained standards this year. This has given us an excellent foundation to build upon, moving forward into next year and beyond. I would like to pay tribute to all the teachers who have supported our students tirelessly during their studies and in particular Mrs Leftley who as Year 11 Progress Leader, encouraged, motivated and led the group to some fantastic achievements. I would also like to thank our families for their unstinting support over the past five years and on behalf of everyone at the school we wish all our students a happy and successful future.”