GCSE pupils in Barry’s four secondary schools all tasted exam success in what will be the final year for Barry Comprehensive School and Bryn Hafren.

Ahead of the the all-boy Barry Comprehensive School becoming co-educational, 70 per cent of pupils achieved at least 5 A* to C grades and 57 per cent achieved the same measure including both English and maths.

Head teacher, Gerard McNamara, in his final year, said: “The results this year are excellent and a real reflection of the hard work from all in our school community - students, staff, and governors. “The school has sustained its excellent standards and progress. I am very proud of our students, nearly all are continuing into the new sixth form of Whitmore High School to study A-levels.”

Daniel Griffiths, 16, of Barry, gained 11 A* or A grades in English Language, Literature, maths, numeracy, additional maths, biology, chemistry, physics, computing and religious studies.

“To be honest I don’t remember most of it, but I’m happy to see good results,” he said.

Mum Elaine Griffiths said she and Daniel’s dad Nic Griffiths tried to phone him while he was working off the coast of South Africa.

“I’m super-proud,” she said.

Mark Williams, 16, of Rhoose, achieved 13 A* or A grades including A* in English Language, Literature, mathematics, numeracy, biology, chemistry, physics, music, geology and geography.

He said he had done better than he thought as he’d been pre-occupied with gaming.”

Mum Helen Williams added: “I’m really pleased. He’s got what he wanted for dentistry.”

Bryn Hafren Comprehensive school staff have paid tribute the “dedication” and commitment the pupils have made to learning in the school’s last GCSE results year.

The all-girl school produced a pleasing set of results ahead of the school’s transformation to co-education in September.

All, but three Year 11 pupils left Bryn Hafren with at least five passes (A*to G) at GCSE or equivalent. More than 90 pupils (67 per cent) left Bryn Hafren with at least five A* to C passes at GCSE or equivalent. No pupil left without a qualification. Forty-five gained at least 10 GCSEs grades A*to C. At least 15 of the more able pupils gained at least 5 A*s or As at GCSE.

Head teacher, Tyrone Davies said: “Once again pupils, parents and staff have many reasons to be proud. This success is testimony to the Bryn Hafren family and we are looking forward to many returning to study in the Barry Sixth.”

GCSE pupils at Barry-based Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg have emulated their A-level counterparts by producing an “impressive” set of GCSE results.

Head teacher Hwyel Price congratulated pupils and staff for their hard work amid significant changes in course.

Mr Price said: “Sixty-seven per cent of pupils gained the Level 2+ (five GCSEs including Welsh or English and Mathematics) and 84 per cent of pupils have gained five or more Level 2 qualifications.

“The past two years have seen significant changes in the GCSE courses and it is pleasing to note that 28 per cent of the cohort achieved five or more A*/A grades which included mathematics and English or Welsh and is testimony to the endeavours of the departments.

“We are extremely pleased that every pupil will leave the school this year with a qualification.”

St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School saw 65 per cent of pupils achieving the new Welsh Baccalaureate indicator with an increase of 12 per cent on last year for the Level 2+.

Seventy per cent of pupils achieved a C or better in mathematics and 78 per cent achieved a C or better in English Language.

Head teacher, Steven Grech said: “We are very proud of our students’ achievements as they celebrate their GCSE results. Students have once again, reached new highs in the reformed qualifications. All of our students should feel proud of their achievements. They have secured a better future for themselves and we congratulate them as they have been an incredible year group in so many areas around the school.”

“We are very proud of all of our students.”