Students at high schools in Newtown and Llanidloes have collected A-Level results this morning, with head-teachers at both schools paying tribute to the hard work of students, teachers and parents.

At Llanidloes High School staff and pupils say they are are "exceptionally pleased" with results this year.

Headteacher, Daniel Owen, said: “We are delighted with our students’ splendid results this year and warmly congratulate them on their success. Nearly 90% of all grades achieved by our students were at A*-C, which is an exceptional testimony to students’ hard work and the high quality of teaching at the school.

"Additionally, 60% of students taking three A-levels or equivalent achieved at least one A*-A grade with 87% achieving at least one A*-B grade. Over a quarter of all grades were A*-A or equivalent. Every single student applying for Higher Education gained a place in his or her first-choice university, which is outstanding.

"We are naturally delighted to be in The Times top ten Sixth Forms in Wales based on the exceptional results of our students and hope to remain there for a second successive year.

"I would like to thank all of the students for their exceptional hard work and for being such exemplary role models for our younger pupils. We wish you well as you move onto pastures new and look forward to seeing you pop in with regular updates on how you’re getting on. I would also like to thank teachers and staff for supporting students so effectively over the last two years, enabling them to achieve such a strong set of results."

At Newtown 75% of students gained the equivalent of two or more grades at A* - C, with 97% achieving the Level 3 threshold, while 100% of students achieved Distinction Star - Pass in BTEC Level 3 courses.

92% of students achieved the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at A* to C grade, an increase of 16.4% from the previous year, with 98% achieving this qualification at A* - E, further enhancing their employability skills.

Year 12 results are encouraging, showing an increase of 34% of students achieving the equivalent of three or more grades at A - E when compared to last year, and a 15.4% increase of those achieving the equivalent of three or more A grades, which shows a rise in the top grades achieved by students.

Notable performers were Teegan Harris who achieved Di* Di* A A C, an average wider points score of 1395 and is going to study Marketing at Aberystwyth University. Leah Eyre who achieved B B C C A, an average wider points score of 1170 points and is going to study Drama & Theatre Arts at the University of Birmingham and Tabby Down who achieved A B B A M, an average wider points score of 1118 points and is going to study Media & Communication at Cardiff University.

"We are incredibly proud of all our Sixth Form students and appreciate that their results reflect not only their dedication but also the considerable support of their parents and families," said Rob Edwards, Headteacher.

"It is a testament to all of students for their hard work and efforts this year, in particular, girls who considerably improved their average wider points score to last year. We are also delighted that nearly all of our students achieved their first preference place at University. The school and I wish them every success with their future pathways."