Llanidloes High School has been named one of Wales’ top 10 state secondary schools for the second year running.

The Parent Power/The Sunday Times Schools Guide ranked the Montgomeryshire secondary school as the tenth-best for GCSE and A-level results for 2018.

This summer 16.9 per cent of GCSEs were awarded at A* and A, and 59.4 per cent of A-levels awarded were at grades A* to B; the school now ranks at 356 in the UK.

Pupils and staff at Montgomeryshire’s only secondary school to make this year’s list have been celebrating the news.

Headteacher Daniel Owen said: “Naturally, we are absolutely delighted. We are especially pleased to see our Sixth Form once again receiving national recognition. It is little wonder that our vibrant Sixth Form is growing, with students travelling from far and wide to access the caring, close-knit, supportive and high quality learning environment

“This year, we are possibly unique in Wales in being able to say that every single student was awarded a place in their first choice university, a feat rarely matched by fee-paying independent schools. We will continue to ensure our sixth formers have an open door to world-class higher education when they leave us for pastures new.”

Head pupils Zach Evans and Nyeri Flanagan say its the ethos of the school and the support from the close-knit community that makes Llanidloes a top 10 school.

“This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the pupils and staff,” Nyeri said.

“But we are not surprised because of the unique atmosphere and the level of support in the school.”

Zach added: “It’s the unique atmosphere, great relationship with teachers, and everyone knows everyone – that’s one of the biggest things for me. It’s the community sense of the school and that’s just compounded with the relationship with the community.”

Welsh Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire Russell George visited the school earlier this week to congratulate them on their success.

He said: “I’d like to congratulate Llanidloes High School for this second year running that they’ve won this award and this is the only secondary school in Montgomeryshire that has won this year.

“Credit goes to all the teachers and pupils. The pressure is now on to get a hat-trick!”

Out of all the schools in the top 10, a fifth of them are from Powys which include Crickhowell High School, in Brecknockshire, as well as Llanidloes High School.

Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Learning and Welsh Language, said: “Powys schools are performing well, with excellent results across all Key Stages.

“These national accolades recognise the high quality of teaching and learning which gives our young people the best possible start in life. Congratulations are due to all concerned.”