Almost half of A level grades in Wales are A* and A which has been described as a "remarkable achievement" by the Welsh Government.

Powys County Council has also congratulated the county's learners on their results today.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “We’re extremely proud of the achievements of all our learners and are delighted to hear the stories of their success, especially with the challenging and unsettling year that they have experienced.

“I would like to thank the hard work of the teachers and school leadership teams in supporting their pupils throughout this difficult time and for their professionalism in ensuring that all sources of evidence were carefully considered in awarding the final grades."

Welshpool High School

Welshpool High School students have been congratulated on their A level results today as they move forward to university places, apprenticeships and the workplace.

Headteacher Josh Kinsey said: "We are delighted for our students who, despite a difficult year, have been rewarded for their hard work with some very good results.

"Thank you, also, to the dedicated staff who have helped our students achieve these tremendous results, as well as to parents for their continued support throughout the year."

Particular mention go to Ellie Bailey, Dylan de Zeeuw, Alice Baker, Sarah Jones and Carla Ellis who each achieved A* grades in all their subjects.

Dylan takes up a place at the University of Oxford to read Law, while Ellie goes to the University of Liverpool to study Aerospace Engineering.

Ysgol Bro Hyddgen, Machynlleth

Niklas Dewally has achieved outstanding success. He will be studying Mathematics and Computer Sciences at the University of St Andrews following achieving 4 A levels in Mathematics A*, Music A*, Physics A and Further Mathematics A.

Nearly every A level student at Ysgol Bro Hyddgen has been accepted to their first choice university and a significant number will be continuing their studies at various Russell Group universities across the UK.

The school said it had good reason to cheer its "very pleasing" results following a challenging year.

Headteacher Dafydd Jones has praised the hard work and resilience of the students.

He said: "Years 12 and 13 candidates have studied for their courses during very disrupted times, and they have persevered very well with meaningful support from their parents and outstanding provision from the teaching staff at the school. 

"Seeing how pupils and staff have adapted so well reflects excellent initiative and resilience, and I’m proud of what has been achieved by all, and am exceptionally grateful to all for their continued efforts during these very challenging circumstances. 

"I wish all our students well to the future, and look forward to hearing about their future successes.”

Ffion Duke achieved one A* and three As and will be studying Physiological Sciences at Bristol University.

Lily Shone achieved three As and is going to Cardiff University to read History. Connor Davies is also going to Cardiff University to study Applied Software Engineering following achieving A, B and a Distinction*.

Jack Owen is going to Liverpool John Moores University to study Sports Coaching following achieving B, B, Distinction and a Merit. Llia Edwards achieved two As, a D and a Distinction and will be studying Physical Education and Coaching in the University of Gloucestershire.

Ieuan Jones achieved an A, B, C and a Distinction, and will be studying Rural Enterprise and Land Management at Harper Adams University.

Catrin Evans is going to Aberystwyth University to study Agriculture. She has achieved a scholarship from Aberystwyth University, and achieved 3As and a Distinction*. Megan Breese is also going to Aberystwyth University to study Agriculture and Business Management following achieving an A*, B and a Distinction

Catrin Pughe achieved a B and two Distinction*, and will be studying Agriculture at Aberystwyth University. Head girl, Eiry Lewis achieved a scholarship to Aberystwyth University to study Agriculture, and she has achieved a C, two Distinction* and one Distinction. Ella Messer achieved a Distinction and a Pass.

Caereinion High School

Students in Year 13 and 12 at Caereinion High School have received their A level and As results this morning.

Headteacher Philip Jones said he was "delighted" to report that the provisional grades issued by the school in July have been ratified by the Examination Awarding bodies.

He added: "I would like to share my gratitude to the staff, pupils and parents for their hard work and commitment to make the CDG (Centre Determined Grades) process such a success and I am certain that learners will now, finally, be able to celebrate".

Ysgol Llanfyllin

Ben Davies with 2 x Distinctions and an A. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.

Lowri Griffiths (2 x B's) and Fflur Edwards (B & C) Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.

Joe Evans with an A and a B and Mathew Blowers with 4 x A's. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.

Ysgol Llanfyllin is celebrating an excellent first set of results in its new incarnation as an all age school.

Every student has accepted a place at the university of their choice with a number receiving scholarships at Aberystwyth and Bangor.

Twelve A level students achieved all A* and A grades including Arthur Jehu Davies (three A* and one A), Sion Lewis (three A* and one A), Twain Price (three A* and one A), Will Prust (three A* and one A), Ruth Jones (two A* and two A grades). Niamh Jones who has secured a place at Oxford to study English.

Headteacher Dewi Owen said: "We are incredibly proud to see our students enjoy the reward of their hard work, especially as this has been such a challenging academic year for everyone.

"This success is due to a combination of factors: the fact that we are able to offer a wide curriculum in order to best meet students’ needs; the enthusiasm and commitment of our students; the hard work and dedication of our staff; and of course the amazing support and encouragement of parents and carers.

"We would like wish all our students every success in their future careers and studies."

At AS level there were some top performances with three students achieving all A grades. Ben Benson, Matthew Blowers and Ffion Davies all achieved four A grades which Mr Owen described as a "remarkable achievement".

"We look forward to working with students towards their full A levels over the coming year," he added.

Ysgol Calon Cymru

Ysgol Calon Cymru A level student Ffion Wright has won a place at Cambridge University to read Natural Sciences with her four A*s.

Haulwen De Kleijn-Jones, Crys Conti, Ffion Wright and Rhiannon Everett with their A level results at Ysgol Calon Cymru.

Ysgol Calon Cymru A level student Saffron Morgan achieved one A* and three As.

Ysgol Calon Cymru said it is "immensely proud" of its sixth form students at both Builth and Llandrindod campuses.

Forty-six per cent of students attained A* and A grades with 99.4 per cent students received A* to E grades.

There were some outstanding individual performances from both Builth and Llandrindod campuses. These included:

Builth Campus - Dan Barnes (four A*), Rachel Bonos (two A*s, one A and one B) and Saffron Morgan (one A* and three As)

Llandrindod Campus - Dominic Binks (two A*s and two As), Gemma Halstead (two A*s and two As), Kieran Dobbins (one A* and three As), Laura Hall (one A* and three As) and Louise Jones (one A* and three As)

Ffion Wright has been accepted to read Natural Science at Cambridge University after achieving four A*s.

Deputy Headteacher Lee Powell said: "With the numerous challenges they have faced, they have worked tirelessly to achieve excellent results.

"I would like to thank the parents, teachers and staff for all their hard work and support, not only with their academic success but giving students a wide range of experiences throughout their time in school.

"We will miss this group of students as they move on to their next exciting stage in their lives and we wish them all the best in their future."

Christ College Brecon

Sam Kang, Catherine Wang, Madison Sligh​t with Head Gareth Pearson. Picture by Christ College Brecon.

"Outstanding" results have been achieved by Christ College Brecon's A level and BTEC students this summer.

Eight pupils achieved three A*s or better including Luc James from Brecon, Llyr Thomas from Builth Wells, Sophie Jones from Merthyr, Madison Slight from Neath and Catherine Wang from Llanelli.

Madison Slight, Sophie Jones, Pranjil Pokharel, and Bruce Lau all gained entry into highly competitive medical schools.

This year is also the first year of BTEC results in Sport, Performing Arts and Information Technology where pupils achieved 100 per cent pass and 50 per cent at the highest grade of Distinction plus.

Head of Christ College, Gareth Pearson, said: “We are immensely proud of all the work and achievements of our pupils, especially after another difficult and disrupted year.

"I am equally proud of the integrity and diligence with which all our teachers have worked to ensure our pupils are fully prepared for success at the next stage in their education.’’

Many pupils are going on to some of the UK’s top universities including Oxford, Durham, Exeter and Imperial College London as well as other Russell Group universities.

NPTC Group of Colleges

NPTC Group of Colleges achieved an incredible overall pass rate of 100 per cent and gained a record number of A* results after another year disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 100 students achieved triple distinctions grades in the Extended National Diploma qualifications, with 33 students achieving the highest possible grade profile of triple distinction stars (D*D*D*) which is the equivalent to three A* at A Level.

Over 34 per cent of NPTC colleges, including at Newtown, Llandrindod and Brecon, achieved and A* or A with students achieving a remarkable 100 per cent pass rate in all 38 A Level subjects. More than half achieved A* to B grades and 82 per cent gained A* to C grades.

Mark Dacey, Chief Executive Officer and Principal of NPTC Group of Colleges, said: “I am incredibly proud and humbled by the results we have achieved especially in what has been the most challenging time for our staff and students, in more ways than one. Staff have adapted and sometimes completely changed their teaching practices to engage students in a whole new way.

"In turn, our students have adapted to these challenges, showing their commitment. These results are a testament to the dedication of our staff and our students in unprecedented circumstances. I am happy to provide the most heart-felt congratulations not just from myself, but the Colleges’ Corporation Board and Senior Management Team."

For the students who followed the Gifted and Talented Excellence (GATE) programme it is also good news with 92 per cent achieving A*to A grades and 100 per cent achieved A*to B grades.

A spokesperson for NPTC Group of Colleges said: "It is important to note that this year is like no other year. Our students and staff have undertaken an incredible amount of work in incredibly difficult circumstances.

"It would be far too easy to just make direct comparisons, but no students or staff have gone through a global pandemic in such important academic years and we want to celebrate their incredible efforts.

"Both A Level and BTEC students adapted to online learning, focusing on their studies to arrive at what are once again, truly amazing results. Many of the class of 2021 have secured places at top universities or got the qualifications to land their dream jobs."