A NERVOUS wait was met with plenty of smiles on Thursday morning as students in Monmouthshire received their A-level results.

Students at Chepstow School have celebrated another successful results day, with 99 per cent of students securing A-level grades between A* and E.

36 per cent of students achieved A-level grades between A* to A, while 61 per cent of BTEC qualifications were D or D*.

Head student Merrick Stanley achieved A*, A* and A and is heading to Bath University to study aerospace engineering.

Emma Ford achieved A*, A, A, A and is busy preparing an application to medical school after a gap year.

Charlotte Tregaskes achieved A*, A, A and will head to Cardiff University to study education and social policy.

Deputy head girl Clara Zorab achieved AAA and will attend Exeter University to study modern languages.

Eleri Williams, head girl, achieved ABB and will go on to study veterinary medicine at Bristol University

Alviya Khan earned a place at UWE to read law, with four distinction* grades from her BTEC courses, rendering her one of the school’s highest UCAS points scorers.

Other students have found equal success securing apprenticeships and traineeships, including Scott Williams, Tom Watts and Kieron Fenton.

Melanie Thomas, head of sixth form at Chepstow School, said: “There are, once again, a superb set of results. I am really proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our students and staff, which has led to some superlative achievements. Our students have secured fantastic university and apprenticeship placements, in addition to those who have already commenced employment, and we cannot praise their diligence enough. we look forward to heading about the undoubtedly bright futures they have ahead of them. Well done to all.”

Craig Bridgeman, chair of governors, added: “I am proud that our young people are able to enter the next stage of their life fully equipped with all the skills they need to succeed. As ever, the inspiring learning experiences at Chepstow School are reflected in our students’ outstanding performances. Once again, our school shows further improvement and an inspirational platform for the success of our young learners. I am really looking forward to next week’s GCSE results and they new school year as we welcome our new students. A huge well done to our students and staff on behalf of the governors.”

A record number of students at Wyedean School achieved grades A* to A, with around a third of all students obtaining A* to A and two thirds obtaining A* to B with an overall pass rate of 99 per cent for A-level and BTEC entries.

Additionally, all students received either their first or second choice university placement.

The morning was filled with plenty of individual stories of months of hard work paying off. Sophie Drinkwater had plenty to celebrate after bing accepted into law at Oxford University. She said: “I was so relieved when I woke up this morning and got the results, I could’t stop crying. I’ve been working towards this for so long, I’ve wanted to do it since Year 9.”

For Sophie all the exams and interviews paid off and now after of plenty of hard work she can relax, she said: “It was all really stressful but i’m really glad it all paid off. I’m going to relax a bit now.”

For Dexter Dowd, his A-level results came as a welcome birthday present as he achieved what he wanted.

“I was very happy with the results, I got better than I thought I would. I had trouble sleeping last night but it was the perfect birthday present.”

Alongside the students were the teachers who have been beside them every step of the way and are just as thrilled with the student’s success.

Headteacher Robe Ford said: “This is always one of the best days in school for anyone involved in education celebrating hard work, achievement and success for our young people who are looking forward to their future.”

Director of sixth form Johnathan Lane also joined in congratulating the students. He said: “This is an excellent set of results again and is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the all staff and students at Wyedean School”.

Pupils at Caldicot School were also celebrating their achievements as the school celebrated another record breaking set of results. The percentage of students achieving 2A*-C grades is the best on record at 73 per cent, with a rise in the percentage of students achieving A* to B grades for the fourth consecutive year.

Ewan Davies and Jake Franklin, (pictured) both achieved three A* grades in physics, mathematics and further mathematics. Both students have secured places at their choice of university to read mathematics, Ewan at Oxford and Jake at Warwick.

“This set of results is the culmination of a determined effort by students, staff and parents, and is a reward for two years of hard work” said deputy head teacher Simon Rees.

Mr P Nurcombe, Chair of Governors, commented on how delighted he is with the results of post 16 students who have been able to fulfil their ambitions and university placements of their choice. He added: “These results reflect the hard work and commitment of our students and staff. The governing body joins me in wishing these young people every success in their futures.”