One week after a set of outstanding A-level results, star students from around the county have been collecting their GCSE results this week.

At Chepstow School GCSE students continued their record-breaking form, with 70% of students achieving five or more GCSEs including English and Maths, with 87% of grades at A*-C and all students leaving with a qualification.

Claire Price head teacher said “I am incredibly proud of our students who have all received exceptional results. The overall results reflect the sustained improvements made in Chepstow school over the past 4 years.

“Of course the story today is about individual students’ achievements. The commitment and love shown by staff and parents ensures that all young people achieve well. It is this that makes Chepstow School a special and inspiring place to be.”

Sarah Gibbs, who this year won the school’s sports personality of the year award has had to juggle her running commitments with piles of revision.“I just wanted to run, I didn’t want to be revising!” she said. “I started early though and got into a system. It was really tough”.

Student Callum Dark, pictured below achieved an A in English literature, but with a difference. Callum and his 18 classmates were entered for the examination while still in Year 9- two years early.

In addition to his studies, Callum also plays football at Bristol Rovers academy so has had to work particularly hard to deal with his sports and work commitments. “It’s been a hard balance but everyone else is in the same boat,” he said. “It just feels good to get it out of the way”.

Cerys Barclay achieved nine A* one A and a distinction in additional maths from her hard work, and will study chemistry, biology, physics, maths and further maths at the school for her A-levels. How did she get such good grades? “Lots of revision!” she says.

Her brother Daniel also took English literature two years early, achieving a B grade.

Craig Bridgeman, chair of governors was impressed with the students’ achievements. “This is another very strong set of results. I am especially proud of our students’ performance in the core subjects. Most notably they have achieved outstanding English results, which exceed 80% for the first time ever. Our ongoing success is reflected by support from our local community.

“For the first time in over 10 years we are full in year 7. We have many students joining us as in-year admissions and over 90% of our students are returning to our 6th form in September. The governing body wish to congratulate all our young learners on their successful results and thank the dedicated staff at the school and the parents who collectively provide the support, belief and guidance to improve our young peoples’ future lives.

“A big well done and good luck in the next stage of development and academic achievement for all our students.”

Wyedean school students had cause for celebration, with some outstanding results across the board.

In particular, Ceira Moulton, pictured above, achievied eight A* and five A grades in her results.

“I’m really happy, but surprised at the A* in Maths!” she said.

“I started revising at Christmas but didn’t get very far, but I properly started in February half-term and spent a lot of time over Easter.”

In addition to her studies Ceira sings in a gospel choir, and takes part in open mic nights.

“I was worried I was going to let my conductor down, but I managed to balance that and my revision fairly well I think.”

Ceira is also a young leader with the Scouts First Sedbury and Tiderton division, and also achieved a silver Duke of Edinburgh award with Monmouthshire Youth Service.

Kimberley Ashwood, Claudia Sampford and April Howard are planning on celebrating their success with some retail therapy “just going to go into town and do some shopping!”

Students and staff at Caldicot School were delighted too, as results continued their upward trend in recent years. English, science and mathematics celebrated their best results on record, and 69% of pupils achieved the Level Two Inclusive Threshold (five good GCSEs including maths and English) which is the measure the Welsh Government use in its School Categorisation system.

Simon Rees, deputy head teacher said “we are very pleased with how well our young peole have performed. 92% of the year group have achieved the equivalent of five A*-C grades. These results are due to a three way commitment between staff, pupils and parents. We have a comprehensive Upgrade Programme which includes after school revision sessions, intensive immersion days at during half terms, and the Easter holiday, and well as a range of bespoke measures to meet the needs of every individual child.”

Chair of governors Mr Nurcombe said “these are a fantastic set of results which demonstrate year on year improvements at Caldicot School. 418 A* and A grades were achieved by pupils this year, and is a reward for all the effort they have invested into their studies”.