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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
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| Top grade A-levels rise again in Wales | Top grade A-levels rise again in Wales |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| The proportion of students in Wales achieving the top grade at A-level has risen again and is at its highest since being brought in five years ago. | The proportion of students in Wales achieving the top grade at A-level has risen again and is at its highest since being brought in five years ago. |
| A total of 7.3% of students got A* grades - up from 6.7% but still short of the UK average of 8.2%. | A total of 7.3% of students got A* grades - up from 6.7% but still short of the UK average of 8.2%. |
| But the overall pass rate fell from 97.5% to 97.3% and Wales is lower than Northern Ireland, England and any of its regions. | But the overall pass rate fell from 97.5% to 97.3% and Wales is lower than Northern Ireland, England and any of its regions. |
| More pupils took Spanish and computing; fewer took Welsh as a second language. | More pupils took Spanish and computing; fewer took Welsh as a second language. |
| Education Minister Huw Lewis said it was "another strong performance in Wales". | Education Minister Huw Lewis said it was "another strong performance in Wales". |
| He added: "This shows a real and growing trend for improvement amongst our most able learners." | He added: "This shows a real and growing trend for improvement amongst our most able learners." |
| As thousands of pupils received their results, it is now possible to compare Welsh performance with English regions and Northern Ireland for different grades. | As thousands of pupils received their results, it is now possible to compare Welsh performance with English regions and Northern Ireland for different grades. |
| And although pupils here still lag behind England as a whole, Wales marginally out performs comparable regions such as northern England and the Midlands. | And although pupils here still lag behind England as a whole, Wales marginally out performs comparable regions such as northern England and the Midlands. |
| Scotland has its own exams system. | Scotland has its own exams system. |
| Here are the highlights: | Here are the highlights: |
| A-levels: Analysis subject-by-subject | |
| Q&A - expert advice | |
| What if my grades are poor? | |
| The UK picture | |
| This year, the core element of the Welsh Bacc was also be graded for the first time, from A* to C following concerns about the usefulness of the old pass, fail or distinction system. | This year, the core element of the Welsh Bacc was also be graded for the first time, from A* to C following concerns about the usefulness of the old pass, fail or distinction system. |
| These results showed 12% got A*, 29.3% A and 30.3% B. Grade C: 20.4%. Not achieved - 7.8%. | These results showed 12% got A*, 29.3% A and 30.3% B. Grade C: 20.4%. Not achieved - 7.8%. |
| Although the Bacc is now graded, pupils still only receive 120 Ucas points for passing the course regardless of their grade. | Although the Bacc is now graded, pupils still only receive 120 Ucas points for passing the course regardless of their grade. |
| Mr Lewis said he was particularly encouraged to see the increase of A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. | Mr Lewis said he was particularly encouraged to see the increase of A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. |
| "These subjects are of real importance to a modern and highly skilled economy and I'm sure this success will offer real opportunities for our learners as they embark on further studies and future careers," he said. | "These subjects are of real importance to a modern and highly skilled economy and I'm sure this success will offer real opportunities for our learners as they embark on further studies and future careers," he said. |
| Dr Philip Dixon, director of teaching union ATL Cymru said Wales was closing the gap at the very top grade but he warned of "one or two bumps on the road". | Dr Philip Dixon, director of teaching union ATL Cymru said Wales was closing the gap at the very top grade but he warned of "one or two bumps on the road". |
| He said there was a noticeable decline in Welsh first language results and a fall in numbers taking Welsh second language which were "bound to call into question the Welsh Government's current approach." | He said there was a noticeable decline in Welsh first language results and a fall in numbers taking Welsh second language which were "bound to call into question the Welsh Government's current approach." |
| Dr Dixon said the modest rate of increase in grade As overall in Wales had seen some English regions leap-frog us. | Dr Dixon said the modest rate of increase in grade As overall in Wales had seen some English regions leap-frog us. |
| "We are obviously getting some things right but there are still some lessons for us to learn," he added. | "We are obviously getting some things right but there are still some lessons for us to learn," he added. |
| Rex Phillips, NASUWT national official in Wales, said it was a time to celebrate success and achievement. | |
| "It is hoped that the politicians of all parties at the Senedd will offer their congratulations to students and their teachers, rather than using the results as a political football," he said. | |
| CLEARING, CAREERS AND ADVICE DETAILS | CLEARING, CAREERS AND ADVICE DETAILS |