Pupils across the region have been congratulated on their “excellent” GCSE results, in what has been a very challenging time for schools and learners.

The Welsh Government confirmed this week that centre assessed grades will be used to award grades to all pupils in Wales.

Centre assessed grades are based on a wide range of evidence of work completed by pupils prior to the lockdown.

Ceredigion County Council congratulated pupils receiving their results today.

“We are aware that all pupils and teaching and support staff have faced new challenges this year as a result of the coronavirus, and we would like to congratulate each and every one for their hard work and their willingness to adapt in challenging times,” the council said.

“These results today are valuable and enable pupils to step confidently into their next stage of choice, whether in the world of work, further education or in the sixth form.

“As it is not possible for the pupils to go to their respective schools today to get their results in the usual way, the head of each school in Ceredigion would like to congratulate all pupils in the county on their achievements and wish them well for the future."

Dorian Pugh, headteacher of Ysgol Henry Richard in Tregaron, said: “It has been a difficult time for our young people as they have had to finish their time at Ysgol Henry Richard earlier than usual.

"Although they have not had the full opportunity to prove themselves through an exam process, I hope that the pupils will be proud of their results which reflect a committed collaboration between themselves and the school staff.

"I would like to thank the pupils who receive their GCSE results this year for all their hard work and for being excellent pupils for the school, and I wish them all the best as they move into post-16 education or the world of work.”

Jane Wyn, headteacher of Lampeter’s Ysgol Bro Pedr, said: "We are very proud of the pupils’ achievements and would like to take this opportunity to wish the pupils every success in the future.

"We look forward to welcoming many of the pupils back to Ysgol Bro Pedr’s sixth form in September.

"As a school, we believe that these results are a testimony to the pupils’ hard work, the school’s high standards of teaching and the support received from parents."

Mair Hughes, headteacher of Penglais School in Aberystwyth, said: “Our Year 11 students have worked very hard this year, during these unprecedented times, to achieve their GCSE results.

"We are very proud of their progress and look forward to welcoming students back to the sixth form, and wish those moving on all the best in the future.”

Nicola James, headteacher of Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, said: “I warmly congratulate all the students on their well-deserved success and thank teaching staff for their detailed and principled work in preparing the centre assessed grades.

"Our focus continues to be on maximising the progress of every pupil across a broad range of subjects, and most of our students studied for between 12 and 14 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications and were regularly assessed throughout.

"We are proud of the achievements of all our students, which are the result of their hard work throughout the GCSE course of study, and the input of our excellent teaching and support staff who ensure high quality learning experiences and pastoral care for all students. We congratulate everyone on their success.”

Owain Jones, Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron headteacher, said: “It is a privilege to congratulate our pupils on their excellent results.

"Although the past months have been different in terms of school experience, these results are well deserved and reflect the commitment of pupils to their studies, their hard work and the support of teachers and school staff and parents and carers.

"We are looking forward to welcoming a high percentage of pupils back to our sixth form and wish everyone who goes on to study at college, pursue an apprenticeship or enter the world of work the very best.”

Robert Jenkins, headteacher of Ysgol Bro Teifi in Llandysul, said: “The head and staff of Ysgol Bro Teifi would like to thank the students for their efforts and contribution to the school life since it opened.

"Although it has been a challenging year for them, our students have responded maturely in unprecedented times.

"It will be great to welcome most students back to the sixth form in September and we wish every success to students who will undertake college courses, apprenticeships, or work. Hopefully there will be an opportunity to acknowledge their efforts in the near future.”

Rhian Bowen Morgan, acting head of Ysgol Penweddig in Aberystwyth, said: “As a school, we are very proud of the efforts made by our GCSE pupils and the way they have coped with the current challenges.

"They have worked diligently towards their results over a period of two years, and despite these unprecedented times, their qualifications remain to be of a high standard for their future.”

Powys County Council said it was pleased to hear of the many pupils who have achieved the results that they needed to move onto the next stages of their education, training or apprenticeships.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet member for education, said: “We send our warmest congratulations to our pupils who have received their GCSE results.

“We’re extremely proud of the achievements of all our learners, especially with the challenging and unsettling year that they have experienced.

“I would also 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.”

And the headteacher of Ysgol y Preseli in Crymych, Michael Davies, said: “On behalf of staff and governors at Ysgol y Preseli, I would like to congratulate all Year 11 pupils on their excellent GCSE results.

"I would also like to thank their parents and guardians for their outstanding support and co-operation during what has been a very difficult and challenging time for everyone.”

“Today’s GCSE results have been achieved against a backdrop of extraordinary disruption and uncertainty and pupils and their teachers must be given the credit they deserve for an outstanding set of results which are the culmination of much hard work on their part.

"I would also like to thank the governing body for all their support during this unprecedented time.

“We are very proud of all the young people who have worked tirelessly throughout their time at Ysgol y Preseli and we look forward to welcoming back a large number to our growing and successful sixth form.

"What is important now is to ensure that all students in our care are supported and able to move forward with the next steps in their career or learning path.”