Politicians having been queuing up to comment on today’s A level results. Here are just a few of their comments:
Angela Burns AM, Shadow Minister for Education, said:
“These results are the fruits of years of hard work by students, supported by their parents and teachers and all deserve recognition for these achievements.
“I heartily congratulate students on their results and wish them well in their onward study or entry into the world of work.
“The vast majority of students are leaving school with robust and internationally-recognised qualifications, which Labour Ministers should avoid meddling with.
“Labour Ministers should reflect on these results and in particular the persistent performance gap between Wales and other parts of the UK in both top grades and the pass rate as well as the continuing gender gap in key subjects.
“It remains a matter of concern that after 15 years of Labour governments, ‘systemic failure’ in Welsh education and falls in international comparisons that Wales is still at the bottom of the UK league table for A Levels.”
Councillor Gareth Thomas, Cabinet Member for Education in Gwynedd Council said:
“We can take pride in the success of our young people. The students are to be congratulated for their dedication and perseverance. I would also like to offer my sincere gratitude to the teachers for their hard work during the year and for preparing students so thoroughly for the examinations.”
Plaid Shadow Minister for Education, Skills and the Welsh Language Simon Thomas said:
“These young people deserve to be congratulated on their results. These results mark the fruition of two years of hard work, and many of them have studied incredibly hard to reach their potential. We should also pay tribute to our teachers – many of whom go above and beyond the call of duty to support students in their economic endeavours.
“However, the Welsh Government has work to do ensure that future employers and universities can have confidence in Wales’ educational standards. For this reason I am glad that the government will implement Plaid Cymru’s proposals to establish an independent regulatory exam body in Qualifications Wales.
“These students will today begin to think about their futures in earnest, and it is the Welsh Government’s duty now to create the environment where there are highly skilled jobs available for the next generation of Welsh employees.”
Plaid Cymru South West Wales AM Bethan Jenkins, a member of the Children, Young People and Education committee said:
“After celebrating with their friends, families and teachers students will now be planning their next stage of their life – perhaps continuing their education or entering the world of work.
“It is crucial young people get clear and unbiased advice. The advice should include information on apprenticeships as well as more traditional academic courses. The Party of Wales in government would build on the success of the budget deal with the Welsh Government which created 5,500 new apprenticeship opportunities.
“Plaid Cymru welcomes the setting up of Qualifications Wales as an independent exam regulator free from the hands of Welsh Ministers. This will ensure standards are high and the credibility of qualifications from Wales.
“A Plaid Cymru government would ensure qualifications for 14-19 year olds GCSEs, A Levels and the Welsh Baccalaureate would have increased relevance and provide a more accurate indication of pupils’ skills so qualifications from Wales would be more portable and credible.”
“One concern Plaid Cymru has is that the implementation of the qualifications review is being rushed through without regard for the forthcoming new curriculum for Wales.”
Cllr Ali Thomas, WLGA Spokesperson for Education said:
“Today is all about acknowledging the dedication and the talent of pupils across Wales, and we wish every one of them all the very best for the future. Congratulations must also be given to the schools, local authorities and further education institutions who continue to work tirelessly to inspire their pupils to ever greater success.
“These results compare well overall to recent years, and they will provide a sound basis for even further improvement in the future as we work to ensure that the educational performance of pupils in Wales compares favourably with those in the leading countries in the world.”
Councillor Eryl Williams, Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Education, said:
“We would like to congratulate all students on their individual results.
“Education remains a top priority in Denbighshire and I am extremely pleased to see our A level results continuing to rise.”
