STANWELL School is celebrating more than a third of this year's A-level grades being A or A*.

Students joined those across the UK in finding out their results today (Thursday, August 17).

In another successful year for the school, 21 per cent of students managed to achieve three As or better and 86 per cent of the year group achieving A* to C overall.

Of all the grades awarded, 35 per cent were A* or A and 98 per cent were A* to E.

Students studying mathematics were awarded 48 A* or A grades (60 per cent of entry).

In addition, the art, drama, English literature, German, government & politics and religious studies departments  saw 78 per cent, 74 per cent, 78 per cent, 80 per cent, 75 per cent and 77 per cent of the candidates secure A* to B respectively. 

There were a total of 68 A* grades (10 per cent of entry) and 577 A* to B grades (63 per cent of entry including the Welsh Baccalaureate). Furthermore, 239 students (94 per cent) achieved the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate as part of the new Welsh Baccalaureate.  

Pupils arrived at the school as early as 8am, eager to find out what they had achieved.

The school's top performers included Seren Marsh with 4 A*s and an A and she is off to Oxford University to study medicine. 

 Will Marsh with 4As, Joseph Short with 4A*s and a B and Lily Winnan with 4 A*s.

Dan Owusu got an A* in Maths, an A in further maths and a B in Media.

He will be going to Bristol University to study Economics.

Former head girl Lucy Richards will be going to Exeter University to study modern languages.86 % of the year group achieving A* to C overall.She got As in French, German and Welsh Baccalaureate with a C in Biology.

Headteacher Derek Jones said: "This has been another excellent year for Stanwell. 

"We would like to congratulate all our sixth formers on their success and are grateful for the support given by parents and staff to ensure that our students fulfil their potential." 

Angharad Mansfield, a year 13 tutor, said: "We have had a very successful morning and the sixth form team are delighted that so many of our students have secured places at their chosen universities.

"It has been a pleasure working with these young people and we congratulate all of Year 13 on their achievements and wish them continued success in the future."

Paula Ham, Vale of Glamorgan Council director of learning and skills said: "There will be celebrations across the Vale today as sixth formers congratulate each other on their successes.

 "For students receiving their A-level results this is the culmination of years of hard work and they should be very proud of what they have achieved.

"While for those opening their AS results the finish line is now in sight. 

"This year’s results cement the Vale of Glamorgan’s reputation for outstanding educational standards. Teachers and support staff work tirelessly all year to give our young people the strongest possible platform for success and they too fully deserve to celebrate today."