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Students around the county collect GCSE results

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STUDENTS nervously collected their GCSE results from schools across the county today (Aug 23), with an overall pass rate of 95.5%.

The percentage of pupils in Pembrokeshire achieving WJEC grades A* or A in GCSE full course examinations this year is 17.1% compared with a Wales figure of 18.5%.

The percentage of pupils in Pembrokeshire achieving A* – C grades is 60.8% compared with the Wales figure of 61.6%.

23.7% of pupils achieved 5A* – A grades in full course subjects compared with 14% in 2017.

The A* – G percentage pass rate in Pembrokeshire is 95.5%.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Director for Children and Schools, Kate Evan-Hughes, said: “The widely reported reform programme continues to impact on results.

“This is the second year of reform for English Language; English Literature; Mathematics; Mathematics – Numeracy; Welsh (1st) Language and Welsh Literature. Another 15 reformed subjects – taking the total to 21 – have their results this year, including a new Double Award in Science.

“I am delighted to see the improvement for some of our schools particularly for Ysgol Y Preseli, Ysgol Dewi Sant and Ysgol Bro Gwaun at the Level 2 Inclusive measure; improvements in Science at Pembroke School and English Language in Tasker Milward and Greenhill.

“We will continue to work with schools to ensure that our learners receive the best possible life chances.

“I wish all students the very best for their futures and thank staff for their commitment to our young people.”

County Councillor David Lloyd, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “It is pleasing to see individual students achieving the outcomes they need to take the next steps, whether that is continuing with school-based learning, moving to further education, apprenticeship or employment.

“We congratulate schools where individual progress has been made and continue to support schools to achieve the vision of the local authority and secure improvement where it is needed.”

Record breaking GCSE results at Ysgol Bro Gwaun

Ysgol Bro Gwaun celebrated an outstanding set of GCSE results this year, with the school achieving its best-ever performances in several subject areas and key indicators.

Mr Paul Edwards, Headteacher at Ysgol Bro Gwaun, said: “These are remarkable results which would stand in comparison with the best schools in Wales of a similar nature to ours. I’m delighted with the outcomes in many of our subject areas, which has led to significant increases of over 10% or more in many of our performance indicators at Level 2.

“The Level 2+ indicator (5A*-C including English, Welsh and Maths) improved significantly, as did the percentage of grades at A and A*.”

He continued: “It is with immense pride that I congratulate all students, staff and governors on these excellent results for the school, and I wish all pupils the very best as they move on to the next chapter in their lives. I thank everyone for their continued support of Ysgol Bro Gwaun’s development and success.”

Top student was Sam Rummery, with 13A*.

Other notable performances with a string of A* and A’s were also achieved by –
Callum Harries (10A*, 1A, 1B)
Michael Lewis (7A*, 4A, 1B)
Elin Williams (3A*, 9A)
Vaughan Batty (4A*, 6A, 2B)
Katie O’Donoghue (2A*, 9A, 1B)
Josie Gabel-McEvoy (7A*, 3A, 1C)
Dylan Grove (2A*, 6A, 4B)

Education

Landfill odours breach air quality guidelines near Spittal School

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AIR quality near Spittal School has breached World Health Organisation (WHO) odour annoyance guidelines due to emissions from the Withyhedge landfill site, sparking health concerns among residents.

Public Health Wales (PHW) revealed that hydrogen sulphide levels exceeded the WHO odour annoyance threshold of 5ppb at the Spittal School monitoring station between October 1 and November 3. The colourless gas, known for its eggy smell, can cause symptoms including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and throat irritation when present at elevated levels.

Henry Tufnell MP (centre) at visit to Withyhedge Landfill Site

Community complaints lead to monitoring

Air quality monitoring began earlier this year after Natural Resources Wales (NRW) received numerous complaints about odours linked to the landfill. While other monitoring sites recorded no such exceedances between September 7 and 22, PHW acknowledged the distress caused by the smells.

A PHW spokesperson said: “Bad smells in your community can be upsetting and lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and sleep problems. These effects usually pass once the odour is gone.”

Stop the Stink: There have been several protests by locals over smells from the landfill site

Health risk remains low

PHW emphasised that the long-term health risk to residents remains low. However, it advises residents to close windows and doors when odours occur to reduce exposure, while ensuring proper ventilation for safety. Once the smell dissipates, opening windows can help clear residual odours.

Calls for regulatory action

NRW stated that it is committed to ensuring the site operator, RML, takes steps to minimise emissions that could cause offsite odours. PHW, while monitoring the situation, clarified it has no regulatory authority over landfill operations.

“We understand the stress and anxiety caused by these odours,” said a PHW spokesperson. “We will continue reviewing and updating the health risk assessment as more data becomes available.”

Local residents continue to call for stronger action to address the issue, as the unpleasant odours disrupt daily life and raise ongoing concerns.

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Wales tourism tax: £1.25 levy proposed from 2027

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A NEW tourism tax of £1.25 per person per night could be introduced in Wales starting April 2027, following the publication of draft legislation by the Welsh government. The levy, applicable to hotels, B&Bs, and self-catered accommodation, would be charged per person, including children. A reduced rate of 75p would apply to stays in hostels and campsites.

The Welsh government argues the levy will raise approximately £33m annually, supporting services and infrastructure in tourism hotspots. Funds raised will be ring-fenced for projects such as promoting tourism, improving visitor services, and supporting the Welsh language. However, the plans have sparked criticism from opposition parties and industry groups, who warn the tax may deter tourists and harm Wales’ vital tourism sector.

Industry concerns

The tourism sector, employing 159,000 people—nearly 12% of Wales’ workforce—has expressed concerns about the impact of the levy on visitor numbers. Critics, including the Wales Tourism Alliance, argue there is no guarantee the revenue will enhance the visitor experience, potentially making Wales less attractive compared to neighboring regions without similar taxes.

The Welsh Conservatives oppose the measure, calling it a “barrier to tourism” and warning of increased costs for families and additional bureaucracy for small businesses. Shadow Minister for Finance Peter Fox stated: “This tax is the wrong one for Wales and the wrong one for our tourism industry.”

How it works

The levy will not apply to stays of more than 31 nights or to individuals in temporary accommodation or homeless hostels. The tax will also require providers of short-term accommodations, such as Airbnbs, to register under a licensing scheme set to be introduced through additional legislation before 2026.

Councils adopting the levy must consult stakeholders and provide 12 months’ notice before implementing or increasing the charge. While the levy is optional for local authorities, it is expected to be a divisive issue among councils. Some may view it as a means to generate revenue for improving tourism infrastructure, while others may fear it could drive visitors to neighboring regions without the tax.

Broader context

Visitor levies are not new; countries worldwide employ similar systems to fund local services and improve tourist destinations. Welsh Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford defended the plan, saying, “It’s fair visitors contribute towards local facilities, helping to fund infrastructure and services integral to their experience.”

Cardiff Council has indicated interest in exploring fiscal powers like the levy as part of its broader strategy to invest in the tourism sector. Meanwhile, critics remain skeptical, with some calling for clearer commitments on how funds will be spent to ensure the levy provides tangible benefits for tourists and communities alike.

Next steps

For the tax to take effect, the proposed legislation must pass through the Senedd. If approved, councils will have discretion over implementation, ensuring any decision is tailored to local priorities and needs.

Whether this initiative strengthens Wales’ position as a leading destination or creates obstacles for the tourism industry remains a point of contention.

Expert’s viewpoint

Corporate partner at law firm Spencer West LLP: “The introduction of a tourism levy in Wales could have significant implications for the leisure, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Whilst the legislation aims to reduce the burden on local infrastructure and services resulting from a regular influx of tourists by providing additional funding for them, it may also create financial and operational challenges for businesses in these industries.

From a positive perspective, the reinvestment of funds into local infrastructure could enhance visitor experiences, potentially attracting more tourists over the long term. Improved facilities and local amenities could also help bolster community support for tourism, fostering a more sustainable relationship between visitors and local communities.

However, the levy could impose additional costs on tourists, potentially deterring budget-conscious visitors or driving them to alternative destinations without such charges. This risk may disproportionately affect smaller accommodation providers, hostels, and campsites, which rely on price-sensitive customers. Additionally, implementing the scheme and managing the levy collection could increase administrative burdens and compliance costs for businesses.

Concerns raised by industry representatives, such as the potential impact on employment and competitiveness, highlight the need for careful planning and extensive consultation and local authorities will have to balance the need for increased revenue with the industry’s overall economic health.”

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Storm Bert aborts Pembrokeshire lifeboat in search for missing person

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A major sea search got underway on Sunday evening following reports of a missing person in the sea off Rhossili.

Tenby Lifeboat received a call shortly after 11 pm on Sunday, November 24 from the coastguards, requesting the crew’s assistance.

“The volunteer crew was soon on the water and got to Rhossili in extremely rough seas as a result of Storm Bert,” commented a spokesperson for the Tenby crew

“The crew was requested to search around Worm’s Head using lights and night vision equipment.”

But after searching the coastline for around two hours, the crew was forced to stand down.

“It soon became obvious that the conditions were too rough for the lifeboat to get in close enough to be of any assistance, so with the lifeboat unable to safely provide assistance due to extremely rough seas, the crew stood down.”

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