News
Students around the county collect GCSE results
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)
Community
Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire
THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.
With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.
John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.
Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.
Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.
Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.
Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.
National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.
“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.
“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”
Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.
The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.
News
Campaigners urge Welsh Government to adopt proportional representation for Local Elections
CAMPAIGNERS are calling on the Welsh Government to introduce the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system for local elections, following moves by two councils to shift away from the First Past the Post (FPTP) system being blocked on technical grounds.
Yesterday (Nov 14), Ceredigion Council voted narrowly, with an 18 to 17 majority, in favor of adopting STV. This follows Gwynedd Council’s decision last month, where 65% of councillors backed the move. However, both councils have been prevented from implementing STV due to a requirement for a two-thirds majority under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.
In recent consultations, public support for STV has been overwhelming, with over 70% in Gwynedd and 67% in Ceredigion favoring the change. Only Powys Council rejected the proposal, despite 60.5% of its respondents supporting STV. Campaigners argue that the current system deprives voters of representation, citing that over 100,000 people were denied a vote in the 2022 elections due to uncontested seats.
The Electoral Reform Society Cymru (ERS Cymru) highlights the contrast with Scotland, where the introduction of STV for local elections in 2007 has significantly reduced uncontested seats. According to ERS Cymru, Scotland has had fewer uncontested seats in the last four elections combined than Gwynedd Council recorded alone in 2022.
Jess Blair, Director of ERS Cymru, said:
“Decisions made in council chambers affect everyone in those areas, so every vote should count. It’s absurd that councils choosing STV are blocked by a technicality, leaving them stuck with an outdated system that denies representation to thousands. The Welsh Government must act to avoid repeating the undemocratic outcomes of the last elections.”
Campaigners are now calling on the Welsh Government to introduce STV across all councils in Wales, ensuring representation that reflects the electorate’s wishes.
Business
Upgrades completed at Port of Milford Haven’s simulator suite
UPGRADES have been completed to state-of-the-art equipment within the Port of Milford Haven’s navigation simulator suite at Milford Waterfront enabling marine professionals to receive bespoke specialist training. The virtual reality simulation system can safely replicate a range of scenarios that seafarers may experience in real world situations such as extreme weather conditions, emergency situations and escort tug work.
The upgrades provided by Netherlands-based company MARIN contain the latest hardware in terms of processing power and graphics, as well as upgrades to MARIN’s ‘Dolphin’ software, increasing the capability to create scenarios. These are complemented with new 4k visuals on 75” screens which increase the depth and field of vision, adding to the realism.
Recently, a training day was led by Training Pilot Captain Mark Johnson, assisted by ex-Pilot Andy Hillier, involving members of the Svitzer team as well as Pilots Matt Roberts and Ian Coombes. As part of the scenario, they were faced with a loss of engine power and steering along with worsening weather and sea conditions. The Pilots had to communicate with Svitzer in order to successfully instruct them on how to tow and direct a drifting tanker. While scenarios like these are uncommon within port operations, it is important to rehearse procedures that would be implemented if they are required and enhances participants’ skill sets.
Marine Pilot and Simulator Instructor, Captain Ewan McNicoll, said “This simulator suite has future proofed our training capabilities, both internally for Pilots and marine staff, but also externally for clients wishing to use the facility, be it for training purposes or research and development. We can create any type of scenario with any type of ship, ranging from practicing ship handling manoeuvres to emergency situations, it really is game changing! Working with our partners at MARIN has been a complete success and I am very proud of our new facility.”
For more information about training at the navigation simulation suite please contact the Port of Milford Haven at [email protected] or 01646 696100.
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