News

Students across Pembrokeshire celebrate GCSE results

Published

4 years ago

August 25, 2022

STUDENTS across Pembrokeshire received their GCSE results this week.

Pembrokeshire County Council said it had been an ‘incredibly difficult’ two years for all students and congratulated everyone on their efforts.

Following the covid-19 pandemic, public exams have returned this year bringing back many challenges for all involved.

Schools have worked hard to ensure that pupils have been equipped with the skills to take examinations for the first time since 2019.

Schools have also praised their students, with Haverfordwest High saying they are ‘very proud’ of the results achieved.

A spokesperson for the school said: “We are very proud of the excellent results achieved at Haverfordwest High VC School and, whatever their future intentions, Headteacher Mrs Harries, the staff and the Governing Body wish all pupils every success in their chosen pathway.

“The pupils, together with their teachers and family, have put enormous effort into their studies throughout their time at HHVCS and had the added challenge of sitting them not on school premises, but at County Hall.

“We would particularly like to thank the staff at HHVCS, their parents and the wider community for their support in these difficult times.”

Notable results from Haverfordwest High include: 12 A* grades and 1 Grade 9: Libby Banner, 11.5 A* grades: Nivetha Athithan, Annika Harries, Dillon James, 10.5 A*, 1 A: Catrin Fletcher, 9.5 A*, 2 A: Elinor Pritchard, 8.5 A*, 3 A: Kevin Chen.

Headteacher Mrs Harries added: “We are welcoming many students back to HHVCS 6th Form to continue their studies and we are looking forward to seeing them at our wonderful new school site on Wednesday, September 7.

“To all other students who are pursuing their studies, an apprenticeship or opportunities in employment, we wish them all the very best and hope they keep in touch as they progress with their chosen pathways.”

Students from Haverfordwest High get their results

Ysgol Harri Tudur Headteacher Mrs Kite and the school’s Governing Body also praised their students and the staff who had helped prepare them for their exams.

She said: “’The resilience and determination shown by nearly all of our Year 11 pupils, in response to the disruption to all learners by the coronavirus pandemic over the last two years has been rightly reflected in the GCSE and BTEC results today.

“Similarly, we are also pleased with the effort of our Year 10 pupils in modular GCSE examinations. The pandemic has caused significant disruption to this cohort’s GCSE studies, yet we have seen some outstanding personal successes today, with many pupils achieving good and in some cases outstanding results.

“We all send our huge congratulations and wish each and every one of our Year 11 pupils all the very best of luck for their sustained and future success either continuing their education in the Sixth form at Ysgol Harri Tudur/ Henry Tudor School, alternative post 16 providers or to the world of employment. We hope that they will continue to achieve great things.

“We would also like to thank and recognise the contribution and support of the parents of our Year 11 pupils for their support.”

Headteacher of Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA School, Rachael Thomas, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outstanding achievements of all pupils at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA. Their tenacity, resilience and the kindness and strength of spirit which they have demonstrated through such challenging times is reflected in the remarkable results which they have achieved.

“The outcomes are amongst the best in the history of both Ysgol Dewi Sant and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA.

“I must pay tribute not only to the pupils, but also to staff at the school, their parents, carers and our entire school community alongside the support from the Church and Governing Body.

“These learners have sat exams for the very first time and smashed it! We wish them every success in their future learning journeys and/or work careers. They will always be a part of our unique YPDVA family.”

Greenhill School Headteacher David Haynes said: “On behalf of the staff and governors, I would like to pay tribute to each and every pupil who is collecting their hard earned GCSE results this morning.

“I am very proud of the way in which they faced the considerable challenges presented to them over the last two years with such resilience and determination. I would also like to thank all parents and carers for their outstanding support during what has been a particularly difficult and anxious time for everyone.

“I am delighted that many of our pupils have excelled this year and have achieved the challenging targets which were set. Some standout performances include Isabel Rice who achieved twelve A*, Louis Chadd with eleven A* and an A, Beth Evans gained eleven A* and A, Alex Joseph eleven A* and an A and William Lunt gained eleven A* and an A.

“I am delighted that so many year 11 pupils are returning in September to our ever increasing in size Sixth Form and I look forward to them playing a significant role in the life of the school as inspirational role models for our younger pupils.”

Ysgol Bro Gwaun Head Girl Gwenna Maycock and Head Boy Dewi Roberts celebrate their results

Ysgol Bro Gwaun headteacher Paul Edwards is delighted with the school’s outcomes.

“On behalf of the staff and governors of Ysgol Bro Gwaun, I would like to congratulate all pupils who are receiving their results today,” he said.

“We are very proud of their hard work and dedication, and of the outstanding results which they have achieved, especially when considered against the difficulties they have experienced over the last two years.

He continued: “I would like to pay tribute to the determination and perseverance which our pupils have shown and I would also like to thank the teaching staff who have worked tirelessly to support every learner to achieve their best.

Head Girl Gwenna Maycock (10A*, 1A, 1B) paid tribute to the school and staff, saying: “We were very nervous as we approached these exams because we hadn’t had much practice, but the staff have been brilliant in preparing us and giving us the confidence to give our best. I cannot thank the school enough.”

Head Boy Dewi Roberts (8A*, 2A, 2B) also thanked the school for the support both he and his year group has received. “No-one could imagine the challenges we have faced for much of our time at the school, and to achieve what we have in spite of these difficulties is amazing and a tribute to the teachers and support staff at the school.

“Ysgol Bro Gwaun is a close-knit family and the support we have been given by the staff in the lead-up to the exams was incredible. Thank you everyone!”

The staff and governors pass on their best wishes to all of year 11 as they take the next exciting steps in their life journey.

Head Prefect, Bethan Owens, celebrating with 14 A* grades, and with her is Layla McGuire who celebrates with 5A*’s, 6A’s and a B grade

Milford Haven School headteacher Ms Ceri-Ann Morris said: “On behalf of staff and governors at Milford Haven School, I would like to congratulate all Year 11 pupils on their GCSE results, reflecting the efforts and commitment they have shown over the last three years especially during such unprecedented times and also thank their parents/carers for their support and close partnership with us throughout the years.

“We are immensely proud of all the work and achievements of our pupils after such a difficult and disrupted number of years. ” Here are a number of individual successes we wish to mention, in particular our top 10 performers include, Bethan Owens (14A*), Rosa May Solomon (3A*s, 6A’s, 4 B’s and a C), Bethan Preddy (11A* and 1A), Riley Pilgrim (6A’s and 6C’s), Shannon Laugharne (3 A*’s, 7A’s, 2B’s and a C), Dylan Sanders-Swales (2A*’s, 7A’s and 4 B’s), Ella Trueman (3A*’s, 4A’s, 4B’s and 2C’s), Jasmine Johnson (6A’s, 6B’s and a C grade), Harvey Childs (6A*’s, 4A’s and 2B) and Layla McGuire.

The school are pleased to say that 100% of pupils left school with qualifications which will help support them to follow the path of their choice, whether that be into sixth form, college, apprenticeships or employment. “We wish you all good luck in your future endeavours. Pwb lwc pawb.”

Commenting on this year’s GCSE exam results, Ysgol Bro Preseli Headteacher Ms Rhonwen Morris said: “On behalf of staff and governors at Ysgol Bro Preseli, I would like to congratulate all Year 11 pupils on their excellent GCSE results. This cohort has faced unprecedented challenges since commencing their GCSE studies and it has been a privilege to guide them through what has been a very difficult and challenging time for everyone.

“Today’s excellent GCSE results have been achieved despite extraordinary disruption and uncertainty and pupils and their teachers deserve credit for an outstanding set of results which are the culmination of much hard work, determination and resilience. I would also like to thank parents / guardians and 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 which is now Ysgol Bro Preseli and we look forward to welcoming back a large number of pupils to our successful sixth form where they will have the opportunity to realise their potential and more within a supportive and homely school community.”

Pupils from Ysgol Bro Preseli get their results

More Ysgol Bro Preseli students celebrate their results

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham said: “The past two years have been incredibly difficult for all learners who have taken public examinations.

“The continuing impact of the pandemic has been profound. Our students have been resilient and risen to the challenges that they have faced. I would like to congratulate them all on their achievements.

“As a Local Authority, we have been committed to supporting learners in achieving the best possible outcomes.

“Students who have received their results today will have acquired a range of skills that enable them to be lifelong learners and hopefully achieve more than they thought possible.

“I wish them every success for the future.”

Speaking about the GCSE and other results announced, Debbie Scott, Senior Wales Officer for the National Education Union Cymru, said: “NEU Cymru wants to congratulate everyone who has received their results today, after a disrupted couple of years for education.

“Everyone in schools and colleges has been working hard to support students receiving their awards today and should be commended for their hard work in such a challenging time.”

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News

Welsh Labour manifesto pledge: Direct London train for Milford Haven

Published

11 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WELSH LABOUR has unveiled a pledge to deliver a direct rail service between Milford Haven and London – a move that would transform connectivity for communities across Pembrokeshire.

This commitment builds on £50 million of UK Labour investment to upgrade rail services to Milford Haven.

Work is already underway, in partnership between the Welsh Labour Government and Pembrokeshire County Council, led by Council Labour Leader Paul Miller, to transform Milford Haven railway station into a modern Public Transport Interchange – delivering smoother, better connected and more accessible journeys.

Together, these upgrades will pave the way for direct London services to call at Milford Haven, alongside an hourly service and vital level crossing safety improvements delivered by the UK Labour Government.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “This pledge sits alongside a record commitment to rail in Wales – up to £14 billion of investment, new stations and a transformed Metro. But this is about more than just a rail line.

It’s about opening Pembrokeshire up – bringing more people to one of the most beautiful parts of Wales, strengthening our tourism sector and creating new opportunities for local businesses to grow.

“And as we do that, we’re doing it the right way – backing a greener economy, making it easier for people to travel sustainably, and ensuring that growth benefits our communities. This is how we build a stronger future for West Wales – with better connections, more opportunity and an economy that works with our environment, not against it.”

Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, Marc Tierney added: “A direct train to London from Milford would be a game changer for our communities – boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and making it easier for people to live and work here.

“The work underway to transform Milford Haven station into a modern transport hub, alongside plans for an hourly service, shows what Welsh Labour can deliver when we work in partnership with local authorities – investing in the infrastructure our communities deserve. With new funding from the UK Labour Government and a strong partnership in place, we can now go further.

“Welsh Labour is delivering the investment and the ambition needed to ensure West Wales is at the forefront of modern, connected and accessible transport.”

The pledge forms part of Welsh Labour’s wider plan to modernise public transport, strengthen regional connectivity and ensure no part of Wales is left behind.

Community

Tenby lifeboats called out five times in ‘exceptionally busy’ week

Published

12 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Volunteer RNLI crews dealt with reports of people cut off by the tide, a vessel with engine failure and a possible kitesurfer in difficulty

TENBY lifeboat crews have been called out five times in a week, dealing with a series of incidents around the south Pembrokeshire coast.

The latest launch came just before 5:30pm on Sunday (May 3), when the inshore lifeboat was sent to Monkstone Point following a report that people may have been cut off by the tide.

As the volunteer crew arrived on scene, it was confirmed that the people were fishing and did not require assistance. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

The call-out was the station’s fifth shout of the week.

On Friday (May 1), the all-weather lifeboat launched shortly after 10:00am after the occupants of a 21ft pleasure boat reported engine failure between Lydstep and Giltar.

The lifeboat arrived around ten minutes later and found the vessel at risk of drifting onto rocks. The crew decided the safest option was to tow it back to Saundersfoot.

With the tide out, the vessel was moored in the bay and those on board were taken ashore using the lifeboat’s Y-boat, where they were met by Tenby Coastguard Rescue Team. The lifeboat returned to station at 11:25am.

On Wednesday (Apr 29), the inshore lifeboat was launched shortly after 4:30pm after a report that a kitesurfer appeared to be in difficulty between Tenby and Caldey Island. The crew searched the reported area and extended the search towards Giltar Point, but no one in difficulty was found.

Earlier in the week, both Tenby lifeboats were launched at 6:15pm on Monday (Apr 27) after a report that two people may have been cut off by the tide at Gilman Point, near Pendine.

The all-weather lifeboat arrived first, with choppy conditions slowing the inshore lifeboat. Coastguard rescue team members on the cliffs above directed the crew to two people on rocks.

The Y-boat was launched and the pair confirmed they were in difficulty. They were taken aboard and brought ashore at Pendine, where Coastguards were waiting. The inshore lifeboat also collected the casualties’ bags before returning them ashore.

The busy week came as three Tenby RNLI volunteers — Eddie, Alice and Jack — successfully completed their ALB tier one pass-out on Sunday.

Tenby Lifeboats RNLI congratulated the trio, saying: “Well done guys.”

Health

FOI raises fresh questions over plan to close Pontyates GP surgery

Published

12 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Health board accused of misleading claims over recruitment as pressure mounts ahead of final decision

A FREEDOM of Information disclosure has raised serious questions over plans to close Meddygfa’r Sarn in Pontyates, with claims the health board failed to properly attempt to recruit permanent doctors before recommending its shutdown.

The row centres on Hywel Dda University Health Board, which is due to make a final decision on the surgery’s future later this month.

An FOI response reveals that while the board cited a “lack of recruitment interest” in its January report, there is limited evidence of any recent, targeted recruitment campaign specifically aimed at the Pontyates practice.

Instead, the board confirmed that salaried GP roles were advertised in 2020 across its wider portfolio of managed practices — rather than as a focused effort to fill posts at Meddygfa’r Sarn itself. Those vacancies did not result in successful appointments.

‘No real attempt’

Independent Senedd candidate Carl Peters-Bond, who is also a patient at the surgery, has strongly criticised the health board, accusing it of presenting a misleading picture to justify closure.

He said: “They cited a lack of recruitment interest as justification for closing this surgery — but they never actually ran a proper recruitment campaign for it.

“Sending out general adverts years ago is not the same as making a serious, targeted effort to keep a vital community service alive.”

He also raised concerns about the consultation process, claiming it focused on the impact of closure rather than asking whether closure should happen at all.

Fully reliant on locums

The FOI confirms that Meddygfa’r Sarn currently has no salaried GPs and is entirely dependent on locum doctors.

While the health board says this model is unsustainable in the long term, the same disclosure shows several other managed practices across the region also rely heavily on locum staff — some to a significant degree.

Cost data included in the response suggests Meddygfa’r Sarn is not the most expensive practice per patient within the health board’s area.

Alternative options unclear

Another key issue raised by campaigners is the apparent lack of explored alternatives.

The FOI response indicates that the health board does not hold information on alternative local solutions, including potential relocation or different service models within the Pontyates area.

Campaigners argue this suggests closure was considered before all options had been properly examined.

A 52-page independent report submitted as part of the consultation process states that dispersing patients to other surgeries should only be considered as a last resort, after full recruitment efforts and capacity assessments have been carried out.

Health board position

Hywel Dda University Health Board maintains that the surgery, which serves around 4,350 patients, has faced long-standing recruitment difficulties and increasing reliance on temporary staff.

It says a Vacant Practice Panel concluded that dispersing patients to neighbouring surgeries would provide a more sustainable long-term solution.

The board has also acknowledged that transport and access concerns are likely to be a major issue for patients if the closure goes ahead, with a full Equality Impact Assessment expected to be considered before a final decision.