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Education

GCSE results success shines across Pembrokeshire

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PEMBROKESHIRE schools have seen a flurry of impressive GCSE results this year, as students from several institutions across the county have overcome numerous challenges to achieve remarkable academic success. Despite the turbulent years marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted their early secondary education, pupils have demonstrated resilience, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to their studies, resulting in outstanding achievements that have filled schools and communities with pride.

Ysgol Harri Tudur

At Ysgol Harri Tudur, Headteacher Mrs. Fiona Kite expressed her pride in the Year 11 pupils, who not only met but exceeded expectations in their GCSE and BTEC results. She highlighted the resilience and determination displayed by the students, which has been rightly reflected in their results. Mrs. Kite extended her thanks to the teaching staff, whose dedication played a crucial role in these achievements, and to the parents for their unwavering support.

Notably, the school celebrated several individual successes that stand as a testament to the hard work of both students and staff. These achievements set a strong foundation for the students’ next steps, whether they choose to continue their education in the sixth form, pursue apprenticeships, or enter the workforce. The school remains committed to supporting each student’s journey beyond GCSEs and wishes them continued success.

Haverfordwest High VC School

Haverfordwest High VC School also reported excellent outcomes, with Headteacher Mrs. J. Harries expressing immense pride in her pupils’ efforts. The school’s focus on preparation and the pupils’ conduct during examinations were key factors in the excellent results achieved. Mrs. Harries highlighted the significant role played by the teaching staff, whose endless work ensured students were well-prepared.

Among the top achievers were Ceri Jenkins, who secured 11 A* grades and a Distinction in Additional Maths, and Emily Gosling, who matched this feat and added a Merit in Additional Maths. Another standout performer, Nireeksha Attawar, earned 11 A* grades, a Distinction in Additional Maths, and a pass in Equality & Diversity.

The school is looking forward to welcoming many of these students back into their growing sixth form, while also preparing those who are moving on to other educational institutions or employment. The influx of applications for the sixth form from students at other schools is a testament to the school’s strong reputation and welcoming environment.

Ysgol Greenhill

Over at Ysgol Greenhill, Headteacher David Haynes shared his delight over the GCSE results, congratulating all pupils on their well-deserved successes. He acknowledged the disruptions faced by the students during the early years of their secondary education but praised their work ethic and commitment, which led to such positive results.

The school celebrated several notable achievements, including Ella Bromby, who achieved an astonishing twelve A* grades and one A, and Evie Swales, who garnered ten A* grades and two A’s. Other high achievers included Sukie Blackwell with eight A* and three A’s, Bella Evans with five A* and seven A’s, and Louie Treadaway-Williams, who earned seven A* and four A’s. These results reflect the hard work of both the pupils and the teaching staff, whose support and guidance were instrumental in these successes.

Ysgol Greenhill is excited to welcome a majority of these students back to continue their studies in the sixth form, while also wishing those moving on to other paths the best of luck in their future endeavours.

Ysgol Bro Preseli

Ysgol Bro Preseli joined the countywide celebration, extending congratulations to its Year 10 and 11 pupils for their outstanding GCSE results. The school praised the hard work, dedication, and resilience of the students, acknowledging the critical role played by the teaching staff in guiding them to such success. The support from parents and guardians was also recognised as an essential factor in helping students reach this important milestone.

The school looks forward to welcoming many of its pupils back for post-16 studies, while also preparing to receive new students transferring from neighbouring schools. For those who have chosen different paths, Ysgol Bro Preseli expressed confidence in the strong foundations laid at the school, which will support their future endeavours. The school community takes great pride in the achievements of its pupils, celebrating their success as a collective triumph.

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. We are very proud of their hard work and dedication, and of the outstanding results which they have achieved.”

He continued: “I would like to pay tribute to the determination and perseverance shown by our pupils and also to thank the teaching and support staff for their dedication in ensuring all learners achieve their best. As a school we are particularly proud of the fact that all learners received recognised qualifications that will enable them to follow their chosen career paths, be that in a sixth form, the college or work based training.”

Year 11 student Amy Hall (9A* and 2A) paid tribute to the school for the support both she and her year group received, saying: “ We have faced quite a few challenges to get to this point and we would not have been able to achieve so well if it wasn’t for the support we were given by the school in the lead up to the exams. The staff have been brilliant in preparing us and giving us the confidence to give our best; we cannot thank them enough.”

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

County-wide achievements acknowledged

Pembrokeshire County Council has also extended its congratulations to all learners who received their GCSE results this year. The Council highlighted the remarkable resilience, dedication, and academic achievement of students across the county, despite the challenges of recent years. Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments, noting that their hard work and determination have paid off. He also praised the support provided by school staff and families, which has been instrumental in the learners’ success.

The Council is committed to supporting students in their next steps, whether they choose further education, apprenticeships, or enter the workforce. Various resources and programmes are available to help learners explore their interests and achieve their career goals, ensuring that they have the support needed to continue thriving beyond their GCSEs.

Education

Excluding pupils for knives ‘too simple’, says Estyn chief

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A SCHOOL should understand why a pupil brings a knife in rather than relying on blanket exclusions, the chief inspector of Welsh education watchdog Estyn has said.

Owen Evans said the “easy answer” was to exclude pupils, but insisted the issue needed a more nuanced approach.

He argued there were multiple reasons why a child might bring a weapon to school and that a one-size-fits-all policy would not work.

However, Neil Butler, national officer for Wales at the NASUWT union, called the suggestion “most unhelpful” and said immediate exclusions should be the priority to protect pupils and staff.

School attack in Ammanford

Mr Evans’ comments follow the conviction of a 14-year-old girl for the attempted murder of three people during a stabbing at a school in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.

Estyn chief inspector Owen Evans (Image: BBC)

“You may have a child that has every potential for redemption but they have fallen into bad practice, and we cannot exclude those people from society,” he told the BBC’s Walescast.

“A lot of children who bring knives to school feel threatened themselves or believe others are carrying weapons.

“We need to tackle the root causes behind these decisions,” he added.

While knife crime in Welsh schools is rare, Mr Evans said lessons needed to be learned.

Bridgend council has announced an inquiry after police were called to Bryntirion Comprehensive last week when a knife was reportedly found in a pupil’s bag.

Union backs tough action

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Mr Butler acknowledged the importance of understanding why children bring weapons to school but said the approach could not be “nuanced”.

He described Mr Evans’ concerns about exclusion pushing pupils out of society as “nonsense” and insisted that removing offenders from schools was necessary for safety.

“If a child who has carried a knife into school remains there while psychologists assess them, they continue to pose a danger to others,” he said.

“Exclusion doesn’t mean the end of education—it means education in a more suitable setting outside of mainstream schools.”

He added: “We must be clear: carrying a knife has consequences. That means immediate exclusion.

“It’s as simple as that—we have to nip this in the bud before it escalates further.”

Rising behavioural issues

Estyn is preparing to release its annual report on the state of education and training in Wales, with concerns over increasing behavioural problems.

Mr Evans said: “Since the pandemic, we are seeing young children coming into school unable to communicate or even potty trained.”

He called for more support for pupils and teachers but acknowledged a lack of resources.

“Strong leadership, clear and consistently applied behaviour policies, and good family support can make a real difference,” he said.

Wales’ Education Secretary, Lynne Neagle, has announced a behavioural summit next year to tackle the “complex” issues facing schools.

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Education

Exciting apprenticeship opportunities at Port of Milford Haven

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FOR those looking to kickstart a career in Pembrokeshire, apprenticeships at the Port of Milford Haven offer an exciting and practical route into the workforce.

As the UK’s leading energy port and a key economic hub, the Port plays a vital role in connecting southwest Wales to global trade routes. Through its apprenticeship programmes, it is providing valuable opportunities for young people and career changers to gain hands-on experience while earning industry-recognised qualifications.

Building careers through apprenticeships

Apprenticeships at the Port span a range of departments, allowing individuals to gain skills in areas such as IT, engineering, and port operations. These roles provide a practical learning experience, equipping apprentices with the expertise needed to thrive in their chosen careers.

One such success story is Craig Davies, who joined the Port’s IT department as an apprentice in 2021 after completing a Level 3 IT Practitioner course at Pembrokeshire College.

“Starting the apprenticeship was a big step, but an exciting one,” Craig recalled. “It gave me real-world responsibility while still allowing me to learn on the job. The experience of earning and learning at the same time was invaluable.”

Hands-on experience and career progression

During his two-year apprenticeship, Craig gained extensive experience working in the Port’s Digital Solutions and Delivery department. He attended training courses, networked with professionals, and even had the opportunity to travel for work-related learning.

“Being in a real working environment helped me build connections and develop my skills far beyond what I could learn in a classroom,” he said. “One of the best parts was the variety—one day I’d be in the office, and the next I’d be working at the Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal or out on a jetty.”

Beyond professional development, Craig also valued the social aspects of his apprenticeship. “The Port really invests in team building, which made the experience even better. We even did an escape room once—it was a great way to get to know people.”

A bright future in Pembrokeshire

After completing his apprenticeship in 2023, Craig was offered a full-time position as a Junior Systems Administrator at the Port.

“If you’re someone who learns best by doing, rather than sitting in a classroom, an apprenticeship is definitely the way to go,” he said. “It prepares you for real work in a way that studying alone never could.”

As for his future, Craig is happy to be building his career in Pembrokeshire. “I never wanted to move away for university, so finding a great career opportunity here was perfect. Pembrokeshire is a fantastic place to live and work—I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

For those interested in exploring apprenticeship opportunities at the Port of Milford Haven, more information can be obtained by contacting [email protected].

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Education

Growing demand for mental health support among Pembrokeshire pupils

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NEW figures have revealed the number of Pembrokeshire schoolchildren referred to mental health services over the past three years.

Pembrokeshire County Council data has confirmed that 43 primary school pupils received support from school-based counsellors between 2021 and 2024. The number of referrals varied each year, with 17 recorded in 2021/22, rising to 18 in 2022/23 before dropping to 8 in 2023/24.

Meanwhile, demand for mental health support among secondary school students was significantly higher, with 2,167 pupils receiving counselling over the same period. The number of secondary school referrals peaked at 740 in 2022/23 before decreasing slightly to 704 in the most recent academic year.

School counsellors also made more than 100 referrals to external services such as CAMHS, the Disordered Eating Service, MIND, Sandy Bear, and the ASD Service.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council acknowledged the growing concern over children’s mental health, citing factors such as family financial pressures, social media use, and the long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on education and social development.

“Children’s emotional and mental well-being is a national and international issue, and Pembrokeshire is no exception,” the spokesperson said. “School counselling is a statutory function funded by the Welsh Government, and we also work with the Health Board to provide additional emotional health support.”

The council has allocated nearly £200,000 to school-based mental health services over the past three years, with spending rising from £43,670 in 2021/22 to £81,209 in 2022/23, before reducing to £74,802 in 2023/24.

Pembrokeshire’s ten secondary schools, including specialist provision centres, each have a dedicated counsellor, while primary school pupils in Years 5 and 6 can access support from three travelling counsellors who work across different schools.

As part of its efforts to address mental health challenges, the council has also introduced a mobile phone ban in all secondary schools, aiming to reduce social media pressures on students.

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