Education

GCSE results success shines across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 year ago

August 22, 2024

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

Primary school application deadline reminder

Published

3 days ago

December 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PARENTS or guardians of children in Pembrokeshire born between 01/09/2021 – 31/08/2022 are invited to apply for a Primary school place (Reception year group) for September 2026 by the closing date of 31st January 2026.

Applications received after this date will be considered late which may have a bearing on whether your child gets a place at your preferred school.

It is important to note that a school place will not be allocated unless a formal application is received.

The online application form can be found on the Pembrokeshire County Council website: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning under ‘Apply for a School Place’.

There is no need to re-apply if you have already submitted an application form. You can view your current applications by logging into your My Account and into the ‘Schools & Learning’ ‘School Admissions & Transport’ section.

For further information on the school admissions process, please view our Information to Parents

Parents/guardians will be informed of the allocation of places on the common offer date of 16th April 2026.

Crime

Former Swansea headteacher banned after exposing himself to staff

Published

5 days ago

November 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A SWANSEA primary school headteacher who repeatedly exposed himself to female colleagues – both on school grounds and during a school trip – has been barred from working in education in Wales for at least fifteen years.

James “Jamie” Richards, who led Cadle Primary School between 2011 and 2021, was removed from the Education Workforce Council (EWC) register after a professional conduct panel found numerous allegations against him proven. The panel described his behaviour as “harassing, abusive and predatory”.

Richards, a father-of-two, did not attend the four-day hearing, was not represented, and did not respond to the allegations. The panel therefore treated all allegations as denied but considered them on the evidence before them.

Staff left traumatised

During the hearing, several current and former staff members gave accounts of being left “shocked”, “numb”, and “frightened” by Richards’ actions.

One woman said she was summoned to his office and found him standing next to his desk with his trousers and underwear around his ankles. Another member of staff recalled him showing explicit images on his phone during a meeting, while others described a video he displayed of himself touching his genitals.

Five women in total told the panel that Richards had exposed himself to them. Some said they had been too scared to report what happened at the time. One recalled him saying he “can’t help myself” after an incident.

The panel heard that Richards did not return a school-issued laptop during an internal investigation in 2021 – the same device he was said to have used to display naked images of himself.

One complainant told the hearing she felt “silenced” and let down after Richards was allowed to resign while the school’s internal investigation was underway. She also described feeling “unbelieved” when South Wales Police later decided there was no criminal case to answer.

Concerns over dishonesty

The panel was told that Richards had refused to participate in an independent internal investigation at the school in 2021. He claimed, via his union, that ill health prevented him from being interviewed.

However, evidence from a Swansea Council fraud team contradicted this. Investigators filmed Richards driving and playing golf with friends at a time when he was claiming he was too unwell to co-operate.

Presenting officer Sara Lewis said Richards had abused his position of trust and had told frightened staff not to speak out.

Struck off until at least 2040

The EWC panel said it had no information about Richards’ current employment or whether he planned to return to teaching. However, it concluded that his behaviour amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and that striking him off was the only appropriate outcome.

Richards cannot apply for reinstatement until November 2040. He has 28 days to appeal the decision to the High Court.

Education

Pembrokeshire talent strike gold as Wales hosts WorldSkills UK finals for first time

Published

5 days ago

November 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

WALES has hosted the WorldSkills UK National Finals for the very first time – marking a historic milestone for the nation and showcasing its largest ever team of competitors.

Following the Team Wales Torch Relay, which toured the country to celebrate skills and unite colleges and communities, the Finals brought together more than 400 of the UK’s top apprentices and learners who competed for the title of best in their trade.

From 26–28 November, events were held across five venues in South Wales, covering over 40 skill areas including engineering, digital, construction, hospitality and the creative industries.

The results were revealed during a medal ceremony at ICC Wales on Friday, 28 November, where Team Wales achieved an exceptional 57 medals in total.

Pembrokeshire College students excelled on the national stage, securing 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze and 2 Highly Commended medals. Competitors also delivered an impressive performance in Foundation Skills, bringing home 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Highly Commended – underlining Wales’ commitment to inclusive, accessible skills development.

This year’s Finals featured 122 Welsh competitors – the highest number Wales has ever fielded. Welsh entrants made up around 30% of all UK competitors, highlighting both the depth of skills talent in Wales and the impact of sustained investment in training and facilities.

Bronze medallist Mason Aitchison, who competed in Welding, said he was delighted with his achievement.

“After getting Silver at Skills Competition Wales, the WorldSkills UK National Finals felt like the natural next step for me.
I’ve put in so much practice to improve my welding skills, and competing has really helped me grow. Learning from trainers, tutors and peers has been invaluable – it’s all about building your skills through practice.”

Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant praised Team Wales’ performance.

“I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to Team Wales on their outstanding success at this year’s WorldSkills UK National Finals.
Hosting the Finals for the first time has been a proud moment for our nation, and the achievements of our competitors highlight their dedication and the exceptional quality of vocational talent we have here in Wales.”

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, added: “These exceptional young people represent the future of our economy. They are the new generation of highflyers who will give UK employers a competitive edge. Our competitions, based on global standards, play a vital role in developing the skills that will drive investment, create jobs and fuel economic growth.”

WorldSkills UK, the Welsh Government and Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales welcomed leading employers, global industry experts and representatives from across the UK’s education and training sector to watch the Finals unfold.

Skills competitions in Wales begin at regional level through Skills Competition Wales, before progressing to national and then international WorldSkills stages.

Medallists at WorldSkills UK may now be selected for Squad UK, with the opportunity to represent their country at future global competitions.

For more information on WorldSkills UK and SkillBuild, or to get involved as a competitor, tutor or employer, visit: https://inspiringskills.gov.wales
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